A Freelance Writer’s 2010 Resolutions

December 31, 2009

What are your writing goals and plans for 2010? Do you have writing resolutions? I have resolutions every year about getting healthier, getting more organised, making more money… Here are some of my 2010 writing career resolutions — — off the top of my head.

  1. Organise my taxes and accounting as I go, rather than wait until tax time to scramble.

  2. Put money away for taxes throughout the year so tax time doesn’t result in a big shock.

  3. Be more ergonomic. (Dana uncrosses legs and straightens up) Spending so many hours a day isn’t so good for the back, the wrists, etc.

  4. Do more marketing. Marketing is a vital aspect of self-employment and every time I take the time to do it, it pays off. (You can get marketing and promotion for writers tips here.)

  5. Work more at my passive writing income efforts. Isn’t it nice when an article you write once pays you many times over? The more I do it, the fewer hours I have to work so I’m going to try to get back to spending a few hours a week on my own monetized websites.

  6. Exercise more. Sitting at the desk 40–80 hours a week ain’t conducive to maintaining svelte.

  7. Stop eating at the desk. Taking breaks is good for the brain, the belly, the muse, and better for the electronics. (Dana taps keyboard gently over garbage bin. Ewww)

  8. Raise rates. My expertise has been elevated in many areas and just like those working for others, self-employed freelancers need a raise too.

  9. Manage my time better. When it’s 5:pm and I have only earned $44 but have been at the computer all day I know I’m doing something wrong. Being more conscious of time suckers will result in fewer nights at the computer until (and past) midnight. I’ve gotten away from setting a schedule and need to do more of that.

  10. Start taking most weekends off. I generally work almost every day. One of my goals for being self-employed was to have more time for my family so in the next year, I’m hoping that my marketing and passive income efforts, along with some personal goals will allow me to do that.

We all know that a lot of resolutions don’t last past the first week in January. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t set goals and work to achieve them. Even one or two achievements out of a list of resolutions will result in continuous self improvement.

What do you want out of 2010?