New Year, New Goals

I’m a big fan of setting goals rather than resolutions for the new year. For me, resolutions are something I might do for the month of January and then when February rolls around, I usually forget they ever existed. Personally, I find it more meaningful to set goals for the new year that are attainable and can be something to work towards for the entire year. This line of thinking helps me on the path to actually achieving my targets.

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This year my goals are as follows:

2020 Writing Goals

*Query book #2

*Write book #3

*Continue monthly blog posts

2020 Non-Writing Goals

*Self-defense class

*Plan another European trip

*Run a 10k

Since the start of 2020 I’ve taken small steps toward achieving each goal. So far I’ve sent out 11 query emails to agents for book #2. I have received one rejection so far, but for each rejection, I then send out another query. I find that helps me not become too dejected about each declination. I’ve also received a request for a full manuscript, which is super exciting, but while I’m waiting to hear back on that decision, I continue to send out queries.

Writing book #3 is proving more difficult than expected because my life has become extremely busy, but I have at least an idea brewing in my head and a couple pages written. And who knows, another idea might hit me when I least expect it, and when that happens, sometimes I just can’t stop my fingers from typing out that thought.

It’s been officially over a year since I started this blog, and honestly, I never thought I would like blogging as much as I do! It’s been a fun way to express my thoughts and connects with new writers/bloggers while also opening up a piece of myself to my family, friends, and co-workers. When people email me or even stop me in the halls to discuss my latest blog post, a smile appears on my face. I had no idea people cared to hear what I have to say. So, thank you faithful blog readers, and expect to receive my monthly blog email. I’m also always open for suggestions on blog topics!

For my non-writing goals, I’m super excited for my upcoming weekly self-defense class starting in February! This is something I’ve always wanted to do, and I finally clicked the enroll button. I have no idea what to expect, but if nothing else, at least I can get a weekly workout and meet some interesting people!

Anyone who knows me is well-aware of my love of travel. The hardest part of planning another European adventure isn’t the details, it’s the decision of where to go next! Right now, my husband and I have Norway, Poland, and Austria on the list of flights to watch, but this list might even grow more. What usually happens though is a deal appears and we book it without a second thought. So stay tuned on where we will be visiting in 2020!

Running a 10k a couple years ago would have been completely out of the question; at that point I had never even run a 5k. But I’ve been working my way up and have now completed five 5k’s! To start increasing the number of miles I run, since January 1, 2020, each Saturday I’ve run 5 miles in anticipation of getting to the over 6-mile mark. Now I just need to find the right 10k that works for me!

I’m well on my way toward reaching my new year goals and excited for what 2020 may bring! What goals have you set for this new year?