April 1
7 comments
April 1
7 comments
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There is a buffet of riches to unpack in this article. Although, I have use SMART goals in my life previously, this took it to a whole new level. The MICRO TASKS helped tremedously. This helps me keep a laser focus – WOW! Also, landing on your fears of creating a horrible draft. I have read BIRD BY BIRD many times but to see it again in this article brought it all home for me. So, again, I am taking copious notes on this article. This was a pot of gold for me!
Thank you so much David. This is article is really informative and it just what I needed to ensure a smooth process of writing my feature film.
This is such a great article, David. Years ago, I started writing out my goals for my screenwriting career the day before my birthday. I used to break down the projects I wanted to complete – usually two or three scripts.
I also used to have targets for my first draft, first revision, etc. In the past few years, I haven’t been as strict with the my dates – although, I’m still able to finish my projects. I still write character bios, themes, synopsis, and detailed outlines for my scripts. I find that slowing down the amount of scripts per year has allowed me to really sit with the research for my particular story and improve my drafts.
At one point, I was writing three scripts a year. I don’t have problem with procrastination because I try to write at the same time each day, But, crafting goals has always been a challenge for me, so I do appreciate the SMART approach. I used to do a lot of my writing at the library and coffee houses, mainly because of the free Wi-fi, and I could always reserve a room at the library all day and still have my snacks!
Thank you for this. We use SMART goals all the time at my day job and I never thought to transfer the concept to writing.
Wow. This was amazing. Thank you, David!
Great advice as always. Thanks, David.
Oh wow! I’ve never heard of the SMART framework. I will definitely be applying that to everything now.
I agree that it is so important to not only take into consideration your individual voice but also be aware of the obstacles that take place. It’s like a risk management strategy for writing and pitching to companies.
I like that twist of detail being specific about the script, even having logline instead of just saying “ok, I’m going to finish a script in 3 months”. You can work on the script for 3 months but does it have direction? Is it a script that is worth spending 3 months on?
The outcome and process goals reminds me of minimal and maximum goals when developing a game. There are more people who don’t finish because of the different layers that they add to the game, making it so complex to the point of it getting shelved and unfinished.
Thanks for the viewpoint of considering outcome goals as the want and process goals as the how.
I appreciate the definitions in the micro-task segment of the article. Also that segment reminds me of when you said act as if it’s a job, get dressed as if you were going into the office.
I completely identify with the procrastination monster; uncertainty, concern, and feeling overwhelmed to the max! One thing I tell myself to do, is just do it (whatever the task at hand may be). Even if I spend a small amount of time on something, I always feel better after actively doing instead of just sitting, thinking, and worrying about something that I’m not actively taking the time to make better.
Thanks for the tip on the Pomodoro method. It makes this easier to do when there is a clear definition.
This article was overall excellent and it put so many things into perspective. I have to keep going, keep pushing, never give up and most importantly write!