So excited for our meetup today! (I changed again into a black dress, haha. Decisions!) Thanks for watching my chatty updates and giving me some extra time to be with friends and family instead of writing and vlogs. What are your thoughts about 2024 plans? Or do you try not to plan ahead?
Thank you so much for sharing your stories. I've been following your channel for 3 years now or smth. And you are one of the reasons why I'm doing a second nanowrimo in my life and not giving up on my dreams. You are the reason why I keep pushing even though I am really scared that my life choices may be wrong and I might be choosing the path that might not bring me any profits, but is definitely bringing me lots of joy. Just wanted to say thank you. Thank you. And wishing you best of luck in your journey ❤
I've been doing HB90 for nearly two years, but I have a strong tendency to overestimate what I can do and then get discouraged(although HB90 DEFINITELY helps with that). At the moment I feel the 'nose to the grindstone' saying a bit too strongly. I am contemplating having less formal goals in 2024, at least progress-wise, and focusing on my structure and work habits instead. Or possibly breaking it into 6 month chunks rather than quarters.
I'm coming to the realization that November is just NOT the best month to push myself, productivity wise. Winter in general. I consistently get sick with whatever hogwash is blowing in the air about every other week. Now that my daughter is in school, we're both sick constantly! Next year I'm going to skip Nanowrimo and give myself a nice, lavish, month-long productivity break instead.
This is actually the first year I've kept a planner and broken my goals down quarterly. And also the first time in almost 20 years that I have seriously worked on this first draft of my book. So, 2024 will also be the first time I plan for editing, submitting, and plotting 2 other book ideas. I'm a couple years away from retirement so I want momentum in one of my hobbies before I make that No Going Back decision. Enjoy your holiday!!
Everything has a cost. Every yes means you have to say no to something else. Learning this has been a lifelong thing for me (and continues to be) and resisting my penchant for believing in "magic time" is a constant temptation. It's like your home - you can organize all you want, but if you have too much stuff it's not going to work. It's the same with time I think.
2024 is writing my 20k dissertation and 20k PhD proposal. Sometimes, when I am busy in November, I host my own NaNo in January as it's usually a much quieter month, and it helps bring some excitement to the post-festive lull x
Sarra, thanks to you and Abbie Ebbons - and your whole Heartbreathings sprint team - I have met my goal.. I have written and published a 123,000 word novel. Michael’s Rose is out there and I am able to write again. I’m good. It isn’t about income for me - teachers will never have trouble finding a job - but for having that creativity back. I went 20 years without writing a word. Nano was a win for me, and I’ve found your amazing support team, and writing makes me happy. So.. thank you. My resolution is to write - some - everyday because I love it, and it makes me happy.
I definitely need something to help me plan my future. I am NOT a hustle culture person. I want to focus on enjoying the journey. You shouldn't have to destroy yourself to reach your dreams. Thank you for putting that message into the world: joy, not hustle, is what we ought to cultivate.
I think less is more and the issue is the comparison game. “Keep your eyes on your own paper” game is strong for me in 2024. Your course P&T also helped me to realize I can write what I am meant to write not what the “market” dictates. I love planning my new year - but I am definitely simplifying my planner systems. Erin Condren and HB90 planners are my official ride or dies! ❤
I totally resonate with this video! My goal is to one day be able to quit my job and be my own boss again. I had that freedom last year and due to unforeseen circumstances, I've had to go back to teaching preschool. "How can I do less and move the needle more? How can I do less and be more joyful without losing momentum?" These are the questions that's always on my mind. I'm an HB90 alumni and I'm looking forward to going through the course again! Thank you Sarra for your encouraging words! ❤
I do plan out every year. While I do this I use the HB90 system to make sure I don’t over do it. But I find I still discover I still pile on too much. So thankful for this conversation ❤
That's so true how slowing down often brings you more success and joy. I've found that when I'm taking my time writing articles on Medium and not trying to churn out as many as possible, my articles do better, even if it's just one article a month. I think it's because we're so much more intentional when we slow down. It's taken me so long to learn that falling short of my own expectations is okay and that it's forward progress that's more important. Actually a book that's really helped change my mindset has been The Artist's Way (highly recommend everyone to read if you haven't yet). Glad you're taking time out for yourself too. Happy Thanksgiving from Canada 🇨🇦
I set down my big hairy goals for 2024 this morning, but I know I won't hit most of it. Knowing what I could do let's me pick and choose what I will do. I'm going to plan a realistic map in a few days after I let it marinate for a bit. And then I'll use HB90 to narrow it down further.
I got so excited to see your video pop up. ❤ I “try” to plan. I rarely follow through. 😏 But I’m getting better. 😁 I love the planning process. I used to be so organized and disciplined. Since I’ve retired, I’ve gotten less strict on myself. I need to find my happy medium.
Here's my goal setting barrier: what if I pick the wrong destination. What if I plan for $100k and I hate it there? ... I've been listening to Dr. Jordan Peterson. He says start somewhere, anywhere, just start. That's what goal setting is all about: starting somewhere, trying something and if it doesn't work, pivot and try something else. That's what the weekly evaluations are all about... Evaluate and fine tune what's working and learning from what didn't work. And if that whole thing was a train wreck, pivoting before you crash and burn. ... You all know about fight or flight response, well there's a third, that's not often heard, and that's freeze. Well, that's me, frozen in the same spot... Mostly because of health problems, but I'm hoping this new diet is the reason I'm feeling better lately, but we'll see in about a month or so. 🤞(Fingers crossed). My goal is to get some real momentum in the new year and keep moving forward instead of being frozen in the same spot. Sending lots of love 💖 from sunny 🌞 Arizona 🌵. Take care of yourself and each other 😷.
I've been thinking along these sames lines too... I feel like collectively we as people, and as authors, been getting over the hustle culture more than ever. We don't want to stress ourselves over goals, we want to arrive there via joy, not via stress.❤
Definitely resonates, and apparently resonating with a lot of other Creators on UA-cam and other Blogs, as I've now run across this for about the 6th time! Focusing in (Not niching down, this is different), Slowing down (When you are moving too fast, you are more likely to injure yourself!), Finding the joy in your creation/life, Leaving behind the Hustle. I look forward to doing more of that myself, and seeing what you come up with!
I feel so much of this Sarra! I've been trying for a few years to get into a good routine but I inevitably end up piling on more and more projects without reaching my goals. I'm going to try a quarterly plan for 2024. I've found that I can set goals of doing so many things, have it all scheduled but I also have to take into account that even with a writing goal, some days the words don't come and I have to be able to refocus and not beat myself up about it. Like you said, taking those rest days and realizing that adding too many things sometimes means you're setting yourself up for never attaining those goals is a big lesson! Hope that all made sense :D
I am over the hustle of working 24/7 and this crazy pressure I've been putting on myself and one of my goals that you inspired me to set for myself when i first started HB90 was to give myself permission to slow some things down. It has taken me almost the year to get to this point due to prior commitments but I am so excited to see where these choices take me and how they align with my vision for the life and habits I want to implement by giving myself that freedom of saying no or changing what isn't sustainable long term without heavy burnout I'm excited for 2024 plans and beyond
Everything you talked about resonates with me. I've been doing HB90 for over a year now, so I do (try) to quarterly plan. I just wish I could stick with it. So, one thing I'm going to work on in 2024 is getting better about sticking with a plan. I love the idea of a game board strategy and would love some videos about it. Hope your meetup was fun, and Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow!
Sarra, I have learned so much from you! One thing I have learned is to listen to my inner self and to slow down and take care of me! Would love to attend the 2 day work shop and I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
My visions and dreams are meant for me that’s why GOD allowed me to see and think of them. Others might doubt my capabilities or advancement, but they don’t have a say in it and my success isn’t limited to others’ opinions or criticisms. With GOD all things are possible. 🦋
I don’t need $100k, I just want to supplement my retirement income when the time comes. Heck, I would love to be able to consistently make $900 a month.
Hello there, I found you in the last month just a few days prior to NaNoWriMo, I stayed since and I have watched many of your videos about writing. Recently I started to watch your videos on how to write an anchor series and I really appreciate them :) About planning. I'm not known to be a big planner of my far future nor the near, since I have so many interests but nothing that I would call a real passion - though writing stayed with me this far. After finishing a job training I got into a study course in STEM which partly goes much deeper than my job training. But one thing I learned from my fellow student (who is 3 years younger than me) is, to ask yourself: What am I still able to pull off on my worst day? What can I maintain doing when I am nowhere near a good or acceptable day. And I think that has some truth to it, yet I still struggle with implementing that and bringing studying and writing consistently and sustainable into my daily life is still a big challenge for me. I wish you a happy rest of NaNoWriMo 🤗 Cheers from across the big pond in Germany, Micha
I love your thoughts on productivity and planning! This is the first year I've had a better idea of my capabilities, so I've been more mindful in planning my days. I have ADHD and dissociative issues, plus fibromyalgia, so I've focused on managing my energy levels. Staying balanced or returning to balance before planning my day allows me to get more done. If I overplan for the day or week, I freeze. Freezing is my main trauma response, so it makes sense that stress in general causes that. It takes me longer to get my writing done. At least I'm not giving up.
It's so interesting, because you and I have almost opposite problems. For you, the problem is that you have all these big goals, and you need to rein them in so that you're only doing what you *can* do in the time available. For me, I'm always thinking "well, I definitely won't have time for X thing, so I won't even bother to try," and I'm probably leaving options on the table that I *could* do if I were willing to say "yes" to more things. Or if I were willing to be more adventurous or step out of my comfort zone. I'm still not sure how to tackle this in the new year -- it's a constant struggle for me.
Thank you for sharing this perspective too, because it broadens my awareness. I do understand what you mean but in a different way. I have limited "free" time so when I get it, I can't decide how to spend it sometimes because it seems like, why bother when I won't finish the game etc.
Hi Sarra- I am quietly excited for 2024 and intrigued by your game board idea. I do plan both short and long term however I use my own system and approach as I am in program management for my day job and am a professional agilist. I tried your HB90 program and found what you’ve done with it fascinating and congruent with what I know professionally but ultimately not the approach that works for me in total. I’ve definitely pulled parts of it into how I do plan, but my approach is more lightweight. I am still a fan of HB90.
But sarra you had clear priorities and you've bee very successful choosing right projects Why dont you share some details on your monetary goal tracker like how long do you wait to see certain profit in some products before finalizing on that for coming year?
I’m soooo looking forward to your 2024 lineup-and I say this in a no pressure way, because I don’t even know what I’m using next year. You don’t have to know yet, either. I’m just looking forward to that video! ❤
I'm SO glad I didn't get to go to this meetup because by Friday night, my husband and I were running fevers and it's covid 😢 I would've felt AWFUL if I'd made others sick. Next one, though, I'm there!
I'm guilty of constantly comparing myself to other authors on TikTok who have thousands of followers and post daily and then I feel like a failure. Will your Q4 HB90 planners be going on sale this black friday?
The more I watch your videos the more I realize that I am not a highly ambitious person. Of course there is nothing wrong with that! I wish I was, however, but I know how easily overwhelmed and stressed I get. Kinda sux, but, as they say: it is was it is (until it isn’t). Meanwhile, I still avoid writing and can’t find a therapist that takes my insurance! Happy Thanksgiving!!
Not everyone needs to be ambitious, and just because you are overwhelmed or stressed right now doesn't mean you will spend your whole life there. I hope you are able to find the help you're seeking and don't give up!
Since taking your HB90 course, I only plan out my next 90 days. It’s helped me so much not get so overwhelmed. I do take and plan out some things for the year but very little. I will this next year, set a deadline or two and make a plan to strive and hit those deadlines. Something I’ve never strived or pushed myself to accomplish but am determined to hit. Taking it one thing at a time and go from there. Looking forward to all the things for 2024.
I’m always down for learning anything with planning you have to share. Two days of hearing your ideas may spark the how to’s. Share away, please. Thank you for all you share and do. Hope your trip is amazing.🩷🩷🩷
Everything in this video resonates with me and I’m really looking forward to this next round of HB90. I would love for you to do a long term planning workshop!
Amazing video. We do have to find the time for things and we cannot kick ourselves when we realize something has been on the back burner for a while. We have to trust we are making good decisions. In the past two years, I have been on a trajectory I would never have guessed. Stopped writing completely but had other goals, other projects, other responsibilities. Now adjusting my priorities and writing is back on my short list. Getting to where you are was not easy
Speaking of wanting things to seem easier, have you heard/watched any of Russell & Monica's talks? He talks frequently about the flywheel, and it's been a super helpful concept for me.
I actually finished my goal of finishing my July Camp project. Now I'm working on some character sheets starting to outline the first book in paranormal detective series and making notes on my Age Gap Romance which is my December project to work on Draft 2.
I have to plan every day because of health issues, SOMETIMES I will try to plan things in advanced if I know I might be down for a surgery or something for a while.
I'm very interesting in the gameboard strategy! Planning.... I try to make a vision of goals for the whole year and make the exact planning like HB 90 per quartal, and more in detail per month.
I've come to realize the very same thing when it come to produtivity. In the last few years my day job has taken up more of my time vs writing. So my writing has taken the back seat, that is until the last few months which I've started slowly brainstorming the novel I've started working on mid 2021. Basiclly I'm still struggling, slowly putting in the time in. I'm not where I want to be in my chosen career but I am right where I'm ment to be at this very moment. I understand from the place you're at is the very place I'm at in this time frame. Thank you Sarra for open with your struggles because it reminds me everyday that we are only human.
I relate to this so much. Thank you for sharing. I don't know who these indie authors are that make 100,000/year. I don't even make that in my day job. It's so hard to find the time to write. I have so much I want to write - but time... day job, housework, pets, etc, I seem to be always rushing... trying to get everything done so I can write. I do compare myself to others for sure. How can an indie author make that much money? I don't know. I feel like they must not have day jobs. I'd love to work on my writing full time - that is a dream. We all have to write our own way, in the time we have available, but I do think indie romance authors seem to do extremely well while other indie authors of other genres struggle more - or is this a misconception I have?
I recently wrote down a specific date on a sticky note and stuck it on the bathroom mirror of when I'd like to leave my full time job to pursue a career for myself. Ideally it'll be writing but I know I may need to do some freelance work to start. I'd love a planning session to setup the next year to be successful
Hi Sarra. I hope you're enjoying the family time. In 2024 I want to look at a long-range 'idea'. In the past I've tried to get an idea of what I want to accomplish in a 12 month period then break them down in to quarterly goals in my HB90. I'd love to have more guidance on the 'long-range' goals. Aside from Publish & Thrive, for part of the 'long-range' I want to go back through Roses Writes 50 Books. I also have Jenna's AuthorTube journal to work through. I listen to Silver Linings Podcasts. They have a quote on their most recent thumbnail - "You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are to change the ending." One of my big goals for 2024 is to focus on building a business as an author. I'm excited for learning, sharing what I learn on my channel while building the business. Remember... Figure out where you want to go, break that down into the top 3 for each 90 days. We need picture on the box to know how the smaller pieces of that picture come together.. Know the frame work, then start working on the grass, the house, the trees and the sky. Hugs & Blessings. Safe Travels!
Gosh, I would love to meet you one day, Sarra! Here's hoping... I will owe you a big hug as a "thank you" for all that your videos have done for me :) Will definitely check out HB90 programme as I've tried planning in the past but often fail to follow through so some help is needed ^_^
I set up my Ream and Patreon yesterday. I haven't done anything to "Promote" them because I don't know that I'm actually ready for them to be a "Have to do" on my list. I have a tendency to jump in with both feet and then my excitement fizzles and I start feeling burnout. I'm just as much of a WIP as my current book 😂
I hope we do get to see what stuff you took on your writing retreat even if it is a video showing everything as you put it away. I'm really struggling with finding a tools system that works. as I love stationary and I have all the things but it's a struggle to really pin down my active tools. I would love to pick your brain with why you use what you use and most importantly when you do you give in to the need to change your tools. you have been a huge inspiration for my writing. had I never seen your video about using the happy planner after I lost all my work in a flood, I would have never I mean never started again. It has helped me rebuild my work and I feel loyal to it and you. but some things aren't working. but I'm really scared to change even the few things that aren't working. would you be kind enough to do a video addressing it with your own thoughts and opinions?
Thanks so much for talking about this. I've been thinking about this process of matching the big dreams to the current reality for the last couple months and am getting to the point of needing to have hard "progress" goals for the next year to both better orient what I want to accomplish from quarter to quarter, but also to manage my expectations of what's physically and mentally possible/sustainable for me as I make the progress to the big goals.
So excited for our meetup today! (I changed again into a black dress, haha. Decisions!) Thanks for watching my chatty updates and giving me some extra time to be with friends and family instead of writing and vlogs. What are your thoughts about 2024 plans? Or do you try not to plan ahead?
Thank you so much for sharing your stories. I've been following your channel for 3 years now or smth. And you are one of the reasons why I'm doing a second nanowrimo in my life and not giving up on my dreams. You are the reason why I keep pushing even though I am really scared that my life choices may be wrong and I might be choosing the path that might not bring me any profits, but is definitely bringing me lots of joy. Just wanted to say thank you. Thank you. And wishing you best of luck in your journey ❤
I've been doing HB90 for nearly two years, but I have a strong tendency to overestimate what I can do and then get discouraged(although HB90 DEFINITELY helps with that). At the moment I feel the 'nose to the grindstone' saying a bit too strongly. I am contemplating having less formal goals in 2024, at least progress-wise, and focusing on my structure and work habits instead. Or possibly breaking it into 6 month chunks rather than quarters.
I prefer to have a yearly overview as a general guide, but focus more on detailed quarterly planning.
@@bodine219 yes! Focus on structure and work habits. Build from there.
i plan ahead but set the bars low XD
I'm coming to the realization that November is just NOT the best month to push myself, productivity wise. Winter in general. I consistently get sick with whatever hogwash is blowing in the air about every other week. Now that my daughter is in school, we're both sick constantly! Next year I'm going to skip Nanowrimo and give myself a nice, lavish, month-long productivity break instead.
This is actually the first year I've kept a planner and broken my goals down quarterly. And also the first time in almost 20 years that I have seriously worked on this first draft of my book. So, 2024 will also be the first time I plan for editing, submitting, and plotting 2 other book ideas. I'm a couple years away from retirement so I want momentum in one of my hobbies before I make that No Going Back decision. Enjoy your holiday!!
Everything has a cost. Every yes means you have to say no to something else. Learning this has been a lifelong thing for me (and continues to be) and resisting my penchant for believing in "magic time" is a constant temptation. It's like your home - you can organize all you want, but if you have too much stuff it's not going to work. It's the same with time I think.
2024 is writing my 20k dissertation and 20k PhD proposal. Sometimes, when I am busy in November, I host my own NaNo in January as it's usually a much quieter month, and it helps bring some excitement to the post-festive lull x
Sarra, thanks to you and Abbie Ebbons - and your whole Heartbreathings sprint team - I have met my goal.. I have written and published a 123,000 word novel. Michael’s Rose is out there and I am able to write again. I’m good. It isn’t about income for me - teachers will never have trouble finding a job - but for having that creativity back. I went 20 years without writing a word. Nano was a win for me, and I’ve found your amazing support team, and writing makes me happy. So.. thank you. My resolution is to write - some - everyday because I love it, and it makes me happy.
I definitely need something to help me plan my future. I am NOT a hustle culture person. I want to focus on enjoying the journey. You shouldn't have to destroy yourself to reach your dreams. Thank you for putting that message into the world: joy, not hustle, is what we ought to cultivate.
I think less is more and the issue is the comparison game. “Keep your eyes on your own paper” game is strong for me in 2024. Your course P&T also helped me to realize I can write what I am meant to write not what the “market” dictates. I love planning my new year - but I am definitely simplifying my planner systems. Erin Condren and HB90 planners are my official ride or dies! ❤
We can do everything but we can’t do everything at once. I need to remind myself of this so often lol
I totally resonate with this video! My goal is to one day be able to quit my job and be my own boss again. I had that freedom last year and due to unforeseen circumstances, I've had to go back to teaching preschool. "How can I do less and move the needle more? How can I do less and be more joyful without losing momentum?" These are the questions that's always on my mind. I'm an HB90 alumni and I'm looking forward to going through the course again! Thank you Sarra for your encouraging words! ❤
I do plan out every year. While I do this I use the HB90 system to make sure I don’t over do it. But I find I still discover I still pile on too much. So thankful for this conversation ❤
I can't wait to see your gameboard strategy! I do not plan out a year ahead. I'm luck I can do one week!! LOL!
That's so true how slowing down often brings you more success and joy. I've found that when I'm taking my time writing articles on Medium and not trying to churn out as many as possible, my articles do better, even if it's just one article a month. I think it's because we're so much more intentional when we slow down. It's taken me so long to learn that falling short of my own expectations is okay and that it's forward progress that's more important. Actually a book that's really helped change my mindset has been The Artist's Way (highly recommend everyone to read if you haven't yet). Glad you're taking time out for yourself too. Happy Thanksgiving from Canada 🇨🇦
I set down my big hairy goals for 2024 this morning, but I know I won't hit most of it. Knowing what I could do let's me pick and choose what I will do. I'm going to plan a realistic map in a few days after I let it marinate for a bit. And then I'll use HB90 to narrow it down further.
I got so excited to see your video pop up. ❤
I “try” to plan. I rarely follow through. 😏
But I’m getting better. 😁
I love the planning process. I used to be so organized and disciplined. Since I’ve retired, I’ve gotten less strict on myself. I need to find my happy medium.
Here's my goal setting barrier: what if I pick the wrong destination. What if I plan for $100k and I hate it there? ... I've been listening to Dr. Jordan Peterson. He says start somewhere, anywhere, just start. That's what goal setting is all about: starting somewhere, trying something and if it doesn't work, pivot and try something else. That's what the weekly evaluations are all about... Evaluate and fine tune what's working and learning from what didn't work. And if that whole thing was a train wreck, pivoting before you crash and burn. ... You all know about fight or flight response, well there's a third, that's not often heard, and that's freeze. Well, that's me, frozen in the same spot... Mostly because of health problems, but I'm hoping this new diet is the reason I'm feeling better lately, but we'll see in about a month or so. 🤞(Fingers crossed). My goal is to get some real momentum in the new year and keep moving forward instead of being frozen in the same spot. Sending lots of love 💖 from sunny 🌞 Arizona 🌵. Take care of yourself and each other 😷.
I've been thinking along these sames lines too... I feel like collectively we as people, and as authors, been getting over the hustle culture more than ever. We don't want to stress ourselves over goals, we want to arrive there via joy, not via stress.❤
I agree!!
Definitely resonates, and apparently resonating with a lot of other Creators on UA-cam and other Blogs, as I've now run across this for about the 6th time! Focusing in (Not niching down, this is different), Slowing down (When you are moving too fast, you are more likely to injure yourself!), Finding the joy in your creation/life, Leaving behind the Hustle. I look forward to doing more of that myself, and seeing what you come up with!
So much of this spoke directly to my #1 Input and #2 Intellection 😅 Overthinking before I even start the project/goal/journey is my superpower.
I feel so much of this Sarra! I've been trying for a few years to get into a good routine but I inevitably end up piling on more and more projects without reaching my goals. I'm going to try a quarterly plan for 2024. I've found that I can set goals of doing so many things, have it all scheduled but I also have to take into account that even with a writing goal, some days the words don't come and I have to be able to refocus and not beat myself up about it. Like you said, taking those rest days and realizing that adding too many things sometimes means you're setting yourself up for never attaining those goals is a big lesson! Hope that all made sense :D
I am over the hustle of working 24/7 and this crazy pressure I've been putting on myself and one of my goals that you inspired me to set for myself when i first started HB90 was to give myself permission to slow some things down. It has taken me almost the year to get to this point due to prior commitments but I am so excited to see where these choices take me and how they align with my vision for the life and habits I want to implement by giving myself that freedom of saying no or changing what isn't sustainable long term without heavy burnout I'm excited for 2024 plans and beyond
Thank you for this reminder, as a mom always trying to do it all. It feels like my head is spinning sometimes.
Everything you talked about resonates with me. I've been doing HB90 for over a year now, so I do (try) to quarterly plan. I just wish I could stick with it. So, one thing I'm going to work on in 2024 is getting better about sticking with a plan. I love the idea of a game board strategy and would love some videos about it. Hope your meetup was fun, and Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow!
First🎉!!! Thx again Sarra for another video. Super excited for this year's planning livestream. Do you have a date yet?
Sarra, I have learned so much from you! One thing I have learned is to listen to my inner self and to slow down and take care of me! Would love to attend the 2 day work shop and I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
My visions and dreams are meant for me that’s why GOD allowed me to see and think of them. Others might doubt my capabilities or advancement, but they don’t have a say in it and my success isn’t limited to others’ opinions or criticisms. With GOD all things are possible. 🦋
I don’t need $100k, I just want to supplement my retirement income when the time comes. Heck, I would love to be able to consistently make $900 a month.
love getting to hear your thoughts about how to balance life and writing and goals in a healthy way
Hello there,
I found you in the last month just a few days prior to NaNoWriMo, I stayed since and I have watched many of your videos about writing. Recently I started to watch your videos on how to write an anchor series and I really appreciate them :)
About planning. I'm not known to be a big planner of my far future nor the near, since I have so many interests but nothing that I would call a real passion - though writing stayed with me this far. After finishing a job training I got into a study course in STEM which partly goes much deeper than my job training. But one thing I learned from my fellow student (who is 3 years younger than me) is, to ask yourself: What am I still able to pull off on my worst day? What can I maintain doing when I am nowhere near a good or acceptable day. And I think that has some truth to it, yet I still struggle with implementing that and bringing studying and writing consistently and sustainable into my daily life is still a big challenge for me.
I wish you a happy rest of NaNoWriMo 🤗
Cheers from across the big pond in Germany, Micha
Ooh that's such a good question!
I love your thoughts on productivity and planning! This is the first year I've had a better idea of my capabilities, so I've been more mindful in planning my days. I have ADHD and dissociative issues, plus fibromyalgia, so I've focused on managing my energy levels. Staying balanced or returning to balance before planning my day allows me to get more done. If I overplan for the day or week, I freeze. Freezing is my main trauma response, so it makes sense that stress in general causes that. It takes me longer to get my writing done. At least I'm not giving up.
It sounds like you're doing amazing!
It's so interesting, because you and I have almost opposite problems. For you, the problem is that you have all these big goals, and you need to rein them in so that you're only doing what you *can* do in the time available. For me, I'm always thinking "well, I definitely won't have time for X thing, so I won't even bother to try," and I'm probably leaving options on the table that I *could* do if I were willing to say "yes" to more things. Or if I were willing to be more adventurous or step out of my comfort zone. I'm still not sure how to tackle this in the new year -- it's a constant struggle for me.
Thank you for sharing this perspective too, because it broadens my awareness. I do understand what you mean but in a different way. I have limited "free" time so when I get it, I can't decide how to spend it sometimes because it seems like, why bother when I won't finish the game etc.
Hi Sarra- I am quietly excited for 2024 and intrigued by your game board idea. I do plan both short and long term however I use my own system and approach as I am in program management for my day job and am a professional agilist. I tried your HB90 program and found what you’ve done with it fascinating and congruent with what I know professionally but ultimately not the approach that works for me in total. I’ve definitely pulled parts of it into how I do plan, but my approach is more lightweight. I am still a fan of HB90.
But sarra you had clear priorities and you've bee very successful choosing right projects Why dont you share some details on your monetary goal tracker like how long do you wait to see certain profit in some products before finalizing on that for coming year?
16:07 “as long as I can feel safe I would love to have less and be happy” ❤ That is exactly how I feel at this point in my life.
LOVE the idea of a long term strategic planning session.
Bummed that I missed this meet up, but hope I can make the next RDU gathering ❤
I'm really wanting to plan out 2024. Have fun at the meet up!
I am very interested in a long term planning workshop
I’m soooo looking forward to your 2024 lineup-and I say this in a no pressure way, because I don’t even know what I’m using next year. You don’t have to know yet, either. I’m just looking forward to that video! ❤
I have adhd. Long term planning is so hard.
Also, something to remember, we can work HARD and long hours and make little to NO money. Money and Time/Effort are not equal.
That's so true!
I'm SO glad I didn't get to go to this meetup because by Friday night, my husband and I were running fevers and it's covid 😢 I would've felt AWFUL if I'd made others sick. Next one, though, I'm there!
Hope you are feeling better! Goodness, getting Covid sucks. I'm so sorry! Definitely hope to see you next time.
I'm guilty of constantly comparing myself to other authors on TikTok who have thousands of followers and post daily and then I feel like a failure. Will your Q4 HB90 planners be going on sale this black friday?
The Q4 are coming down but the Q1 will go up early next week and they will be on sale at that time along with all the undated!
The more I watch your videos the more I realize that I am not a highly ambitious person. Of course there is nothing wrong with that! I wish I was, however, but I know how easily overwhelmed and stressed I get. Kinda sux, but, as they say: it is was it is (until it isn’t). Meanwhile, I still avoid writing and can’t find a therapist that takes my insurance! Happy Thanksgiving!!
Not everyone needs to be ambitious, and just because you are overwhelmed or stressed right now doesn't mean you will spend your whole life there. I hope you are able to find the help you're seeking and don't give up!
Since taking your HB90 course, I only plan out my next 90 days. It’s helped me so much not get so overwhelmed. I do take and plan out some things for the year but very little. I will this next year, set a deadline or two and make a plan to strive and hit those deadlines. Something I’ve never strived or pushed myself to accomplish but am determined to hit. Taking it one thing at a time and go from there.
Looking forward to all the things for 2024.
I’m always down for learning anything with planning you have to share. Two days of hearing your ideas may spark the how to’s. Share away, please. Thank you for all you share and do. Hope your trip is amazing.🩷🩷🩷
Wow. I needed to hear this today.
Everything in this video resonates with me and I’m really looking forward to this next round of HB90. I would love for you to do a long term planning workshop!
I've decided I'm definitely going to do it! Just need to find a good time!
Amazing video. We do have to find the time for things and we cannot kick ourselves when we realize something has been on the back burner for a while. We have to trust we are making good decisions. In the past two years, I have been on a trajectory I would never have guessed. Stopped writing completely but had other goals, other projects, other responsibilities. Now adjusting my priorities and writing is back on my short list. Getting to where you are was not easy
This is so wise. Glad to hear writing is back on your list.
Speaking of wanting things to seem easier, have you heard/watched any of Russell & Monica's talks? He talks frequently about the flywheel, and it's been a super helpful concept for me.
Thank you!
I actually finished my goal of finishing my July Camp project. Now I'm working on some character sheets starting to outline the first book in paranormal detective series and making notes on my Age Gap Romance which is my December project to work on Draft 2.
Forget to plan only. I need a full system in place that i can rely on to stay focus on
I have to plan every day because of health issues, SOMETIMES I will try to plan things in advanced if I know I might be down for a surgery or something for a while.
I'm very interesting in the gameboard strategy! Planning.... I try to make a vision of goals for the whole year and make the exact planning like HB 90 per quartal, and more in detail per month.
I've come to realize the very same thing when it come to produtivity. In the last few years my day job has taken up more of my time vs writing. So my writing has taken the back seat, that is until the last few months which I've started slowly brainstorming the novel I've started working on mid 2021.
Basiclly I'm still struggling, slowly putting in the time in. I'm not where I want to be in my chosen career but I am right where I'm ment to be at this very moment.
I understand from the place you're at is the very place I'm at in this time frame.
Thank you Sarra for open with your struggles because it reminds me everyday that we are only human.
I relate to this so much. Thank you for sharing. I don't know who these indie authors are that make 100,000/year. I don't even make that in my day job. It's so hard to find the time to write. I have so much I want to write - but time... day job, housework, pets, etc, I seem to be always rushing... trying to get everything done so I can write. I do compare myself to others for sure. How can an indie author make that much money? I don't know. I feel like they must not have day jobs. I'd love to work on my writing full time - that is a dream. We all have to write our own way, in the time we have available, but I do think indie romance authors seem to do extremely well while other indie authors of other genres struggle more - or is this a misconception I have?
I'm so sorry I missed the Raleigh event. I would have taken time off work to drive over there from Wilmington. Bummer.
I recently wrote down a specific date on a sticky note and stuck it on the bathroom mirror of when I'd like to leave my full time job to pursue a career for myself. Ideally it'll be writing but I know I may need to do some freelance work to start. I'd love a planning session to setup the next year to be successful
I am 71% to 50,000 words and I'm sick with Covid.
That’s a lot of words! Get well soon!! ❤
Heyyou reading this:
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. One day at a time. One little thing at a time. It's going to be okay. You can do it.
I heard what you said. My 2023 fizzled.😢Hopefully, I focus better next year. When is the latest you can sign up for HB90?
I believe in you Dee! Registration opens tomorrow and it will stay open until noon Eastern on the 10th
@@HeartBreathings thank you.
Hi Sarra. I hope you're enjoying the family time.
In 2024 I want to look at a long-range 'idea'. In the past I've tried to get an idea of what I want to accomplish in a 12 month period then break them down in to quarterly goals in my HB90. I'd love to have more guidance on the 'long-range' goals.
Aside from Publish & Thrive, for part of the 'long-range' I want to go back through Roses Writes 50 Books. I also have Jenna's AuthorTube journal to work through.
I listen to Silver Linings Podcasts. They have a quote on their most recent thumbnail -
"You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are to change the ending."
One of my big goals for 2024 is to focus on building a business as an author. I'm excited for learning, sharing what I learn on my channel while building the business.
Remember... Figure out where you want to go, break that down into the top 3 for each 90 days. We need picture on the box to know how the smaller pieces of that picture come together.. Know the frame work, then start working on the grass, the house, the trees and the sky.
Hugs & Blessings. Safe Travels!
I'm interested in the Game Board strategy. This does resonate with me .
Happiness is a way better place to be. I love writing and my process is take it slow and let the characters show me their journey.
Balance is my word for 2024
I would love to hear more about the gameboard strategy!
Sarra, I appreciate your realism and wisdom.
I can't wait to see more about the gameboard strategy
Would love to see your gameboard strategy!
I'm really interested in the game plan.
Gosh, I would love to meet you one day, Sarra! Here's hoping... I will owe you a big hug as a "thank you" for all that your videos have done for me :)
Will definitely check out HB90 programme as I've tried planning in the past but often fail to follow through so some help is needed ^_^
I set up my Ream and Patreon yesterday. I haven't done anything to "Promote" them because I don't know that I'm actually ready for them to be a "Have to do" on my list. I have a tendency to jump in with both feet and then my excitement fizzles and I start feeling burnout. I'm just as much of a WIP as my current book 😂
Yes! Me 🙋♀️
I hope we do get to see what stuff you took on your writing retreat even if it is a video showing everything as you put it away. I'm really struggling with finding a tools system that works. as I love stationary and I have all the things but it's a struggle to really pin down my active tools. I would love to pick your brain with why you use what you use and most importantly when you do you give in to the need to change your tools. you have been a huge inspiration for my writing. had I never seen your video about using the happy planner after I lost all my work in a flood, I would have never I mean never started again. It has helped me rebuild my work and I feel loyal to it and you. but some things aren't working. but I'm really scared to change even the few things that aren't working. would you be kind enough to do a video addressing it with your own thoughts and opinions?
Ok-I’m been loving your hat for a while. Where did you get it?
Thanks so much for talking about this. I've been thinking about this process of matching the big dreams to the current reality for the last couple months and am getting to the point of needing to have hard "progress" goals for the next year to both better orient what I want to accomplish from quarter to quarter, but also to manage my expectations of what's physically and mentally possible/sustainable for me as I make the progress to the big goals.
12 planners or a complex notion planner with the interlinking pages
For knowing how long it takes me to do something, try knowing what will slow you down and how to avoid it