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You know that feeling this time of year. The chaos in the morning of getting kids off to school, crazy schedules, and sometimes for us writers and creators means, less writing time. If your kids are grown and out of the house, well, it’s time to re-visit your goals!

We juggle a lot in our lives. Some of us are up at 5 am to get our writing time in before kids go off to school, some write during sporting events or on weekends if we have full-time jobs. I love September. It’s a time of new beginnings and a second chance to plan the rest of the year with my publishing and writing goals.

I started bullet journaling a few years ago after I attended a workshop by a writer who swears by it. I’ve always been a pantser, someone who wings it when plotting a novel, and with setting goals. Bullet journaling gave me structure; being a visual person, I needed to see my goals on paper. Bullet Journaling is basic but effective.

Bullet Journal

September-2024

Goals:                                                          Due Date:

*_________________                                         __________
*_________________                                         __________
*_________________                                         __________

Surprises and Achievements:                      Brilliant/Shiny Ideas for Next Month:

*___________________                                     _____________________
*__________________                                       _____________________
*__________________                                       _____________________

Monthly Overview:

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

When setting your goals, be flexible!! We all know life gets in the way; we change direction and things come up. If there’s a goal you didn’t achieve that month, move it to the next month. Don’t overthink or over complicate it. Keep it simple. I like to set THREE goals to start with due dates and see how I do. Our confidence grows when we achieve our goals, and feel empowered and positive about the path forward! I also like to set sub-goals about health, volunteering/community, a side-hustle, or marketing goals.  

The best part about Bullet Journaling are the Surprises and Achievements. I will add to this section as the month progresses. Adding to this section adds a bit of sparkle and wonder and keeps me going! The brilliant/shiny ideas section can also be full of magic! Keep track of them in your bullet journal, you’ll be glad you did. At the end of the month, sit down with your bullet journal and check off those goals, take pride in recording your surprises and achievements, AND any brilliant/shiny ideas that sparked your imagination during the month!  And don’t forget to spend time on your monthly overview. This section offers the opportunity to write down what went well, what goals need to change, and what goals stoked you up about achieving for next month!

Whatever your goals, make them exclusively for YOU. Don’t compare yourself to someone else or make your goals unrealistic. I want you to find joy with your bullet journal. Please feel free to use this template and good luck!!

When you leave me a comment or question, I will automatically enter you into a drawing for a FREE critique from me (No rhyming please, and drawing to take place by September 20th). I look forward to hearing from you!