Sunday 4 January 2015

Goals and Motivation

It's that time of year again, when many of us try and make a few resolutions for the year ahead  - and just as many of us fail to keep them beyond the first month or so. I long gave up on making any at all but I've been inspired to set some goals this year, partly through a series of short online videos I watched and partly due to one of my Christmas gifts. Both have motivated me to set specific goals and hopefully to see them through this time!

One of the most motivational speakers and writers I've come across this year is Michael Hyatt. I subscribed to his blog ages ago but over the past few weeks I've particularly enjoyed his online introductions to his major course for this year: 5 Days to Your Best Year Ever. Although I'm not doing the actual course, I've already got so much out of his little videos that I was motivated to set some specific goals for my writing and health. If you want to check him out, you can find details on Michael Hyatt's Blog - it's worth just watching the latest Question and Answer podcast he did.


The other motivator is one of the books my daughter gave me for Christmas: The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. I've been aware of this for years and I don't know why it's only now I wanted to study it - perhaps it's the right year for it, as study is the correct word. I had thought it was a book to read through, but it's actually more like a course. I've long been a fan of the 1930s book, Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brand, and suspected The Artist's Way was a kind of modern version. It is in some ways but goes beyond the original concept of the earlier book.

From the Morning Pages and Artist's Dates to the weekly exercises, it's a book to inspire and motivate an artist of any kind. So far, I've had a quick scan through it and have read the first two chapters where she explains the idea of the book, but I can't wait to begin the course in earnest tomorrow (Monday). In light of this, and Michael Hyatt's videos, I've made a sort of timetable for my week and one of the most important changes is to start with the Morning Pages, then after checking only emails, I'll get down to writing before doing any social media or online activity.

I'm always quite excited about a new year, but I have to say I'm even more enthusiastic than usual this year! I hope my motivation stays high and that my goals are more specific and achievable now I've written them down rather than just keeping them inside my head, as I normally do. Watch this space and I'll post an update at some point.

All the best with your hopes and plans for this year.
Rosemary

12 comments:

Patsy said...

Good luck with your goals and I hope 2015v is indeed a very good year for you.

Carolb said...

Good luck with your new regime, and I'm sure you'll reach your goals this year, Rosemary.

Teresa Ashby said...

That sounds very positive, Rosemary. I hadn't heard of The Artist's Way, but it may have to go on my wish list!
It's wonderful to start a new year with something like this - good luck xx

Nicola said...

Happy New Year, Rosemary. I wish you a year filled with inspiration for your writing and motivation to fulfil all of your goals.

Joanna said...

Happy New Year, Rosemary. I hope you achieve all your goals and feel sure that you will. The Artist's Way sounds hugely motivating. Wishing you the very best and most successful year yet. xxx

Maria said...

Hi Rosemary,

Good for you! I know you'll stick to it now you've written it down. I've also watched Michael Hyatt's videos etc and they are great motivators!

Morning pages is good for the soul too.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks, Patsy - same to you!

Thank you, Carol - we can but try!

Many thanks, Teresa - every little bit of motivation helps!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thank you, Nicola! May your year be fulfilling too.

Many thanks, Joanna - I've made a good start by not going onto social media until after lunch and a morning writing!

Thank you, Maria - glad you too have found them motivating! I think it does add a lot by writing them down - but time will tell.

Julia Thorley said...

This sounds like a great book. Have you read 'Bird by Bird' by Anne Lamott? Very inspiring. Good luck with your challenges. I'm a great believer in setting an intention for the day.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks, Julia - a daily intention is working well! I haven't read that book but will certainly check it out now.

Vikki said...

Glad you're enjoying 'The Artists Way'. I think it's a great kick start to the new year setting goals and getting motivated. I hope 2015 brings you lots of success and happiness x

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks a lot, Vikki - we all need a bit of motivation. Hope it's a great year for you too!