Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend a Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer’s program presented by Alissa Johnson, founder of WritingStrides. During her workshop, Writing Reset: Setting Achievable Goals, one of the first things Alissa said was, “Too much pressure can impede movement.”
Now, I know this is a strange combination, but I am a rule-following, card-carrying OCD’er who is also built to be a right-brain-oriented creative. Some days it can be a challenge to live in my head and when I hear someone say that rigid goals can hamper success, my task-oriented-self clunks to a clumsy halt. What? How can you get anything done without hard and fast measurable goals?
During the workshop I came to realize that I struggle with goals because I start with an unrealistic time commitment and I allow other activities and other people’s priorities to take precedence over my creative goals. I’m great at setting goals. I write lists and lists of lists. Yet I tend to neglect establishing firm boundaries on my time.
Alyssa suggests that there are several places creative people go wrong in goal setting:
- Goals are often set on ideals rather than on reality. We plan, thinking we will have the end result sooner than is realistic.
- Goals are often based on the outcome, without taking into account the path to get there. We must allow time for the other things that are important to us.
- The word goal is ridged. It feels stern. The power of an idea is what makes us sit down and create but if we end up going in another direction and end up making something else, it’s okay. Don’t fight where your energy is taking you.
One idea is to set intensions instead of goals. An intention allows for changes as you gain more information. It gives you freedom to react to what comes to you. Slow down and observe the process. Goals tend to make us time and efficiency minded.
Goals = Outcome
Is your outcome more important than the process? What is the purpose of your desired outcome?
Intentions = Process
There are three layers in the process of creating. We often start with what comes easy or with what has been the most enjoyable in the past. Then there is the stretch – the part that is a little bit harder. Finally, comes the unknown – every project that we take on will bring something we don’t know yet. This is the adventure.
What is your personal goal making process?
Do you struggle with goals?
What do you think of the idea of making intentions rather than goals?
Share your answers, struggles, and thoughts in the comments section of this blog, or email me. I’d love to know what your challenges are and how you address them.
If you would like more information about setting intentions or finding a writing community contact Alyssa Johnson at WritingStrides.
“Slow down and listen to the whispers.” Alissa Johnson
Resources:
Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers
Alissa Johnson – WritingStrides
