With each new year I always modify my current goals sheet. I don’t know what it is about a new year, but for some reason, I always feel re-energized and motivated. As if whatever happened in the previous year is null and void, and I’m given a new start. Whatever the reason, this euphoric feeling is often short lived. And by early March, old habits start to re-surface. But thing will be different this year - or at least I hope.

In January 2008 I said I would be published in a national magazine by the time I turned 30. I didn’t meet this goal. It wasn’t because my query letters sucked or editors didn’t want to give me a chance. It was because I didn’t work hard enough. I had given myself a realistic goal - submit one query letter a week. That lasted for every bit of one month. I haven’t forgotten about that goal, and I’m going to try again this year. But this time, I’m sticking with it.

I also have five completed children’s books that have been collecting dust for two years. About 95 percent of my work comes from clients. Which is okay - we all need clients. But I need to re-focus. It’s time I gave my own projects the same attention. I plan to spend the upcoming year marketing my ideas and books. And who knows, I might actually reach my goal.