Reflect, Reframe, Refocus for Results for Your Writing

by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

As you reflect back on 2022, these tips will help you bring appreciation and meaning to last year and focus and hope for the next.

1) Reflect 

What were the highlights? What were the disappointments? What are you thankful for? What were your wins?

What gains did you achieve? Even if you didn't attain your goal, what progress did you make? 

Perhaps you planned to complete your next book, but still need another 10,000 words and to polish the manuscript. Instead of being disappointed in the gap between the actual result and the goal, measure the progress. The gain is you are nearly complete with a book.

How are you further along at the end of the year than you were in the beginning? Celebrate your progress.

2) Reframe 

Consider the regrets, humiliations, and mistakes you would rather not think about. What did you learn? What did God teach you about Him? Turn wishes for a rewind button into learning experiences that move you forward. Reframe the meaning of the event by finding the value.

One of the best reframes was said by Joseph of the Old Testament. His brothers hated him so much they wanted to kill him but settled for selling him into slavery. Later, Joseph reframed that event when he said in Genesis 50:20, “ You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

Continuing to look back is the antithesis of moving forward. Paul said in Hebrews 12:1-2 “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Our past is more fluid and malleable than we realize. Transform mistakes into learning experiences that help you grow.

What did I learn? What did God teach me about Him? 

3) Refocus 

Select one goal for 2023 that will move you toward being the person you most want to be. Each day do something toward achieving that goal sooner rather than later. What one to three goals will move you toward being the person you want to grow into? Each day, what step can you take to progress in that direction?

• End each day by jotting down three things you are thankful for 
• List three wins
• Write down the one thing to do the next day that will move you forward with your most important goal 
• Ask your brain to solve a problem for you in the night.

What is the 2023 goal that makes your eyes light up?

For more fast-acting tips, check out What You Won't Do In 2022 Or Any Other Time

TWEETABLE

Reflect, Reframe, Refocus for Results for Your Writing, thoughts from author @PeggySueWells on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Tropical island votary and history buff, PeggySue Wells parasails, skydives, snorkels, scuba dives, and has taken (but not passed) pilot training. Writing from the 100-Acre Wood in Indiana, Wells is the bestselling author of thirty books including The Slave Across the Street, Slavery in the Land of the Free, Bonding With Your Child Through Boundaries, Homeless for the Holidays, Chasing Sunrise, and The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make. Founder of SingleMomCircle.com, PeggySue is named for the Buddy Holly song with the great drumbeat. At school author visits, she teaches students the secrets to writing and speaks at events and conferences. Connect with her at www.PeggySueWells.com, on Facebook at PeggySue Wells, and LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/peggysuewells