Do you have an important writing project in mind? Have you spent more time imagining the daunting job ahead than moving it forward? With so much to do, when will you at last reach the mark when you can see the end of the road?
In light of all that you face ahead, does it really matter if you get down to business today, tomorrow or next week? Quite frankly, here’s the key question and only you have the answer:
Just how important is that goal?
My mom had a saying: If you’re considering whether or not to pursue a goal that will take one, two, or a few years to reach, then you can either think about the time and effort you’ll have to commit, or you can commit to accomplishing the work. Whatever you do with your time, rest assured that one, two and a few years from today will eventually arrive.
This could be the day you take your writing project off the shelf. In fact, over the next six days, you can take six fundamental steps that send you well on your way to crossing the finish line.
Start today. Gather steam and launch your writing journey towards a successful conclusion by taking the following six steps over the next six days:
Day 1 – Articulate your objectives in writing with a goal date for publication. What do you hope to accomplish and by when? Retrieving your ideas from the back of your head—bringing them to light—can be the most powerful fuel for propelling your project.
Day 2 – Determine your target audience. Whom do you aim to reach? Clarifying the scope and context of your audience is essential for framing the substance and direction of your message.
Day 3 – Outline your presentation. What points do you aim to cover? Although an outline is a working document that can (and often should) be revised, its basic structure provides direction, like a roadmap, to keep you on course.
Day 4 – List which materials you have on hand (or in your head) and what you need to collect. How will you gather and compile information? Whether by dictating and/or typing notes, retrieving and/or organizing files, researching and/or interviewing, determine how you will fill in the blanks.
Day 5 – Establish a timeline for obtaining any missing information. Is your goal date feasible in light of any research you need to conduct? Make reasonable estimates for compiling material and composing without pushing out your goal date so far that it becomes a distant dream rather than a tangible objective.
Day 6 – Determine which vehicle will best communicate your message. Will it be a book, article, website, blog, video, etc.? Selecting the primary instrument that will convey your messages provides a solid framework for your presentation and a distinct vision for your project.
If you’re an overachiever or if you have already made some headway in the past, you could accomplish several of the tasks—possibly even all six—in one day. All the same, if you don’t pace yourself, staying on a steady course, you could suffer burnout. Also keep in mind that each step is important, so invest the necessary time to evaluate the implications of your decision and then commit to them.
Whatever you have on your mind to write and publish, realize that all projects, no matter their scope, require thought and action.
All in all, if you aim to reach that goal, can you think of a better day to get started?
My best to you,
Sallie W. Boyles, a.k.a. Write Lady
