Everyone wants success. Everyone wants to be successful in something. Keep in mind that success is a personal endeavor. It depends on individual perspectives, values, and definitions. As a writer, I connect my writing with success, I leaned in that direction when writing this article. A few things to consider: 1. Success, as mentioned above, is subjective. For some, it may be achieving goals like financial stability, career advancements, or recognition in a particular field. For others, success might be more holistic, such as personal growth, relationships, health, and happiness. Therefore, whether one needs to be fulfilled to be successful depends on how one defines success. To me, writing success has two parts: A. Marketing effectively enough to get clients B. Making those clients thrilled that they hired me 2. Success can be linked to external or internal factors. External markers of success, such as wealth, fame, or accolades, might not necessarily bring inner fulfillment. Many individuals have achieved external markers of success but still feel unfulfilled or unhappy. The other hand holds internal factors. These people find fulfillment in their endeavors, relationships, or personal growth might view themselves as successful, even if they lack conventional markers of success. So, is fulfillment a necessary component of true success? Again, we go back to the individual’s perspective. Some may believe that true success includes a sense of fulfillment. From this perspective, achieving goals or milestones without feeling content or satisfied might be considered incomplete success. In contrast, others might prioritize external achievements and view fulfillment as a separate or secondary concern. They may feel that if you’re successful in societal terms, it doesn’t matter if you’re fulfilled. The balancing act. Ideally, a balance between external achievements and internal fulfillment can lead to a greater sense of success. While pursuing goals, integrating activities, relationships, and experiences that connect with personal values and passions can contribute to a deeper sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. BELOW ARE TIPS ON HOW TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS 1. Understand what success means to you. If you’re a writer, success may be making a living through your writing, whether through books or freelance writing. Or it may be acquiring fame from your writing or being a career author. Before striving for success, you need to know what success means to you. 2. Set clear goals. Once you know what success means to you, establish short-term and long-term goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely (SMART). For details on the SMART strategy, visit: https://www.bu.edu/odl/files/2022/03/SMART-Goals-SmartSheet.pdf 3. Develop a plan. Once you've set your goals, create a detailed plan outlining the steps you need to take to achieve them. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. You shouldn’t feel overwhelmed with your plan. All steps should be doable. I saw a cartoon with two ladders and an individual at the bottom of each looking up. One ladder had average, doable distances between each step. The other had large gaps between each step. How do you think the character at the bottom of the ladder with the large gaps felt? Overwhelmed would be my guess. In this situation, a person may give up before even trying. The steps need to be manageable. 4. Prioritize. Focus on tasks and activities that align with your goals and values. Learn to distinguish between urgent and important tasks to manage your time effectively. 5. Use your time wisely. Consider using time management techniques such as time blocking. One such technique, The Pomodoro, helps you stay focused and helps prevent burnout. According to Tech Target, the Pomodoro strategy is “based on 25-minute stretches of focused work broken by five-minute breaks. Longer breaks, typically 15 to 30 minutes, are taken after four consecutive work intervals.” Keep in mind, though, that there will be bumps in your schedule. It might be an urgent email, a family matter, a website matter (this just happened to me), or any other number of things that can come up to derail your timeline. The key is to deal with what you must and jump back into the schedule. 6. Learn continuously. Invest in your personal and professional development. Pursue opportunities for learning and growth. I always look for workshops or webinars that will help me improve my writing and marketing skills. 7. Think budget. While there is much you can learn for free online, it does take some money to help hone your skills. As I mentioned above, there are workshops and webinars. There are also books, programs, apps, and writing conferences. Some writers travel to the locations their books are based on for research. Know what you can afford and stay within that budget so you’re not adding financial stress to your life. 8. Develop resilience and be flexible. Don’t be afraid to fail or have setbacks. Inevitably, things won’t always go smoothly. Tough it out, and keep moving forward. Flexibility is a must. Take things as they come, and be prepared to adapt or even change your plan. If you’re a freelancer, you know the feast or famine of the writing world. Cultivate a positive mindset, adapt to change, and learn from your setbacks. And most of all, keep moving forward. 9. Build relationships. Build and maintain a professional network. Networking can open up new opportunities and provide valuable insights. You’ll also want to surround yourself with positive and supportive people. Connect with like-minded individuals who can offer guidance and encouragement. You might also consider a mentor or a coach. 10. Reflect and evaluate. Regularly take time to reflect on your goals and experiences. Evaluate your progress, adjust as needed, and align your actions with your overall goals. And recognizing and appreciating all your achievements will help cultivate gratitude and a sense of accomplishment. Gratitude goes a long way in feeling fulfilled. 11. Be organized and stay organized. Use tools and technologies that help you stay focused, productive, and on track. For organization, there are tools like planners, calendars, or digital apps to keep track of your tasks, deadlines, and progress. A few of these tools include Calendly, Dayboard, Toggl, and Google Calendar. In the writer's world, tools that can help you be organized or streamline your processes include Evernote, Grammarly, ProWritingAid, Scrivener, ChatGPT, Novel Factory, and Freedom. 12. Strive for balance. As with all things in life, balance is a necessity. Setting boundaries in your work and personal life will keep you from burning out. Take breaks when needed and ask for help when needed. Remember the adage, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. SUMMING IT UP By implementing these tips and staying committed to your goals, you can set yourself up for success. Remember that success is a journey. Your processes or minor goals may change along the way; stay focused and be flexible
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, editor, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
OTHER HELP I OFFER:
FICTION WRITING FOR CHILDREN COURSE
A guided self-study course and mentoring program.
HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK
A DIY book to help you write your own children’s book.
WRITERS ON THE MOVE PRESS.
Self-publishing help for children’s authors.
You can contact me at: kcioffiventrice@gmail.com. Or give me a call at 347—834—6700. (Please leave a message- I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.)
