It's a NEW YEAR, and my goal is to move through it in a positive yet productive way. What about you?
Many writers get over-excited at the idea of starting a new year and having new goals, while other writers get stuck with and overwhelmed by the idea that they failed the previous year. I'm here to help you get past either of those and help you create realistic goals for 2025!
Let's do this together.
First things first. No matter where you ended 2024, you are a WINNER. Got that? If you finished a script? Give yourself a round of applause. If you started a script? Same thing. If you sold a script, optioned one or more, got open writing assignments, or even connected with other writers, your 2024 was a SUCCESS.
At the end of the year, this thing happens to creatives; usually, it's tied to money and fame. Neither matter, well, they do but really they don't.
On social media, you see so many posts of people bragging about all their successes---right?
WRONG!
That's the perception, but what if you changed your mindset to see that they are just sharing their own personal journey? You can get there too.
Please don't let it get you down if you didn't sell your script, or get famous, or whatever your idea of success is.
I can't tell you how much pressure this will take off you once you change the way you view what you have accomplished.
Let's list all the things you did last year. This doesn't have to be public, you don't have to comment here, it's just for you!
What did you do toward your writing career?
Here is an example list.
Joined a screenwriting group
Took a few writing workshops
Revised a script
Finished a script
Got notes on a script
Then the other ones like sold a script, optioned a script, signed with an agent.
ALL are WINS!!!
Anything that you did toward your career is a win. No matter how big or small that is/was!
GOAL SETTING FOR 2025
Now, make a list of goals for 2025.
You can do it however you like.
The way I do it in New Year is for the months.
In January, I will.....
In February, I will...
Etc.
It helps me lay out the big picture.
Last year, I planned to finish revising a comedy script at the beginning of the year, and I did. I submitted it to a few places, got requests, and now am revising it again---have a new and exciting way to make it more marketable, more unique and just better.
My next goal was to work with some mentors--so I did that. Last year I worked with FOUR different writing mentors one-on-one for various projects. They were all helpful.
My next goal was to sign with a new agent--that didn't happen but I did get requests and have work at a few agencies.
See how I did that?
Now it's your turn.
Wait, let's back up.
FIRST.
What do you want to happen in 2025?
WRITE THAT DOWN first!
Make it something realistic.
For example. You can't win an Oscar this year if your film wasn't out last year. You can't sell your script for a million dollars if it's not written.
If you are in the early stages of your career-what is realistic for you?
If you are a seasoned writer-what is realistic for you?
These will be different.
Once you have what your BIG want is for 2025, you can now write down actionable steps for accomplishing that goal.
Say your goal is to sell a script.
How do you do that?
If you have an agent I'd start with agent meetings to make a plan. If you don't have one, get an agent. If you are writing holiday scripts for television, you may not need an agent so how do you sell it? Find out how and do those steps.
If your goal is to meet with A-listers, find out how to do that.
Be realistic.
I believe in dreaming big but in a realistic way that doesn't set you up for failure.
Here is what I am doing.
MAIN GOAL FOR THE YEAR
Sub goals for the year (usually I have about 4)
Monthly goals for the year
Each month I lay out new goals as things shift all the time in this business so pivoting is important!
Don't be like Ross! Make sure you are setting yourself up for success so you can pivot and make it work.
If you have a writing group of friends, it's always great to create accountability. I started doing this in Marie Forleo's B-School in 2014 and I have continued it ever since.
It helps me stay on track.
WARNING
Don't compare or compete!
This is something that I find only happens with writers and I'm not sure why but it's especially bad for new writers. What I find is that they will feel insecure and start overstating their goals or competing with someone who is far ahead of them in their career. This just leads to resentment and disappointment.
It's fine to be in groups with different levels, remember to always understand that your friend may be further than you are and you should view it as inspiration not a competition.
Okay, ladies!! Let's CRUSH 2025 with our writing and writing goals!!
I'd love to hear from you so you can email me or post in the comments!
We've got this! We can do it together!
xo
Steph
Please join the FEMALE WRITERS SOCIETY FB group HERE
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