The holiday season is over and now it’s time to go back to work.
While no one, with the possible exception of the Mayans, can predict how 2012 will unfold, there are ways to make sure your year starts off well.
Attitude is key: do you envision 2012 as an endless canyon of empty days and late payments, or as a clean slate for reinventing yourself as a writer and/or stepping up your existing business?
Here are some pointers on motivating yourself at the dawn of 2012:
1. Send an e-mail greeting to all your editors, past and present, with a simple message along the lines of “All the best in 2012 ... please keep me in mind for future projects”. By sending such a missive, you’re being polite and proactive, alerting editors about your availability. In a similar vein, e-mail a season’s greeting message to new editors you would like to work with in 2012. If you can, always include a hyperlink to recent work you’ve done or a URL for your website in any notes to editors.
2. Take advantage of technology by getting out of your house. If you dread the prospect of spending another year at home with your computer, think of new places where you can work. Laptops, tablet computers and smart phones make it a snap to set up shop anywhere. Many library branches and coffee shops now offer wireless access, so you won’t be cut off from e-mail and Internet.
3. If you don’t have a blog, make it a New Year’s resolution to start one. A tip: it helps to have a clear idea of the purpose of your blog before you start posting. Is your blog a semi-private forum to vent and offer snide comments about fellow writers, or a vehicle to promote your books and services? While venting can be fun, you’re much likely to attract new clients with the latter approach. Use Twitter, Facebook and other social media to promote your blog. Plan on taking occasional “blog breaks” during your workday as a way to enliven things.
4. Schedule some fun. All work and no play might pay the bills, at least in the short term, but it’s also likely to drive you to a nervous breakdown. When putting together your work calendar for the year, be sure to include some fun activities. Schedule some days off during the week, or a few half-days. Having something to look forward to is a great way to ward off the mid-winter blahs.
5. Plan on taking part in some professional development activities throughout the year. Attending lectures, seminars and workshops will recharge your creative batteries and let you socialize with your peers. Face-to-face contact is also a good way to promote your fledgling blog and glean information about potential work opportunities. Marking the dates of PD events on your calendar is another proven way to get you through the tough first few days of a new year.
Nate Hendley is a PWAC veteran and Toronto author who has written extensively about motivation for writers and other topics. Follow him on Twitter: @natehendley, or click here to find out more about his books.
