Five on a Friday: It’s Goal Setting Time!

I really like this idea.  Last September, I started up a 30 Day Challenge to to get back on track after a relaxing summer.  I hoped to put a call out for the 30 Day Challenge this fall, but I need to focus on some family things.  But, there’s nothing like setting goals, and I figure, my Five on a Friday post would be a great place to post my goals.  Nothing like keeping accountable!  

1. This will be the Year of Eating Well.  It’s time to revamp my family’s eating habits so we think of food as healthy and fun.  Food is such an emotional topic over in my household because of my middle daughter’s food allergies.  It’s been exhausting, juggling to find foods everyone in my family will eat while trying to help my kids feel “normal” in this food-centric world.  I’m tired of all the “How come we can’t eat blankety blank blank like other people?”  

   GOAL: Add the fun quotient to our daily palate.  I’ve researched tons of recipes, and now that I finally have a stove, it’s time to experiment and see what brings a smile to everyone’s faces.

2. I’ve been inspired by Melissa Walker’s Live Chat at readergirlz.  She writes at least 1,000 every day when she’s on deadline.  I need to act like I’m on deadline.  

   GOAL: Write at least 1,000 words every day.  

3. Becky Levine posted a Writing Thought from Rick Riordan.  You know all those great chapter titles?  If Rick Riordan can’t think of a funny or crazy chapter title, he rewrites the ENTIRE chapter!  

   GOAL: Do not to fall so much in love with a chapter.  Be willing to cut out and revise, but save in case it can be used in another life form.  Remember, it’s the little details that make the whole.  

4. One of my critique buddies, P. J. Hoover, shared this great plot exercise, and our critique group has been working on it all week.  Talk about being able to hone in and sharpen focus on what a manuscript needs (or maybe…done…just right!)–conflict, motivation, character strengths/weaknesses–all great stuff for revisions!  I’ll be the first person to say that I’m not a fan of writing exercises, but this one is a must do.  It is really good.  

   GOAL:  Work on this exercise for all manuscripts.

5. My children have grown so much over this summer, and I’m realizing that before I know it, they’ll want to spend more time with their friends rather than family.  I’m being a little selfish here, but I want to enjoy being with my children without life stuff getting in the way.  

   GOAL: Do at least one fun and spontaneous thing with family every week.  

Enjoy your weekend!