Do you have too many goals?

This is the question I’ve asked myself recently as I’ve looked back over the first four months of 2019. Each month I’ve set goals for myself and each month I’ve failed to achieve most of them.

I’m no rookie when it comes to goal setting and slaying. I’ve been setting yearly, monthly and even weekly goals for myself since I was 11! And I learned early on that the key to accomplishing those goals was to tackle one at a time and to break down the goal into smaller, manageable tasks.

So why isn’t this plan working now?

Well, that’s just it — the plan probably would work perfectly if I would actually follow it!

It’s not that I have too many goals or that I’m dreaming too big. The problem is I’m trying to accomplish all of my goals at once.

You can do it all but not all at once.

I often repeat this well-known quote to the women of See Jane Write but lately, I’ve been failing to practice what I preach. Perhaps it’s the fact that I’m approaching 40 that makes me feel as if I have to hurry up and do all the things RIGHT NOW. Or maybe I’m afraid that if I don’t work on all of my goals at once I’ll simply forget about them as I get caught up in everyday life.

But I think I’ve found a solution.

Last month I bought the Start Today Journal by Rachel Hollis. In this journal, Rachel guides you through what she calls her 10-10-1 plan.

First, you write a vision for what you want your life to be like in 10 years. I’ve done plenty of vision writing exercises before and often encourage the women of See Jane Write to do them, too. But I decided to write a fresh one, nonetheless.

Next, Rachel says you should list 10 dreams, dreams that, once a reality, would bring you closer to that vision for your life.

Choosing just 10 dreams was tough for a goal digger like myself, but here’s what I came up with:

I have a wildly popular media company that affords me great opportunities, including national speaking engagements.

I have seen my byline in all of my favorite media and literary publications.

I am the author of a New York Times best seller.

I am an exceptional wife, daughter, sister, and friend.

I am at peace with God and my efforts to serve my community.

I am healthy and strong and in such great shape that women in their 20s want to know my secret.

I am debt free and feel secure about my financial future.

I have a closet full of clothes that I love and I always have something to wear for any occasion or event.

My husband and I had our dream house built and our dream cars are parked in the garage.

I take at least three vacations a year and fly first class often.

Then, she charges you to pick ONE GOAL to focus on first.

The rest of the journal features pages that ask you to list five things you’re grateful for, your 10 dreams, and your one goal — EVERY DAY.

And that’s exactly what I’m going to do.

My goal for May is to launch the See Jane Write book club. (Be sure to sign up for my email list so you’ll get the announcement.) This is a goal that gets me closer to building that media company of my dreams.

Now, obviously, there are other things I will do in May. I have a few freelance stories I have to file, I have to do all that comes along with finishing up the school year, and I’ll be taking a trip to Virginia to visit my in-laws.

There are also other goals I wanted to set for myself like blogging twice a week, posting consistently to Instagram, writing in my prayer journal daily, and exercising at least four days a week.

But instead of loading up May with goals galore I’m just going to write down dreams that correspond to those goals in my Start Today journal each day. That way, the goals won’t be forgotten and I’ll work on them if I can but my goal to launch the See Jane Write book club will be the top priority.

What is your #1 goal for May?

If you’re having trouble getting clear on who you are and what you want out of your writing or blogging life, consider joining the See Jane Write Collective. You’ll get access to our members-only resource library which includes lessons and workbooks to help you write your vision and make it plain; set and slay your goals; and define your personal brand. Learn more and apply here.