So far, so good. I’ve actually decided to keep track of all my major projects right now instead of just three. “Three” didn’t make sense. So I have written out a “snapshot” list for each deliverable or project, working backwards in time. Then took each of those steps (at least the first 2-3 snapshots in that list) and written a to do list. It’s going okay. I’m trying to time myself so I don’t get lost and spend too much time on one thing. Hopefully, I can keep this up.

Okay…so here’s the gravy, I hope. This is the place I’ve always gotten stuck. The next step is to work backwards and write a sentence or brief paragraph (affirmatively in present tense) of what had to happen to get me to that step. Again, write it descriptively…so what did I see/hear/touch/taste/smell on each step, working backwards until I am at the beginning. I’m trying to keep each step a major point in the delivery…as though I have to answer to someone who wants an update of my progress on the project and let me, the boss, know that I’m on schedule. There isn’t a limit to the maximum number of steps, but I’m going to once again think in terms of snapshots in time. No details just yet. Again, I’m doing this offline in Word. But one of my projects below…

1. I celebrate my accomplishment by going out to a great restaurant with my boyfriend.
2. I go to the post office and mail the packets off to the publishers.
3. I assemble the book packets consisting of the cover letter, manuscript and book dummy.
4. I finalize the list of which book publishers I should send my book packet to.
5. I research the proper way to create a manuscript and book dummy, and what should be written in the most effective cover letter.
6. I tighten up the sketches of the remaining illustrations for the book.
7. I digitally paint the second illustration of the book for the book dummy using Painter and Photoshop.
8. I piece together the images and photos for my second illustration.
9. I collect at least 3 names of publishers per week and add them to my database.
10. I start a database of publishers’ contact information that I start to gather.
11. I finish illustrating the first illustration for the book. It looks awesome and I’m ready to start on the second one.
12. I play around with Painter and Photoshop to find the technique I want to use on the book’s illustration.
13. I finish piecing together the images for my first illustration. It is ready to be digitally painted.

Write the project’s goal in a positive, affirmative statement using the present tense. Then write a brief paragraph about how I’ll know when I’ve completed it, when I’m done…when I’ve delivered the project, so to speak. I’m doing this “offline” in Word but one example is below.

I send the packet for my book off to five children’s book publishers. I go to the post office with five thick manilla envelops address to five different publishers. Inside the packets is the book’s manuscript, a book dummy and a cover letter.

This is a visual statement that I can actual picture in my mind as a snapshot, so I know if I’ve actually reached my goal.

(1.) Get the packet for my children’s book ready to send off to publishers. This will involve illustrating, creating a book dummy, making a list of potential publishers, writing the cover letter, typing the manuscript, and sending them off. I don’t expect to have all the illustrations done “full-out”. That would be a waste of time and not even a good idea. I want a couple created “full out” and the remaining one with a tight sketch and layout.

(2.) I have at least $5000 in my bank account by the beginning of January. I don’t expect it in there all at once. But in order to stay afloat through the end of January, that’s the least amount I’ll need in my account. So this project will be about searching for part-time, temporary, freelance and/or contract work.

(3.) Everything can’t be about my professional career, so my third goal – I weigh my optimal weight of between 120-128 lbs. And I got there because my body is healthy, fit and strong.

The goals or projects are stated in a positive statement and in the present tense as if its already happened. This is nothing new or earth-shattering. But I want to make certain I’m focused on a positive goal, not a negative one.