Do you have a writing goal or aspiration?
Maybe it's to write a book. Maybe it's to post more consistently on your blog. Maybe it's to publish one article per month on LinkedIn. Maybe it's to be more consistent on social media. Maybe it's to write in your journal every morning.
Having a writing goal is wonderful.
That said, it can be argued that having an intention (how you want to reach this writing goal) can be just as - if not more - important than the aspiration itself.
Your intention can stay with you, long after the article's been posted or the book has been published. It is what sustains you through the process and can carry you to your next goal.
To distinguish between the two, think of your goals as something you can cross of a list. They can be completed. Done. Finished.
Your intentions are more evergreen. They aren’t ever really "accomplished," though you can change your intentions whenever you'd like. For some people they are like a little mantra.
So, my question to you this year is: how are you going to get your writing done? In other words, what are your intentions when it comes to your writing?
Will your writing get done at any cost this year? Or, is there a mindset you want to try and take on? Is there a feeling you want to bring to your writing? Is there a block you anticipate will arise?
Examples of writing intentions:
I will go outside of my comfort zone
I will be gentle with myself when it comes to my writing
I will use my writing to speak out about topics I am passionate about or are meaningful to me
I will have more fun with my writing
I will recognize and push through imposter syndrome
I will be flexible around my writing rhythms
Do you think an intention might help you?
If so, that's great. Begin to jot down what resonates for you or what might work well for you after reviewing the above list. Identify your own. If you're like me, acknowledging the intention that you feel the most resistance to could mean you're on to something...
If your mind starts to dip in and out of goals and "to dos" as you’re brainstorming, don’t ignore these thoughts. They can be helpful in identifying your intentions. Jot them down and save them.
Alternatively, if your goals are already very clear, imagine yourself accomplishing these goals. Think about how you want to feel. What's the process like to get there? This can be helpful to identify your intentions.
For now, I invite you to stay here and revel in your HOW for a bit.
There's some power in claiming and stating your intention.
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