Your New Day’s Writing Resolution
Image from: Sheknows.com
Now that Christmas has passed, prepare yourself for the annual onslaught of posts about how to make your 2010 your mostest awesomest year ever. I won’t deny that there can be some pretty good perspectives out there on how to make things better for yourself. With that said, I do get a case of the ho-hums, yadda-yadda-yadda, yawns when these start rolling around.
Let’s look at this idea of what to do in a new year from a little different perspective.
Twelve months is a darned long time. If I recall, it’s like, what – a year? Thinking about doing anything for a year can create a case of the overwhelmeds. My advice? Don’t do it. Don’t even go there. I’m advocating consideration of a New Day’s Resolution.
Your New Day’s Resolution
You don’t really have a year to do things differently or to make changes in your freelancing life. You have a day. That would be the day sitting in front of you, right now. The future never really arrives, does it? Since you are always in the present moment, the goal is to make each of these present moments count towards making a difference, making the needed changes.
If you feel the need this time of year to sit down and write resolutions or goals, then that’s ok. Do it. The change you need to make is in the implementation. As you begin your writing day, keep in mind that you just need to do your best for this one day. Heck, for only eight hours. I can do darn near anything for eight hours.
You can do this. Here are some suggestions for your New Day’s Resolutions:
- Resolve to only put your very best writing forward. Quality above reproach. Resolve this not only for your clients, but for the writing you do for yourself.
- Resolve to complete as many projects as you can today. Today is all you have, so get those projects done.
- Resolve to do one thing today to get more clients. It doesn’t need to be a big thing. Spending an hour commenting on writing or freelance blogs could get your name out there enough to land a new client.
- Resolve to contact one previous client and thank them for their business.
- Resolve to take a look at your numbers today. Google Analytics, current rate structure, marketing budget, whatever.
- Resolve to do any one thing a little differently from what you have in the past. Do you always check your email first thing in the morning? Wait until noon. Do you write your blog posts in a straightforward – intro, body, conclusion – manner? Write your next one as a story – with a character.
The possibilities and choices are nearly endless. View these resolutions not as tasks, but as ways to break free. Look at them as opportunities to be a brand new you, every day. And remember, you only need to do these things for one day.
So, let me take this chance to wish you all a very Happy New Day!
Posted by: George
About the Author: A writer living in Alaska. A simple man with few passions: My daughter, writing, soccer and now and then a good cigar.
tumblemoose | Jan 24, 2010 | Reply
Folks, This one got buried in the surface clutter. Whilst most of the Resolution posts have come and gone, perhaps it is a timely reminder of the things you resolved to do a month ago.
Cheers!
George
Mark | Jan 24, 2010 | Reply
Hey Georgie Baby, you’re finally out of hibernation. Damn those Alaskan winters, huh?
Your advice is apt for any day of the year, so don’t fret about being a tad late. In fact, as you say, reminding people of their New Year’s resolutions nearly a month later is probably the best way to shatter the delusions.
On a personal note, I am a little jealous that you feel you “can do darn near anything for eight hours”. I’ve got to make sure my wife doesn’t read that; I’ve told her 35 seconds is good.
Later, Dude.
Avil Beckford | Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
George,
What I love about this post is that you provide concrete step for people to follow and it’s great that you didn’t post it at the beginning of January because it’s a great reminder to us now.
I have done post on my blog The Invisible Mentor where I suggest to readers to do things differently, whether it be the way they perform their work, or the route they drive to work. Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen talk about the Rule of Five, which is doing five thing everyday which takes you closer to your goal. Doing five things can be a bit daunting, but doing one is a lot more manageable and doable.
I slacked off working on getting clients, so thanks for the reminder to get back on track.
Thanks again for the great post.
Avil Beckford
George Angus | Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
Mark,
This was the first email I opened this morning. I’m reading your comment and trying not to laugh out loud ’cause the kid is still asleep.
And just so you’ll know, 35 seconds doubles my previous record.
George
George Angus | Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
Hi Avil,
Thanks for coming by. As it turns out, a little reminder is just what I needed as well. I re-read the post yesterday and thought, “Yikes! I better get on it!”
I love the idea of the five different things. Sage advice there.
Cheers!
George
Brendalee | Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
Hey George,
Thank you. I am a new Freelancer and just stumbled on this website. I have been reading everything I can find. I have dabbled in creative writing for years. But never looked at it as a source of income. I have recently signed up with a few web sites and am looking for networking opportunities.
This article helped me to stop and get more organized. Since I am doing this part time until it moves into a more full time job, I appreciate any helpful tips I can get.
I am passionate about my writing and look forward to much fun and success.
Thank you again.
tumblemoose | Jan 26, 2010 | Reply
Hi Brendalee, and thank you for stopping by. I’m glad this post helped you in some way. Monika has a great site here and there’s TONS of stuff in the archives, so pull up a comfy chair and dig in!
George