One of my favorite podcasters – Les Alfred of the She’s So Lucky podcast — recently released an episode during which she shared the Lucky Girl Commandments – a list of tips or words of wisdom to help us all create our own luck for the rest of the year and beyond. And of course, this inspired me to write some commandments of my own. I’m an Enneagram 1, which means I crave order. Rules don’t feel like restrictions to me. Instead, they’re the boundaries I need to keep from running myself off a cliff. (Side note: I also give myself permission to ditch any and all rules that don’t align with who I am and what I want. For example, you say every woman should be a mother. I say I’m quite content living my rich auntie life. But I digress.)
Because I know the word “commandments” can be triggering to some (#churchhurt), I’m calling these my mid-year mantras instead. Here are the rules I’m following to make the most of the rest of 2025.
Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.
This was Les’ first commandment, but it’s something I’ve touted long before listening to that podcast episode. What does this look like for writers? It means being ready to show off your work. Maybe that’s a blog or website. Maybe it’s a rough draft of your novel or proposal for your nonfiction book. Maybe it’s having samples of your freelance work or knowing what you charge.
My personal to-do list item is to refresh my portfolio website, the See Jane Write website and my Instagram profile.
Shoot your shot.
Get over your fear of rejection, boo. Someone once said that a writer who expects never to face rejection is like a boxer who expects never to get punched. It’s time to step into the ring! Pitch your book or story idea. Submit your poems, short stories or essays to literary journals. If you’re just getting started on your writing journey, a baby step you can take this month is getting feedback on your work from a writing buddy. If you don’t have a writing buddy, join See Jane Write!
This quarter, I’m challenging myself to send a pitch to every publication on my byline bucket list and pitch a column idea to a local publication.
Be where your feet are.
As writers, we can be guilty of living in our heads a bit too much. But being present not only will help us enjoy life more, but paying close attention to our surroundings and being fully immersed in a moment can also lead to inspiration for our work.
Celebrate small wins.
Those of us who struggle with being present typically struggle with celebrating small wins, too. As soon as we accomplish something, we’re ready to move on to the next goal.
Reward yourself for every win–big and small–and take time to reflect on what helped you accomplish that goal so that you can keep up this winning behavior.
Finish what you start.
If you’re thinking to yourself that you can’t remember the last time you had a win, I bet I know the reason for that. You’re not finishing what you start. You’re getting distracted by some shiny object or you’re letting self-doubt, imposter syndrome, your inner critic or some Frankenstein version of all three impede your progress. Your work doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.
Remember that finishing things creates momentum. Launch that blog, finish that pitch, complete that manuscript or proposal so you can move on to the next step of getting your words out into the world.
Cultivate community always.
Contrary to popular belief, writing is a communal act. Why? Because writers need other writers. Period. We need each other for feedback, for inspiration, and for encouragement. That’s why See Jane Write exists. That’s why I am the ultimate girl’s girl. There’s no room or time for competition over here. We’re too busy cultivating community.
My top priority for the second half of 2025 will be growing the See Jane Write Collective. You can learn more about us here.
Practice self-partnering.
Even though I’m a “community is everything” kind of girl, I know that the most important relationship in my life is my relationship with myself. That’s why I’ve decided to enter my self-partnering era. Self-partnering is not just for single folks. Married folks like me also need to be healthy and whole on our own if we want to be good partners.
I believe self-partnering will make me a better writer, too. As I take myself out for more solo artist dates, I am certain to unleash more creativity.
Be more committed to your goals than to your excuses.
Whenever I’m giving the women of See Jane Write some tough love, I always ask them this: “Are you more committed to your goals or your excuses?” But lately, I’ve felt the need to ask this question to the mirror. During this second half of the year, I’m going to recommit to my goals, develop a plan for achieving each one and FOLLOW THROUGH!
Know your values, not just your vision.
Though it’s important to have a vision for your writing life and goals based on that vision, it’s even more important to get clear on your values. Life be lifin’ and things don’t always turn out as we’ve planned. Sometimes you have to pivot. But if you know your values and you’re staying true to those even in the midst of the changes, you’ll never truly be off track.
Girl, just write.
When all else fails – girl, just write! None of these rules, commandments, mantras – whatever you want to call them – will help you accomplish anything if you don’t sit down and DO THE WORK. And trust, I am talking to myself as much as I’m talking to you, dear reader.
So let’s write!
If 2025 is off to a good start and you feel like this is your year, I hope these mantras will help you keep the momentum going.
If this year has felt as much like the dumpster fire that is the world right now, I hope these mantras will help you find some peace and joy between the spaces of your words as you write yourself whole.
Join me on Tuesday, July 8 at 6:30 p.m. CT. for the 90-Day Slay Kickoff and Mid-Year Review. We’ll check in on your progress so far, set goals for the next 90 days, and develop a plan to slay each one. It’s virtual and it’s free. Sign up here.