Rubber Ducky Copywriter

Last year, I did what many writers do—I made an ambitious list of writer’s resolutions for the New Year. Now, before I do that to myself again, here’s how I did.

Results time.

Limit my input and spend more time thoughtfully applying what I learn.
Despite this not being a measurable goal, I feel like I achieved it. I blog-hopped less and wrote more. I’ll call this a win.

Stop comparing myself to copywriting gurus, learn more and appreciate my progress.
Again, not a measurable goal but still a win. My confidence and skills have grown.

Do more creative writing; let it flow instead of trying to force it.
I started three works-in-progress and accidentally wrote a children’s book. Less of a win than I wanted but not a complete failure.

Read and mark up all of my professional development books.
I didn’t realize I had so many. And when I started reading them, I found myself trying to commit them to memory. So I got halfway through five of them and fizzled out.

Enter three writing contests.
I entered — and lost — only one. To be clear, the rejection didn’t stop me from entering more. Life got in the way and I didn’t put in the work needed. That simple.

Fill four journals with general creative play.
I filled three and a half. Not too shabby (providing I ignore all the wedding planning-related notes in them and to make myself feel better, ignore them I shall).

Fill a standard sketchbook.
This was my attempt to fuel my creativity in ways outside of writing. My doodling has increased and I’ve done a handful of drawings I like. But I didn’t even come close to filling a sketchbook.

Looking back, I see where I went wrong.

• Results for some goals couldn’t be measured
• Too many writing resolutions resulted in burnout before I could achieve them
• Too many resolutions, period

My final grade

I give myself an “E” for “exceeds expectations.”

Thank you, Hogwarts, for your logical and forgiving grading scale.

As I said when I made these resolutions, achieving every goal wasn’t the point. The point was to do better. In the process, I achieved more than I thought I would when I started.

Which leads me to my final result: I’ve become a happier and more confident, well-rounded writer.

I still overdid it. So for 2014, I’m taking a new approach. That post is coming up next.

Until then, Happy Holidays to everyone who reads this. Thanks for stopping by. It stills amazes me that people read this blog and I appreciate it every time you do.

What about you? Did you make resolutions for last year and if so, how’d you do?