Thread by @sam_aye_ahm

So @Bibliogato asked a great question about setting yearly goals. I do that along with an end of year review of my work. I share all this & discuss with my agent.

So in case it's helpful to you, a quick thread on the major topics I include in my review/look ahead. 1/
#writetip

I modeled my end of year review on my reviews when I worked in non-profit & as a classroom teacher. And they loosely follow SMART criteria: specific, measurable, assignable (all me!), realistic, time related. 2/

I do it like an outline (roman numerals, etc). And yes, I title it: Samira Ahmed 2020 End of Year Review/2021 Look Ahead.

I. Accomplishments: Books, sales, presentations, media summary

Look, it's good to pat yourself on the back & remind yourself that you're awesome! 3/

II. Immediate Next Steps: I break this down by month, Q1, Year

So I have specifics for January then broader for Q1 then more global for the year. 4/

III. Career Next Steps/ 5 year plan

Dream big! Why not? I review this and then respond in my next yearly review. Some things drop off, some stay, some I achieved. 5/

IV. Outstanding Items/Questions: This is my catch all for things like, where do things stand on contract X or could also be larger career or publishing questions I want to discuss w/ my agent. 6/

V. Strengths

Yes, toot your horn and remind yourself what you're good at. I break this down into publishing stuff (like, I'm good at meeting deadline or public speaking) and also craft things. It's good to assess what you're good at. It gives you a scaffold to build on. 7/

VI. Areas to Work On/ Knowledge Gaps

What do you wish you knew more about? Could be specifics on the business of publishing, craft areas you want to explore, social media, etc. 8/

Those are the major points of my review/look ahead. This works for me b/c I'm a linear, goal oriented thinker. I enjoy it b/c it's a chance to reflect. But YMMV! As w/ everything in writing, knowing yourself & what works for you is key. And hey, it's 2020, you did awesome. (end)