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So @Bibliogato asked a great question about setting yearly goals. I do that along with an end of year review of my work. I share all this & discuss with my agent.
So in case it's helpful to you, a quick thread on the major topics I include in my review/look ahead. 1/
#writetip
So in case it's helpful to you, a quick thread on the major topics I include in my review/look ahead. 1/
#writetip
I modeled my end of year review on my reviews when I worked in non-profit & as a classroom teacher. And they loosely follow SMART criteria: specific, measurable, assignable (all me!), realistic, time related. 2/
I do it like an outline (roman numerals, etc). And yes, I title it: Samira Ahmed 2020 End of Year Review/2021 Look Ahead.
I. Accomplishments: Books, sales, presentations, media summary
Look, it's good to pat yourself on the back & remind yourself that you're awesome! 3/
I. Accomplishments: Books, sales, presentations, media summary
Look, it's good to pat yourself on the back & remind yourself that you're awesome! 3/
II. Immediate Next Steps: I break this down by month, Q1, Year
So I have specifics for January then broader for Q1 then more global for the year. 4/
So I have specifics for January then broader for Q1 then more global for the year. 4/
III. Career Next Steps/ 5 year plan
Dream big! Why not? I review this and then respond in my next yearly review. Some things drop off, some stay, some I achieved. 5/
Dream big! Why not? I review this and then respond in my next yearly review. Some things drop off, some stay, some I achieved. 5/
IV. Outstanding Items/Questions: This is my catch all for things like, where do things stand on contract X or could also be larger career or publishing questions I want to discuss w/ my agent. 6/
V. Strengths
Yes, toot your horn and remind yourself what you're good at. I break this down into publishing stuff (like, I'm good at meeting deadline or public speaking) and also craft things. It's good to assess what you're good at. It gives you a scaffold to build on. 7/
Yes, toot your horn and remind yourself what you're good at. I break this down into publishing stuff (like, I'm good at meeting deadline or public speaking) and also craft things. It's good to assess what you're good at. It gives you a scaffold to build on. 7/
VI. Areas to Work On/ Knowledge Gaps
What do you wish you knew more about? Could be specifics on the business of publishing, craft areas you want to explore, social media, etc. 8/
What do you wish you knew more about? Could be specifics on the business of publishing, craft areas you want to explore, social media, etc. 8/
Those are the major points of my review/look ahead. This works for me b/c I'm a linear, goal oriented thinker. I enjoy it b/c it's a chance to reflect. But YMMV! As w/ everything in writing, knowing yourself & what works for you is key. And hey, it's 2020, you did awesome. (end)
