Each month I stay accountable to my goals by reviewing the goal, the strategies, and progress. This month started with a week-long vacation, so some numbers are lower. On the upside, I have regained use of my hand.

2022 Goals

Overarching theme: “Promotion”

2022 Goals

Goal 1: Who am I as a writer?

Obstacles

• A track record of success in the real estate niche
• Hard to break into new industries
• Not sure what will ignite my spark

Strategies

• Make time to “write for fun” and explore new topic niches

Progress: I did two idea flushing-outs, but didn’t complete any creative writing exercises. I explored other job boards and e-newsletters, but nothing sounded appealing. More consistency is needed with the creative writing. Grade: D

Goal 2: Increase my knowledge base and writing skills.

Obstacles

• Balancing the need to generate income and acquiring new skills. 
• Classes cost money, which eats into revenue.
• Finding the time

Strategies

• Read the free resources that come into my inbox
• Create a “learning” budget I can use on courses
• Dedicate a set time for industry reading and learning.
• Create themes for the month to focus the learning

Progress: I continue to make more time to read the newsletters that hit my email inbox. I weighed joining a UX writing course, but rather than spend the funds I decided it would best to research the niche and decide if I want to pursue it. I opted not to spend my professional development. I think the best course is to decide what I to learn more about and then find the PD that fits.

Grade: B

Goal 3: Promote me.

Obstacles

• Time spent prospecting for new work
• Competition may be fierce
• I’m a shy person who doesn’t like to talk about myself
• Finding the byline writing opportunities on the immense World Wide Web

Strategies

• Launch a “how I edit” series on my website blog
• Find byline opportunities
• Make my website even easier to see my writing
• Dedicate a time to job hunt

Progress: I created a few “how I edit” videos, but neglected to post them. I didn’t hunt any byline writing opportunities. Grade: D

Goal 4: Maintain income stream of [confidential) through 2021. That’s an average of [confidential] per month.

Obstacles

• Limited time to work
• Reduced need in the market for writers
• Managing my time wisely

Strategies

• Reduce Upwork dependance so more money comes to my pocket.
• Charge the rates I’m worth..
• Work at least 5 hrs on my working days. 
• Track each month how much time is spent writing on projects versus time invested and rate earned. 

Progress: Work time increased this month, since we did not travel. I worked harder at being efficient with my time and aiming for set hours per day. I also started physical therapy to help with my hip, but the shoulder still needs work.

My June monthly income was 98% above the target. I still need to adjust the target to more accurately reflect my average income. Grade: A