Setting a Goal

When the end of summer arrives, it always seems like a new beginning for me with kids back in school, new schedules and the weather turning colder (time to go inside). I always set new goals for myself at this time if year. Even though my kids are all grown up and I'm not really sure when the "first day of school" is anymore, I still get the feeling that I need to make a list of goals for myself. Is this you too?

I would love to encourage you to add a new goal to your list and set aside 30 to 60 minutes once a week to write some personal stories from your past. Even if you spend 15 minutes a week, you will be surprised at how many memories you will have written down by the end of the year. The hardest part is just committing to it and getting started.

With the short-story process, you don't have to set aside giant blocks of time. You can stop and start whenever you want to.

If you take this seriously and be consistent, it can become a habit, and you will not only get better at it, but you will come to enjoy the process. AND soon you will have a treasured gift that your kids/grandkids and the rest of your posterity will benefit from forever.

Here are some tips that might help you:

1. Set a timer for 15, 30, or 60 minutes and just start writing – don’t worry about editing it – you can do that later.

2. If you don’t know how to begin your story – just write what comes to mind even if you don’t like it. As you continue to write, you will find a good opening for your story and can go back and change it.

3. Find a comfortable spot where you can relax and write. Sometimes writing in the same spot every day helps to cue your brain that it’s time to write and words will flow easier.

4. Look for daily windows of time where you can sneak in a few minutes to write. Don’t wait for big blocks of time to get started. If you are waiting to pick up kids from carpool, waiting at an appointment, meeting a friend who is running late, etc., you can pull out your phone and start typing a story. Take advantage of those small blocks of time when you are "waiting."

5. Even if you aren't "in the mood" keep your appointment with yourself and write for the block of time you have set aside for yourself. I promise you will be glad you did!

The whole idea is to just get started and see where it takes you.

AND, if you haven't already, I invite you to join my Private FB Group: Personal Histories Made Easy that will help and encourage you, and you will be able to connect with others who want to write their stories.

I wish you success in your writing!