In yesterday’s post, I wrapped up 2013 by reviewing my ups and downs during the year. Some were writerly, others family.
Overall, my year ended on several high notes, and I have many writing friends and communities who contributed to the high moments.
But now it is time to move on to 2014 and what the next 364 days hold in store.

I never make resolutions. Why? Because I break them.
Goals are a different story. I can’t explain why. BUT goals I somehow manage to keep on a high awareness level. Goals are usually in my mind, never written, only for my mind to see. This year, however, I’m stepping outside the box and sharing them with you thereby giving myself a sense of accountability.
Drum roll, please —
Writing Goals:
- Complete first draft of my memoir, writing 1500-2000 words five days per week
- Self-edit manuscript at least twice
- Engage editor and proofreader to check my manuscript
- Platform building and branding efforts
- Begin drafting book proposal
- Post here once a week
I recently read and reviewed Brooke Warner’s new book, How to Sell Your Memoir: 12 Steps to a Perfect Book Proposal. This book invigorated and encouraged me so I believed I could really do this. Warner’s easy style and straightforward explanations of platform building, book proposal, branding, and more instilled a sense of self-confidence I have not until now felt.
I knew I could write. Many of you told me that. I had published several short pieces and had others accepted. But could I make the giant step to finish a book and then approach the point of publication. This one boulder stood between me and finishing my memoir. No more!

My red cape is at the ready, and SuperWriter is about to start work on the next great memoir! Thank you, Brooke Warner!
Other Goals:
- Learn more about SEO
- Incorporate better social media skills related to time management
- Consider eliminating book review blog due to time required
- Redesign blog to make it more brand-based (already underway!)
- Consider focus on writing blog
- Consider publication of one short e-book
Personal Goals:
- Greater focus on spiritual health (recent reactivation of my devotional blog, Sowing Seeds of Grace, is a beginning)
- Health and fitness (make time for 30 minutes of exercise at least five days/week)
- Home and hearth (planning chores more effectively around writing time and time spent with husband)
- Yard and garden (more time outside digging in the dirt)
- Knitting and quilting (the other half of my writing room — make some time each week to indulge myself in one or the other of these)
This may seem to be a long list, but a single human unit has many needs to support a healthy and balanced life. Without some of these listed components, I do not feel as if I’m thriving. I will find balance by allocating time wisely and knowing when to pull back on something allowing a sense of flexibility to reign overall.
AND NOW, my focus word for 2014 —
Merriam-Webster.com defines “strive” as “to devote serious effort or energy.” I believe in order to carry out any or all the above, but primarily my writing goals, I must devote serious time, energy and effort to capture the prize — completion of my memoir manuscript in 2014. And I will strive!

Related articles
- How to Sell Your Memoir: 12 Steps to a Perfect Book Proposal by Brooke Warner | A Review (sherreymeyer.com)
- my goals for 2014 (daybydaymasterpiece.com)
- A Blue Mason Jar Full of Post-It Notes Goals for The New Year (jparadisirn.com)
You can do this, Sherrey! I’m excited for you. I agree that putting our goals out for the world to see is a bit scary, but when our readers see them, they can help hold us accountable. And please know that I’m here to support and encourage you.
Blessings.
Yay, Joan, you’re here in my renovated home! I am excited too, and yes, scared a bit by my boldness at sharing my goals. Don’t know about you, but I think the accountability will be good for me. Appreciate the support and encouragement along the way and look forward to a mutual support in the coming year.
I was struck by your comment that “a single human unit has many needs to support a healthy and balanced life.” Absolutely, true. I know when I get so focused on one thing for too long, I find myself unhappy. When I step back for an honest look, I know it’s because my life has become unbalanced. Knowing the problem is the first step to solving the problem. I agree with Joan – You can do this! All the best in 2014, Sherrey.
Carol, thank you for underscoring my words. That was what I call a light bulb moment. I was looking for some justification for being more than just a writer, and those words just flew out of the keyboard! I do become unhappy, restless and even mildly depressed when I stay focused too long in one direction. I appreciate the support you give not only me but all writers traveling this journey. Happy 2014 to you!
Oh Sherrey, I feel so inspired by your enthusiasm, focus and ability to compartmentalize your goals and get rid of what isn’t working for you. And I agree with Joan, when we announce our goals to the world , we hold ourselves accountable for following through. I have no doubt you will achieve great things and all you intend to in 2014. BTW, I agree with you about the value and relevance of Brooke Warner’s book. Keep shining on, my friend. You are an inspiration to me and to all who know you. Blessings, Kathy
You are a part of my enthusiasm, focus and ability to get my goals down and ridding myself of frustrations. And know that the world knows, I’ll work even harder to make sure I follow through — striving every day to be my best. I’m glad you agree about Brooke’s book. I like those words, “Keep shining on, my friend.” Leaves me knowing I have been shining, otherwise I couldn’t keep on. And once again confirms our friendship as being solid and supportive — a true gift. Thanks for being my “mentor memoir writer.”
Blessings to you, Sherrey
Think I’ll adopt your focus word as my own. Hope you don’t mind sharing!
Teri, I hold no license, copyright, etc. on the word “strive.” And I can think of no one I’d rather share it with! Strive, girl, strive. 🙂
Sherrey, you are doing so many things right. Your website keeps getting better and better. And you have the ability to STRIVE. I see it many times.
Writing goals down has a powerful effect. I enjoyed looking at last year’s as I followed your good example (and Kathy’s) in reviewing 2013 and projecting my desires into 2014.
My word for the year is CONNECT. So I am taking one small step toward the goal by wishing you and yours a Happy New Year. You can do it!
Shirley, thanks for visiting today. Being surrounded by community right now is so important, especially since nearly the first two days of January are gone and I have yet to touch my writing. I suppose since Bob is my first priority currently, I can forgive myself. 🙂 But knowing I have so many behind me in 2014, I rest comfortably knowing that part of doing this is honoring flexibility with circumstances.
I need to work on that word “connect” as well. Lately, I haven’t been connecting as I should. It is a two-way street, isn’t it?
Sending wishes for abundant blessings in 2014! And thanks again for coming by.
[…] I’m lacking in this regard and had already included in my 2014 goals listed on a blog post at my writing blog, Sherrey Meyer, Writer, a desire to have greater focus on my spiritual health. And here the very concept was laid out so […]
Sherrey, as others have said, this is very inspiring! I’ll also reiterate what Carol said about not staying focused on one thing to the point of burnout. Resting and recharging our batteries by stepping away from our projects is an extremely important part of the creative process, so I was glad to see that you recognize that while still holding yourself to a high standard for consistently writing. You have what it takes! Can’t wait to see how things unfold for you in 2014. Happy New Year!
Sue, thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement. I’m excited about my plans for 2014, and I appreciate your continuing support. Happy New Year to you as well!
Good luck! It sounds like you have quite the year ahead of you but I know you’ll get it done.
Allison, your words mean a lot because I know what a busy woman you are and that you understand the desire to achieve the goals you set for yourself. We’ll just have to support each other!
Thank you, and agreed! I’m adding a few new features to the site this year so we shall see 🙂
I watch and amazed at all you bring to your readers. You are one amazing young woman! Grab that brass ring and see where it takes you. )
[…] « Striving Toward My Goals in 2014 […]
I chose the word strive…no, strive chose me really, for this year. It’s interesting how the word has wormed its way into daily life. I’ve had to strive with some online classes I’m taking but out of that struggle has come the opportunity to start a satellite school at our church. My striving at the gym has already resulted in changes for the better. There are still lots of things I’m striving to do better with, such as my blog, but I’m also learning to enjoy the striving. It feels good…sometimes. 🙂
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