Focus for a New Year by Steph Beth Nickel

 

Photo Credit: Didgeman on Pixabay[dot]com

My word of the year is FOCUS. And while I have long-term dreams and aspirations, the things at hand require my focus.

As an editor, it is, of course, vital that I focus on doing my best for each of my clients.

As a writer, I have numerous ideas for books I would like to write. But for now, my focus must be on completing the memoir I'm coauthoring with Paralympian Deb Willows, a follow-up to Living Beyond My Circumstances. I will also focus on the blog posts I've committed to write and my monthly newsletter, as well as social media posts.

And since my hubby will be retiring in March, nine days after his 70th birthday, I will be focusing on helping him prepare our home of over 20 years for sale. Lord willing, either this year or next, we will be moving west to be near our son and his wife.

And most importantly, as a believer, I will be reading less of the Word each day in order to dig deeper and focus on what He's teaching me. 

While, in many ways, I won't be "niching down," as it were, I will be quieting my mind and focusing on the task at hand. Not easy for an eclectically interested, eclectically involved "extrovert on steroids," but doable.

So, my fellow InScriber, what is your focus for the new year?

To help you determine where your focus should be, you may want to ask yourself the following questions:

• What do I want to accomplish in the first quarter of 2025?
• Which of these tasks are important as opposed to urgent, as Stephen Covey says? ("Urgent" being those tasks that distract us from what we truly should be focused on.)
• Which tasks can I delete from my list or delegate to someone else?
• What tasks that are truly achievable can I add to my current list?
• What am I going to set aside in order to achieve my goals? Watching TV in the evening? That extra half hour of sleep in the morning? Doom scrolling?
• Which optional tasks get my mojo flowing? What are those tasks I'm driven to accomplish even if it would be easier not to?

And THE question we must ask as believers . . .

How is the Lord leading me this year?

As you look to what you have at hand and how it can glorify the Lord and bless others, may He give you the wherewithal to discern what He has for you this year and all you require to accomplish the good works He has prepared for you.

How Does Minimalism Apply to Writing? by Steph Beth Nickel

 

What is minimalism?

In the November 13, 2019, becoming minimalist blog post, Joshua Becker states, “… minimalism is intentionally living with only the things I really need—those items that support my purpose. I'm removing the distraction of excess possessions, so I can focus more on those things that matter most.”

I’m a long way from being a minimalist, but I can see myself moving in that direction.

Let’s discuss how minimalism applies to writing and writing-related pursuits.

Podcasts

There are SO MANY helpful writing and writing-related podcasts. Among my favourites are Writing at the Red House, The Write Now Podcast, and Creative If Writing.

I could list several others, but I have to limit the number I listen to each week or I could spend several hours a day listening to others talk about writing while doing no actual writing myself.

I must choose only those that will educate and motivate.

Facebook Groups

I’ve often referred to myself as “an extrovert on steroids.” While 2020, and now, 2021, have changed that to an extent, I still need to feel connected to others.

But as is the case with podcasts, I can spend so much time in the FB groups I belong to that I don’t accomplish the tasks at hand.

And because social media should be a two-way street, if I’m going to be a contributing member of the groups I belong to, I have to limit myself.

Courses

<averts eyes and hums>

I am a course (and lifetime access) hoarder.

However, I'll never accomplish all the things that interest me.

SQUIRREL!

I have to narrow my focus and refuse to believe the lie that everything will fall into place if I buy just one more course.

But look at how much you save!

No, Stephanie, back away from the Buy button.

Writing Conferences

If these were the days pre-COVID, I would be limited by my bank account.

Of course, I still am. But when you don’t have to factor in travel, accommodation, and food costs, there are more available funds.

But will attending one more virtual conference really make me that much better of a writer or connect me with that certain someone its crucial that I get to know? Probably not.

Books

Like most writers, my bookshelves—both physical and virtual—are bowing under the weight of unread volumes.

While it’s true that some books become outdated, many include content that is evergreen.

Simply accumulating a vast storehouse of knowledge won’t do us much good unless we take the time to apply what we’re learning.

And unread volumes? Well, they’ll do us even less good.

Projects

Writers often have more ideas than they’ll ever be able to get down on paper.

While several authors, especially indie authors, write in a variety of genres, if they don’t focus on the project at hand, it will never get published.

This is true for all of us.

Am I a writing minimalist?

While I’m not a minimalist of any kind, my Theme of the Year is having an impact on virtually every area of my life. And that theme? Contentment, Not Complacency.

This year, my desire is to be content with what I have ... and make the most of it. This includes courses, books, projects, etc.

It isn't simply a matter of limiting myself but actually putting into practice what I learn from those things that are readily at hand.

How about you?

Are you a writing minimalist? In what ways?