New Year New Focus by Steph Beth Nickel

Resolutions. Goals. Objectives. Whatever we call them, if we don't have focus, we won't achieve what we desire in the year ahead.

My word of the year is determination. But no matter how determined I am to achieve certain things, it won't happen unless I narrow my focus.

Are you like me? Eclectically interested and eclectically involved? 

Do you suffer from what I refer to as the Butterfly Syndrome? Do you flit from one beautiful, shiny project to the next to the next?

While we've often heard of trying to juggle too many responsibilities, I think of it more as plate-spinning. And I've come to realize recently that if I try to keep too many plates spinning at once, soon some of them will end up on the floor, shattered beyond repair.

So how am I approaching things this year, in particular, with regard to writing and publishing?

First, I'm determined to launch the first three books in my Nurture and Inspire series of ebooks.

I don't want a month to go by that I don't take a significant step in that direction. So far, I have decided on the topic of my first book and secured my new domain name.

In January, I plan to set up my first self-hosted website. I'll give myself until the end of March to get my first book together. By the end of May, the second should be ready. And by the end of July, the third.

This involves determining which blog posts to include, compiling and reworking them as necessary. It also includes formatting each ebook and purchasing book covers. 

Can I meet my self-imposed September deadline? That remains to be seen. But I am determined to work toward that goal.

How about you? What is your focus this year? What is one big goal you have for 2018?

After you've set that goal, it's best to break it down into manageable chunks. Set realistic time limits for each.

If you hit your first deadline, great! If not, don't get discouraged. (Life happens.) Simply set a new deadline and take the next step.

As believers in Christ, it is vital that we are prayerful each step of the way, asking Him what His plans and purposes are for us this year.

May He lead each of us on the path He'd have us walk. And may He enable us to keep our focus where it ought to be.