Dreams & Goals

8 Lessons Learned from 8 Years of See Jane Write

Eight years ago I walked into Cantina Tortilla Grill in Birmingham, Alabama to have dinner with about a dozen women I’d never met before. We talked about writing, blogging, social media and more. We talked about our current writing projects and the projects we dreamed of pursuing. And with this meeting See Jane Write was born.

At the time I had no idea that See Jane Write could become a business with members all over the world. At the time I had no idea that because of See Jane Write I’d get the opportunity to write a monthly column for B-Metro and Birmingham magazines. I had no idea I’d have the chance to share the story of See Jane Write on the TEDxBirmingham stage. I had no idea I’d win awards because of See Jane Write or meet some of my dearest friends through this group. Eight years ago I had no idea that See Jane Write would completely change my life.

Over the past eight years I’ve learned a lot about writing, blogging, and entrepreneurship. And I’ve learned a lot about myself. Here are eight lessons I’ve learned from my eight years of managing See Jane Write.

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Writing My Way to the Life of My Dreams

Last month I had a difficult time blogging consistently but not for any of the reasons you may think. I hadn’t run out of ideas for blog posts. And I didn’t feel too busy to blog either. No, I didn’t lack the inspiration or the time, but I did lack the intention. 

I was no longer clear on why I was blogging. Sure, I know all the business-related reasons to blog. I know blogging can help you establish yourself as an expert, increase your visibility and build your know/like/trust factor. But I needed a reason beyond that. 

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38 for 38: Birthday Reflections

This has never happened before. This year I REALLY was not looking forward to my birthday. Sure, I’ve joked in the past about how I’m getting SO OLD, but I didn’t really mean it. But over the past few months as I got closer and closer to today — my 38th birthday — I panicked.

Yes, I panicked about the wrinkles and the lines and the belly bulge that just won’t go away. But I also panicked about something else — my writing goals. 
I started to think of all the things that I thought I’d do before I was 30 and realized there’s a chance I won’t even accomplish these goals before I’m 40 and this left me just downright depressed.

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Is February the New January?

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of the mantra “December is the new January.” Every December I encourage my blog readers and the women of See Jane Write to start setting and slaying their goals for the next year long before New Year’s Day. And every January I am ready to do ALL. THE. THINGS. But I never actually do.

I used to beat myself up about this but not anymore because I’ve come to realize that maybe February is the new January.

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Javacia’s February Goals & Plans

Before I share my goals and plans for February I need to take a moment to reflect back on January and I highly recommend you do the same. So often we’re so eager to move on to the next goal or the next task that we don’t take the time to give ourselves credit for the things we’ve already done.

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