Monday, October 29, 2012

Keeping Goals

You see that little Goodreads book counter on the right side of my blog? Scroll down a little bit. There, that's it. The one titled, "2012 Reading Challenge." It says I have read 42 out of my goal of 50 for the year. I am one book ahead. Yay!

Except in a few days it will be November. And here in my house, November means fast food, laundry mountains, cold cereal, late nights, pajamas, showers few and far between, and barrels worth of Diet Coke. Yes, NaNoWriMo, my people. And fo sho no reading for fun, I can assure you.

Which also means for the first time this year, and much to the chagrin of anal, OCD me, I will be FALLING BEHIND on a goal.

Never fear, I still plan on meeting it, even if I have to lock myself in a closet come New Years Eve. Because that's how I roll. I'm careful not to set goals for things I can't control, and ponder really hard before setting goals, but I usually reach the one's I do set.

As I wave adieu to my staying ahead of the curve all year, you tell me...what goals have you been able to keep this year?

Now when the sun come up, I'll be there to say what up.

15 comments:

Tonja Drecker said...

Here's wishing you tons of words for Nano!

Tonja said...

I'm doing NaNo too. Cold cereal for the family is an excellent idea.

That's a lot of books to read in a year. I wouldn't exactly consider that a failure if you don't meet your reading goal.

Suzi said...

You can do it! Two months. Easy! :)

I don't really have any yearly writing or reading goals. I maybe set them once I start a new project, or start editing though. So now it's just NaNo and hitting that magic number.

Maybe I'll have to do a Goodreads goal for next year though so I can add that nifty box on my site too!

Jennie Bennett said...

I was just thinking this exact same thing the other day. I'm hoping to get and audio book from the library so that I can listen to something during those times when the dishes just won't wait. then maybe I'll at least get one book under my belt!

ilima said...

T. Drecker-Thank you!

Tonja-I wish I had time to read more, there are so many great books out there. 50's been just right to push me, though.

Suzi-This is the first year I've ever set a reading goal, and it's been fun!

J.A.-That is a fabulous idea! I may steal it. :)

Robin said...

I was just reviewing my writing goals I posted back in January. It's crazy to see that although then I didn't think I'd be able to achieve my lofty goals, I've already reached most of them. I'm a goal oriented kind of person. If I have a plan, esp. one I've committed to, I can often reach it.

I am careful to write goals only for things I alone have complete control of (why getting an agent or a book contract was not on my list.)

You'll be able to finish this goal, no worries about NaNo slowing you down there:)

Can't wait for Thursday!

Emily R. King said...

I'm a goal-keeper too. Even if it kills me, I do it.

Congrats on being ahead! Enjoy being ahead!

ilima said...

Robin-Yeah, I didn't put get an agent on my goals either. Only what I can control. P.S. Check your email.

Emily-I will enjoy it for a few more days, at least. :)

Carrie Butler said...

Good luck with NaNo and your reading goals! :)

Angela Cothran said...

I decided I wanted to read 100 books this year. Ya, I'm behind. I think I was a little too ambitious for my own pants :)

Michelle D. Argyle said...

I'm excited you're doing NaNo! Can't wait to see what you come up with. :)

Kathryn Purdie said...

NaNo is starting to FREAK ME OUT! My kids have been so crazy the last few days, and I'm starting to wonder if it's really possible to write 50k around them this next month. Time will tell... I'm so proud of you for making and keeping important goals!

ilima said...

Carrie-Thank you!

Angie-You go, girl. I wish I could read that many in a year. One day...

Michelle-And I can't wait for your big week next week!

Katie-Yes, you can do it! You'll see. I believe in you. :)

Tess said...

nano terrifies me. terrifies! but I'm always impressed with those who can do it - best of luck!!!!

Unknown said...

50,000 words is a lot, but can you imagine the feeling of completing something like that in a month? Especially for us mothers who are already swimming in a sea of kid clutter and schedules.

GOOD LUCK! I hope to see you on the other side. :)