Lately, a message has come at me from many directions: Goal choice is key but choosing how to get to the goal is equally, if not more, important. 

The Big Goal

We are advised to dig deep, articulate our values, and form a goal that will truly motivate us. The Big Goal. The outcome that drives us to excellence. The destination that entices us in the tough times.

The Big Goal is part of all sorts of self-improvement regimens, from those aimed at a healthier body to those aimed at finding a better job. We even ponder our fictional characters’ Big Goal. 

The Road to the Goal

Yet how often do we question our dedication to our Big Goal’s plan? But if we can’t stand the process needed to reach the goal, then maybe we’ve chosen the wrong one. (I at least have enough insight to know any plan starting, “I’ll get up early and do…..” is doomed to failure.)

To have a sculpted bodybuilder physique, one must exercise with weights. For hours and hours, day after day. The goal AND the plan must align with our values and interests, or we won’t keep it up. Then we fail and feel bad about ourselves, when really the goal choice was the problem. Perhaps the potential bodybuilder, with further thought, might choose a Big Goal of becoming a self-defense expert or water polo champ. Or simply to be comfortable in their own skin. If the road to these goals is paved with activities they enjoy (or even, don’t hate), they are much more likely to follow through and reach the goal.

Writing Goals

For a writer, the Big Goal is often “have a New York Times best-selling book,” or “be published by a big five publisher.” And such a goal could motivate the hard work of crafting an amazing book and the time and energy to network one’s way through the publishing industry’s jungle. But it would be a sad existence, indeed, if the would-be author hated the process of storytelling. 

 As I think about my writer’s life, I would happily strive to always improve my skills, even if I never meet the Big Goal. On the other hand, the networking, promotion, and marketing aspects are a slog! What to do about that?

Deliberate Choices

I don’t have a solution to this conundrum, other than to fall back on my core professional values—the quality and integrity of my work, meeting commitments, and supporting other creatives. I must face what I’m not willing to do for the Big Goal. The promotional aspects of this job have a “never enough” quality. And take time away from actual writing, reading, and thinking. Deliberate goal setting means deliberate choices and boundaries.  

Don’t miss the award-winning The Big Cinch from Montag Press, a supernatural noir adventure by Kathy L. Brown. Sean Joye, a fae-touched young veteran of 1922’s Irish Civil War, aims to atone for his assassin past and make a clean, new life in America. Until he asks the wrong questions… 

What are your writing goals? Do you enjoy the steps along the way?  Comment on the blog. (Find the blog entry on my website, kathylbrown.com, click on the title, and enter your comment on the dialogue box that will open at the end of the post.) Thanks!    

If you enjoyed this journal entry, you might like to read about Facing Your Fears.

I started this blog thread on the gritty details of the writing process over on my Facebook Author page, @kbkathylbrown, but think I might be better served putting it over here. If you’re interest in following my writing process in an informal way, you’ll find a few posts on Facebook that you might like. You can subscribe to the blog from the website landing page (scroll down).

And Now a Word from Our Sponsor

Check out my award-winning novel from Montag Press, The Big Cinch, a supernatural noir adventure by Kathy L. Brown. Order today. Sean Joye, a fae-touched young veteran of 1922’s Irish Civil War, aims to atone for his assassin past and make a clean, new life in America. Until he asks the wrong questions. . . 

Love Letters to St. Louis is an adorable letter-shaped volume of short stories, poems, essays, and illustrations and includes my first science fiction story, “Welcome to Earthport Prime: A Self-Guided Tour.” A perfect gift and profits benefit the guild’s young writers’ program. Available on Amazon and local St. Louis bookshops.

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