I’ve noticed we usually start out energetic and curious when it comes to a new project but when we hit a barrier on our path, we often question if we should continue. We get disillusioned and wonder about turning back. This is especially true of New Year’s resolutions and marketing goals, which you might be thinking about at the moment.

Make bite-sized marketing goals
Blueberry Mountain, ON

When we hit a barrier

Hiking alone on a snowy trail recently, I had an ‘aha’ moment about perseverance. It was a perfect winter day, crisp and sunny with fresh, soft snow. I’d been hiking for about 30 minutes. I’d worked up a sweat and got my heart rate pumping. I was positive and confident, relishing the scenery and alone time. I was on a roll. I could do anything!

Then I came to a snow-laden tree blocking my path. I paused. I wasn’t sure how far away the summit was but I’d seen pictures and it looked beautiful. I wanted to see it. However, as I stared at the barrier, I started getting nervous. I was alone in the middle of nowhere. No-one knew where I was. My phone was low on battery. I’d seen a signpost suggesting wolves, coyotes and bears had been spotted in the vicinity over the years. Was it wise to continue? What if a bear appeared? I had no idea what you’re supposed to do if you see a bear. I’d enjoyed my walk. I could just turn back and be safe.

I um’d and ah’d. I went back and forth in my mind. But there was something in me that wanted to see the view and say I’d made it to the top. I wanted that sense of accomplishment. So, I decided to swallow my fears. I gave myself five more minutes.  If I hadn’t reached the summit by then I would turn back and know I’d enjoyed a beautiful hike.

Try five more minutes

The blood pumped loudly in my ears. I ducked around the fallen tree. It was awkward. I got snow in my boots and down my back. I  shook it off and trudged on, glancing all around for signs of wild animals. I checked my watch, breathed deeply and pressed on.

I bet you can guess what happened! Five minutes later the trees cleared, there was a rock jutting out of the snow and the view opened up. I had a burst of energy and raced the last few steps to the top of the rock. The landscape spread out before me like the back of a hedgehog – clumps of spikey trees dotted across the valley. I grinned. I shouted out. I’d done it. I’d made it to the summit! And it felt great.

Bite-sized goals

So, what does this have to do with New Year’s resolutions and marketing goals? Those  five minutes reminded me that while we may have a far-off vision, our goals don’t have to be huge, insurmountable achievements. No-one’s going to judge us on the size of our goal. Really. They’re not! What works for me are small, achievable milestones. Things I can do in 15 to 30 minutes. It leaves reserves of energy in the tank to continue the next day, to go that extra five minutes and reach the summit. And the summit doesn’t have to be a full book tour or promotion to hundreds of strangers. It can be following three new people on Twitter, or brainstorming snippets for social media that offer value to your community of readers.

Writing is hard because we’re literally blazing a trail on untrodden ground (the story, characters and plot don’t exist until we create them). And marketing is hard when you’re a writer because you’re promoting yourself. It’s deeply personal and vulnerable. So, what I’m taking from my hike in the woods is to break my project down into bite-size chunks, because we all love a sense of completion. If I finish one piece, it’s a win. If I have energy left in the tank to go farther, that’s a bonus.

My other take-aways for keeping going when we hit a barrier?
– Don’t go it alone. The wolves might get you!
– Look for markers on your path. Celebrate every milestone, even the tiny ones.
– Recharge. Pause, take in the scenery. The journey has to be enjoyable or it’s not worth it.

And what might those bite-sized goals look like for your marketing?

Here are a couple of activities I like:
– Set a timer: decide to spend 30 minutes researching Twitter, comparable books, or drafting jacket copy.
– Make a mind map: put your end goal in the middle and note down every single little activity you can think of that might help you get closer, even if the ideas seem simple or silly. No-one else has to see it. Quiet your inner critic and allow yourself to consider everything at this point. You can decide which path to follow later.

Are you thinking about your marketing goals for 2019? While you do need an idea of the end vision, how about approaching your resolutions as bite-sized milestones this year? If you’re struggling with choosing your next step with your marketing, reach out, I’d love to help.