How to Hit Your Writing Goals
Last week, I came across some fascinating information about hitting your goals:
According to research by the Society of Training and Development (ASTD), you have a 65% of completing a goal if you commit to someone.
If you have a specific accountability appointment with a person you’ve committed to, you’ll increase your chance of success by up to 95%.
I’ve always known that accountability and community were important for big writing projects but I didn’t have the science to put behind it. But 95%–that’s huge!
When folks tell me they want to write a book, I always recommend they get support.
Because writing a book is a process, and most folks underestimate the amount of work that goes into a published book.
If you ask published authors about their books, many will tell you that writing their book was one of the hardest things they’ve ever done.
But also one of the most worthwhile.
And getting the right support is KEY.
How to Increase Your Chances of Success While Writing Your Memoir
Now let’s take a look at the rest of the ASTD results.
Here’s your probability of completing a goal if:
- You have an idea or a goal: 10%
- You consciously decide you’ll do it: 25%
- You decide when you’ll do it: 40%
- You plan how you’ll do it: 50%
- You commit to someone you’ll do it: 65%
- You have a specific accountability appointment with a person you’ve committed to: 95%
Is that illuminating or what?
Having an idea isn’t enough.
Making a decision is key, as well as deciding when and how you’ll do it.
That’s why we start the memoir writing process by making a plan.
We focus on creating a writing schedule that actually works.
It isn’t enough to simply say we want to write. We have to schedule it in.
And figuring out what works for our real, messy lives—with all of our various commitments, from work, family, service, fun, etc.—is key.
From there, we create an accountability plan.
So that you’re accountable to me as well as your peers.
That’s why our courses include weekly live coaching calls on Zoom, plus weekly accountability check-ins in our private online course platform.
Because having the right people in your corner makes all the difference.
Join Our Online Memoir Writing Class for Support
If you’re looking for support writing your memoir, I’d be honored to have you join us in the next cohort of Memoir Mastery: How to Write a Compelling Memoir!
We start on Wednesday, September 27!
In this comprehensive 9-week online memoir writing course, you’ll go from feeling alone, confused and overwhelmed to feeling excited and supported in the power of your story, clear in its scope, and confident in the craft and technique of creating a compelling memoir.
With 6 online modules, 7 live coaching calls and a private community forum, you’ll get plenty of support and accountability as well as laser-focused coaching within a wonderfully supportive community. You’ll leave this course with a strong foundation for your memoir as well as a clear set of next steps.
HOW THE COURSE WORKS
The keys to writing memoir are getting the right structure, accountability, encouragement and support. That’s why I’ve built the following pieces into this course:
- 2 “on-ramp” bonus trainings to help you get your (mindset) game on and set up a writing schedule you can adhere to.
- 6 online modules covering craft and technique as well as weekly mindset tips. Each module is broken into bite-sized steps, with downloadable video trainings and supporting PDFs accessible to you for two years.
- 7 live group coaching calls (we’ll meet on Zoom, and all calls will be recorded in case you’re unable to make it).
- Private forum for Q&A, support and accountability.
- 4 “lift-off” bonus interviews with authors, editors and book reviewers to clarify next steps.
WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT THIS COURSE:
Safety, self-care, community, accountability and FUN are the hallmarks of this program.
Memoir Mastery is not your typical creative writing class. Writing a full-length book is a much different process than crafting a short piece, and it’s why we spend so much time on narrative arc and structure as well as safety and mindset. Craft is important, but you’ll need all of these tools to get to the finish line.
Many clients have told me how thankful they were for these unique aspects of Memoir Mastery–despite their initial reluctance to take “yet another course.”
Click here to learn more as well as to register.
But don’t delay—we start next week!
To your success!
Tanja
P.S.: Questions? Email me at tanja[at]tanjapajevic[dot]com and I’ll get to you within 48 business hours.
