The final chapter of The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women focuses on goal setting and action steps. After three months of exploring the creative process with Jamie Ridler’s Next Chapter book blogging group, it’s important to also have a plan for making it all real. Right now, my big goal is to have my book proposal completed by the end of May (which is now next month – yikes!). I’ve been working with my book coach for quite some time and I feel like I’m starting to make some significant progress. YAY!
I like to see my goals on one-sheet of paper and the anal part of me likes to check things off once I complete them! So, I created a Quarterly Goals Sheet template that I fill out and post on my bulletin board above my desk. It’s a great way for me to track how I’m doing against my vision. For some tasks, I will also fill out a more detailed Action Plan template so that I can get really clear on the specific steps, resources needed and (since I’m a pressure-prompted worker) timing.
When I’m overwhelmed with a really big project, I often times will just put up tasks on post-it notes and organize the plan from there. I love how visual and free-form this method is. Other times, I’ll just write a letter to myself from the future to inspire me to take the steps needed to make my goal manifest. For other creative planning ideas, check out my Wishstudio Blogzine Musepreneur column on some right-brain approaches to business planning.
I’ve enjoyed re-reading the 12 Secrets in community with other women. This process of exploring and sharing has helped to deepen my understanding and practices of the 12 secrets in new, exciting ways. I’ve absolutely loved meeting so many inspiring, creative women through the Next Chapter book blogging group! And I look forward to the next book selection which Jamie announced on today’s celebration call. If you missed it, you can listen to the call here.
Also, on the celebration call, Jamie announced the launch of “Your Creative Spark: Inspiring Interviews with 12 Highly Creative Bloggers” (I’m one of the interviewees!). I just downloaded my copy and am loving all the juicy creative goodness! Click here for more details on Your Creative Spark.
Yay for action!
I love the Post-It method. I took a Project Management class that taught using post-its for organizing projects, and I thought it was a wonderful too. Good luck with that book proposal!
Hi there!
It was so great to hear your voice and get more inspiration from you yesterday!!
Can you tell me more about a book coach?
I love all of the insights into your organizational methods – I am so inspired by your drive and dedication. I have so much inspiration, but not so much action – you always inspire me to just get started!
thank you for that!