The New Year is fast approaching and for those of us who enjoy writing journals, one of our resolutions may be:
I will write more in 2018
or ...
I will write every day in 2018
Both seem like tall orders - are they achievable, or are we setting ourselves a Mission Impossible before the New Year even begins? And can you imagine writing anything on New Year's Day apart from perhaps, "I don't feel too well today."
If you're wanting to improve your writing discipline, become a better writer, you simply cannot beat that regular practice of getting something down in a journal as often as possible, preferably sticking to a routine rather than relying on a grab-bag of days and times. Writing every day is ideal but not always realistic or practical. However if you opt for it, even if you manage just a short sentence like, "I went to the beach today and it was good", at least you are showing up for your writing date. Good on you.
Perhaps go easy on yourself with a resolution and commit to writing three times a week in the coming year, at a set time that you know is going to work for you. There's nothing quite so disheartening as making our resolutions and failing to reach first base because we've made them unrealistic.
You may decide to finally tackle that novel or short story that has been badgering you from the sidelines for months. What a great resolution: I will write my novel this year. OK - make a plan: how are you going to achieve this writing goal? Make your plan realistic, one that is flexible enough to roll with the punches, and the highs and lows that life inevitably brings.
Whatever your writing goals for 2018, I wish you every success and full speed ahead! Start the New Year with passion for your idea, and energy and drive to make it happen.
As Dorothy Parker once said, 'Never grow a wishbone where your back bone ought to be.'