How to Manage Your Mindset

We are nearing the end of November which means my mind is already on the New Year because if you’ve been following me and my blog for years you know I live by the motto “December is the new January.” Don’t wait until January 1 to work on your 2018 goals. Start now.

Last week I shared 3 things I believe you should do before 2018 to make next year a successful one. I believe you need to get clear on your vision, your worldview, and your goals. But I left out a very important step, perhaps the most important step. And if you don’t do this thing doing the other three won’t matter.

Before 2018 you must learn to manage your mindset. And here’s how I think you can do that.

You must take yourself seriously as a writer, blogger, or content creator. How do you do that? By being consistent. Treat writing, blogging, and content creation like a job. Most people don’t want to hear this because most people hate their jobs and obviously don’t want to start writing and blogging, too. But if you’re serious about this you have to show up and do the work, even when you don’t feel like it. Just as you’d never call your boss and say, “You know, I just don’t feel like coming to work today,” you can’t do that with your writing or with your blog. Develop a posting schedule and stick with it by creating an editorial calendar and planning out when you will produce content. Develop a writing regimen and stick with that, too.

You must be confident about your work. The way to get more confident is to produce quality work and get it in front of people who appreciate it. You can improve the quality of your work by getting educated and getting feedback. Take a class. Join a critique group. Get a coach. (Or join the See Jane Write Members Collective and get all of these for one low monthly cost.)

Develop a system for dealing with bad days. No matter how confident or consistent you are, you are going to have days when you’re just OVER IT! To be honest, I’m having one of those days today! Whether you’re frustrated with your blog or YouTube channel analytics or upset over a rejection letter from an editor or agent, something someday is going to make you want to give up. But don’t. Instead make a list of all you have accomplished thus far or go read some of your best work to remember how much of a badass you are. Then pray or read affirmations, go dancing or go for a walk or run. Also, spend some time with your tribe. Get around people who will give you the pep talk you need but will also push you to put your big girl panties on and get back to work!

Enrollment for the See Jane Write Members Collective is reopening soon and I have designed this membership program to help you with every single thing mentioned in this post and much more. Apply to join here.