The Monthly Goalpost for February 2014

Phew! I just finished updating the Monthly Goalpost archives. Sub It Club is celebrating its one-year anniversary so I felt the need to spruce. It gave me a chance to look over the last year. We’ve discussed SMART goals, focus, motivation, procrastination, time … goals, goals, goals. There are as many ways to achieve them as there are to set them. Sometimes when we’re working towards the goalpost, it moves.

Which brings me to flexibility. When submitting your work to others, you may need to be flexible. Much that happens after you hit “send” depends on things you cannot control. If publication is your goal, things may take longer than you’re counting on. The publishing industry works at its own pace. Agents and editors receive many submissions so they work on a different time frame from yours. Set a goal about sending your subs out but don’t make subsequent action dependent on a response. Keep going. Write something else. Update your portfolio. Send out a self-promotion postcard mailer. And keep subbing.

And you know what they say about the best laid plans. Sure, map out your goals for the year but be prepared to carry a compass at all times just in case you find yourself on unmarked roads. Maybe a job opportunity comes along that will cut into your writing time. The babysitter quits and you have no more “free time” to work on your illustration portfolio. Whatever may come up, accept the change and re-route your journey – you may discover a better path towards your goal.

What have you got planned for February? Comment here or if you’re part of the private Sub It Club Facebook group, tells us how you’re doing over there. If you’d like to join our Facebook group, send a request. And have a great month!