A year end review certainly helps prepare for your new year's goals. A year end review not only gives you a reality check. But it also motivates you to achieve more, when you've achieved your goals in some areas of your life.
I achieved a few of my goals this year:
- Write online regularly. Substack notes and Substacks friends helped me achieve that.
- Start reading books and finish them.
- On track to finish the 30 Medium articles in 90 days challenge
1. Yes definitely. I started 2 businesses this year, the first one does not suit my lifestyle even though I like it. After I started writing on substak, I know this is where I belong. I'm also doing a year end review to see how I can improve my writing for next year, taking into consideration my big goals.
2. I set several goals this year but only my writing goal was achieved. The problem with my other goals is they are not specific enough, so not smart goals. I will do better.
Moon, the "power of 3" reminds me of the 90's series charmed. I like how you broke it down like clarity as the anchor, focus as the guide, and momentum as the engine.
It’s a simple framework, yet it will work because it ties action to purpose and makes progress feel manageable.
Writing daily for five months really drives the point home. It’s inspiring to see how you’ve taken what could feel overwhelming and turned it into a habit.
Hey Mark, many times we struggle because we overthink or tried to do more than what is necessary. When we go simple, things get clearer and things get done.
As writers, we do garner a lot of things on our plate and as a result, we can get overwhelmed.
This is an impressive illustration of the distillation of hope. I think we should always be setting attainable and achievable goals. Not pie in the sky, out of the realm of possiblility. Dream big, and work realistically towards your dream. Thank you for another great teaching moment. Love, Virg.
I like what you said. I realized why my articles sometimes do not catch people's attention.
It's not because of the language; it's more because I neglect to make my point fast, and people do not have much patience. I do not have either. I read your article because you made your point fast, and it sunk into my mind quickly.
Simple is hard. I always strive for clarity and often times it means streamlining to less details.
There's a cognitive load to things. I use a terse writing style to lower the load. Every detail has to be worth its price.
I had a lot of depth in my first book, but the 2nd edition stripped it down by 17%. Most of the original ideas are there, but it's an easier read with fewer details.
You said simple is hard. I like to say simple is profound. Sometimes we oversimplify things, and sometimes we overcomplicate things. It's only with clarity that we can do things at the right proportion.
I'm sure different readers could benefit from the different versions of your book. Some might need it concise and direct, others may want more details to absorb more knowledge.
True that different readers might prefer different levels of detail. That's one reason I plan to leave both versions up when I publish the new one. Well that and the award/reviews on the 1st edition.
I'm also a very different version than when I write the earlier one. Time leaves fingerprints on everything.
Building momentum is so KEY for me as a social media manager and creator on several platforms. It’s pretty much like going to the gym. We need to take baby steps and warm up first
Momentum is like the secret sauce, building the strength to tackle challenges in small, consistent steps. Once we get in the groove, everything flows much easier, right?
Goal setting is wide topic but you simply condensed it into 3 core elements, appreciate it. Gonna focus on those 3 from now.
I like simple. Why be hard on ourselves by being too complex?
yeah @moonarica your right, as Tim Denning always says "KISS" keep it simply stupid.
A year end review certainly helps prepare for your new year's goals. A year end review not only gives you a reality check. But it also motivates you to achieve more, when you've achieved your goals in some areas of your life.
I achieved a few of my goals this year:
- Write online regularly. Substack notes and Substacks friends helped me achieve that.
- Start reading books and finish them.
- On track to finish the 30 Medium articles in 90 days challenge
What's your opinion on the two questions, Moon?
What 2 questions Joydeep? I didn't understand.
1. Is a year end review helpful to preparing yourself for the new year?
2. Did you achieve any of your goals this year?
1. Yes definitely. I started 2 businesses this year, the first one does not suit my lifestyle even though I like it. After I started writing on substak, I know this is where I belong. I'm also doing a year end review to see how I can improve my writing for next year, taking into consideration my big goals.
2. I set several goals this year but only my writing goal was achieved. The problem with my other goals is they are not specific enough, so not smart goals. I will do better.
Awesome. To better habits 🥂
First be selective, then be focused!
More words of wisdom from the guru. Your writing and your ideas pack some serious punch. Always a great read, most valuable.
aww... that's so encouraging to hear, thank you Douglas. Much appreciated as always 💞
Thank you for your always helpful content. It helps to keep me thinking forward and not letting myself to get bogged down in the minutae of life.
It's easy to get caught up with life and not keeping ourselves aligned. That's why I like to keep things simple to remember better.
Moon, the "power of 3" reminds me of the 90's series charmed. I like how you broke it down like clarity as the anchor, focus as the guide, and momentum as the engine.
It’s a simple framework, yet it will work because it ties action to purpose and makes progress feel manageable.
Writing daily for five months really drives the point home. It’s inspiring to see how you’ve taken what could feel overwhelming and turned it into a habit.
Hey Mark, many times we struggle because we overthink or tried to do more than what is necessary. When we go simple, things get clearer and things get done.
As writers, we do garner a lot of things on our plate and as a result, we can get overwhelmed.
This is an impressive illustration of the distillation of hope. I think we should always be setting attainable and achievable goals. Not pie in the sky, out of the realm of possiblility. Dream big, and work realistically towards your dream. Thank you for another great teaching moment. Love, Virg.
I like what you said. I realized why my articles sometimes do not catch people's attention.
It's not because of the language; it's more because I neglect to make my point fast, and people do not have much patience. I do not have either. I read your article because you made your point fast, and it sunk into my mind quickly.
Thank you Moon.
Sometimes I do wonder if my post is too short and my points too brief, thanks for answering this. I tend to go for direct and straightaway.
I can say that you're specific.
Just like when you write notes.
I personally like your style because I know you a bit better.
Maybe once every while try to be vulnerable by sharing a relevant story from your life it helps people to know that you're human.
In the comments I can see that you're human. You joke you laugh you let yourself go you are lovely.
Was that a reference to Lisa Cron's Wired For Story?
This article was an impressive condensation of several approaches to grabbing attention.
Simple is hard. I always strive for clarity and often times it means streamlining to less details.
There's a cognitive load to things. I use a terse writing style to lower the load. Every detail has to be worth its price.
I had a lot of depth in my first book, but the 2nd edition stripped it down by 17%. Most of the original ideas are there, but it's an easier read with fewer details.
You said simple is hard. I like to say simple is profound. Sometimes we oversimplify things, and sometimes we overcomplicate things. It's only with clarity that we can do things at the right proportion.
I'm sure different readers could benefit from the different versions of your book. Some might need it concise and direct, others may want more details to absorb more knowledge.
True that different readers might prefer different levels of detail. That's one reason I plan to leave both versions up when I publish the new one. Well that and the award/reviews on the 1st edition.
I'm also a very different version than when I write the earlier one. Time leaves fingerprints on everything.
Wise decision!
We do evolve as writers, so it's also good to update our stuff. Thanks for the great sharing.
Building momentum is so KEY for me as a social media manager and creator on several platforms. It’s pretty much like going to the gym. We need to take baby steps and warm up first
Momentum is like the secret sauce, building the strength to tackle challenges in small, consistent steps. Once we get in the groove, everything flows much easier, right?
Agreed, simpler is better, especially when you're building the habit and it's not yet second nature.
"You may not control the storm. But you can control the sail." - Love it!
Great post as usual Moon! Reminds me of Daniel Kahneman's concept of "Thinking Fast & Slow"
Every decision we make boils down to 2 systems:
1. The Intuitive fast thinking which is automatic/emotional and can lead to errors and regrets.
2. The slow analytical/rational thinking which has better results although it takes time.
I like all martial arts philosophy. Embodying it in writing can only make it better.
Self-control, discipline, effortless action, and purposeful impact are all keys to success in writing.