| A.E. Albert: A Writer's Blog

Self-Publishing: Setting Goals

Self-Publishing:

Setting Goals

by A.E. Albert

"When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps."-Confucius

Writing and self promotion takes self-discipline.

There's no boss with a whip. No time card to punch.

Just you.

Good intentions start us on the journey, but you need more in your arsenal if you want to stay there.

You Need A Plan

Make sure yours goals are achievable. The first draft must be simple. Just because you want to do a million things or write 10,000 words in a day doesn't mean it will happen.

Always take life into consideration: your work, family and whatnot.

Decide What You Want And Learn Everything About it

Decide what avenue you want to take: traditional or self-publishing.
Find out what you need to do to get there.
Plan your promotional onslaught.
Find people like you and create a support system.

Plan, Plan, Plan...And Plan Some More

Once you know what you want to do and how to get there, plan it out. Google calendar is a great program to organize when you write, social media/promotion, and your personal life all in one area.

Create lists for everything in between. Don't overwhelm yourself, just do what you can. Todoist is another great program. You can create lists which are accessible on any web page you may be on.

Here's an Example of my day:

Wake up at 5am:

Get ready for work/eat breakfast/take vitamins.
Check emails/google+/FaceBook.
Respond if necessary.
Share blog posts(Pinterest, Facebook, linkedIn, Twitter, google+)
Twitter
Work on book.

After Work:

Work out.
Shower.
Clean house.
Check emails/google+/FaceBook.
Respond if necessary.
Twitter.
Work on blog.

Make Your Goals Tangible

Write your goals down and put them where you can see them. I know this may feel a little violating if you have others in your household. However, this is important.

Get over it! I know...I've been there.

It's great to visualize yourself as a published and profitable author. But you need to create steps from point A to point Z.

Having a dream is the fuel we need to stay on track, plan and persevere. But they certainly aren't going to magically give us what we want.

Having A Dream Is Only The Beginning

It's hard work. The billboards say to live your dream. They forgot to add the part that it isn't easy.

Even the best laid plans are no more than fairy dust if you don't implement them. As your daily tasks become automatic, you can heap more onto your plate.

All this work you've been doing, all the sacrifice, will be worth it! We live in the land of opportunity. However, it's our job to get out there and find it!

Genius is 1% inspiration, and 99% perspiration.