Goals Revisited

It seems like I think a lot about goals in January. I even write them down in my journal. Soon January gives way to February and my thoughts turn from my well-intentioned goals. I decided that I wanted to revisit my goals frequently this year so that I can assess how well I am accomplishing what I set out to do in January.

As far as my writing goals:

1. Write every day M-F. I have been doing this.

2. Submit a new novel. Not yet, but hopefully before summer I can submit another novel--I am working on one.

3. Write 6 nonfiction articles for children's magazines and submit them. (I'd love
to break into Highlights this year). I am outlining and researching ideas for several articles.

4. Attend a conference (I plan to attend the Storymakers conference in March). I'm registered and ready to go to the Storymakers conference--can't wait!

5. Continue to improve my skills by completing my ICL course and participating
in an English refresher. I've turned in an assignment, but my instructor didn't like it very well so I'm rethinking the direction of that assignment. I have researched several English improvement sites on the internet and hope to participate in some of those soon.

6. Promote my novel, Heaven Scent, as much as I can. So far, I've spent a great deal of time thinking about how to promote Heaven Scent. I have some ideas and have even purchased some promotional items that I hope will ignite interest in Heaven Scent. I've contacted some reviewers and hope to have some reviews posted soon. The books will be in the warehouse next Thursday or Friday. I will also post the first chapter on my website in the next few weeks as well as sponsor a contest. I don't know how much influence any of these promotions will have on buying decisions. I didn't realize that promotion would be so intensive. I'm learning a lot!

7. Read one novel/month in the LDS market. I didn't finish a novel in January, but I'm close!

On my more personal goals:

1. I have exercised M-F, 45 minutes a day (except for when I was sick).
2. I am eating better and cutting out most junk food, though I do enjoy popcorn and ice cream on the weekends with my family.
3. I am reading my scriptures every day. Our Bishop issued us a challenge to read The Book of Mormon by July so I've been reading it as well as reading the Old Testament.
4. I have been trying to look for more opportunities to serve and help others.

That's about it. I'm hoping to recheck my goals every month or so to make sure I am moving in the right direction.

How about you?