One of the marks of superior people is that they are action-oriented. One of the marks of average people is that they are talk-oriented.” — Brian Tracy

This quote jumped out at me when I saw it. It was perfect for today’s post since accomplishing your goals requires action, as much as I’d like to do a genie blink and presto, they’re done. I know what you’re thinking, goals? Really? Where are the tomatoes? Don’t worry, there’s no need for tomatoes, I promise.

In January, I blogged about kicking 2013’s butt. The joke was on me, because by March I realized it was the other way around. I published my first novel, For the Love of Jazz, in December of 2012. What I didn’t realize is how much work was (and still is) involved in promoting a book. Before I knew it, marketing was taking A LOT of my time. At the beginning of April, it hit me that one of the two novels I wanted to publish this year was supposed to go for submission the end of April. I hadn’t even finished writing it yet. YIKES! Time for a wake up call.

My goal deadlines were quickly shifting to later in the year, and with other commitments, maybe into 2014. SO didn’t want that to happen. People were already asking about the next book and I had it in newspaper print (big mistake) that I would have two books out in 2013. Oh boy!

It was time for drastic measures. First thing to do? Get the main time suckers under control. What did I do to get back on track? You’ll have to tune in next week to find out. Today is just for talking about goals and how far we’ve gotten since January. I’ll show you mine if you show me yours? What, no volunteers? Okay, then I’ll go first.

GOALS

Setup group for local writers (DONE first meeting started in January)

Publish two books by submitting The Trouble with Soul Mates in April and Deadly Bloodlines in August. (The Trouble with Soul Mates still needs editing, so will go out in September instead, Deadly Bloodlines in ON SCHEDULE)

Submit Deadly Series by August (ON SCHEDULE)

Attend the 2013 RWA conference in July and sit in workshops focused on branding, marketing, writing series, and career, as well as participate in the ”Readers for Life” Literacy Autographing. (ON SCHEDULE)

Organize paper and electronic writing files by assessing current methods used and updating them to fit new needs by end of March (I’m still working on this. Wasn’t happy with the first system, but discover Evernote so putting it in place this month. Paper files will match electronic filing system.)

Create and implement a blogging schedule around my existing writing and promotions schedule using pre-posting options in WordPress and Hootsuite by the end of February (DONE, although I certainly didn’t finish it in February.)

Take one online class every quarter that’s craft or promotion related (DONE I went a little overboard with this one and took four, but totally worth it)

Improve my techie skills in the areas of: website options, book covers, using videos, and other promotional options by October (ON SCHEDULE)

Schedule book signings with Books and Books and Book Nook before July (ON SCHEDULE both book signings are scheduled for June)

Enter published works for RWA’s Rita Awards in October (ON SCHEDULE)

Workshop submission for RWA 2014 in October (ON SCHEDULE)

Are you hitting the mark for your 2013 goals? What were obstacles you encountered? How did you overcome them?

On a happy note, remember to reward yourself for the ones you did do. What about goals that weren’t on your list that you completed? Those count too and are a great way to feel better about those falling behind.

Yes, half the year is gone, but the good news? There’s still another half to go, so GO GET IT!