IWSG: Better Late Than Never

My apologies for posting two days late. I actually thought I'd never find the time to write December's Insecure Writer's Support Group post. I was not defeated, though! 

This month's IWSG post is the last of 2016. Hard to believe we've nearly taken another trip around the Sun. Talking of trips, I spent a few days in the Lincolnshire countryside last month. Miles from anywhere, soaking up the stunning sunrises and sunsets, I had plenty of time to reflect on the last few months. One thing I realised was I hadn't talked about my writing insecurities in October's and November's IWSG posts, which is actually the point of the group. Mea culpa. I won't forget today.

As this year ends, and another peeks around the corner at me, I'm left feeling both elated and frustrated. 2016 has been a game changer for me. I started the year living alone and single, and I'm ending it living with my new partner. I couldn't be happier. It's been an amazing year, full of many happy memories, and I'm looking forward to what 2017 will bring.

What's the catch, I hear you say? While I did find some time to blog, write a few thousand words, and read a handful of books, it was a fraction of the time I'd normally spend on those activities. My writing really has been put on hold. As much as I've loved the last few months, the desire to write is still burning within me. I know I need to approach 2017 with a whole new attitude. Of course, I'm full of the usual doubts and insecurities about how I'm going to make it happen. How will I find the time when I sometimes blink and a week has passed without me even turning on my laptop? When I love spending time with my other half? Make time! I hear you say. You're right. My other half has spent enough time telling me the same thing. 

As a first step on the road to making time in 2017, I've bought myself a Self Journal. If you've not heard of this Kickstarter funded, three month journal, visit the Kickstarter page or their website to learn more. I used a Self Journal in early 2016, and it really did make a massive difference in my productivity. It helped me to clarify larger goals, break them down into achievable steps, and prioritize time to work on my goals every day. The twice-daily journal entries kept me on track. For me, it was worth every penny. So, I'm starting 2017 in the same way.

Pebbles has promised to remind me to fill it in every day

Now for December's IWSG question: 

In terms of your writing career, where do you see yourself five years from now, and what's your plan to get there?

I don't have the answers to either of these questions. However, I will by the end of January. One of my first goals for 2017 is to revisit and update my original writing plan. So, if it's okay with you, I'll be answering this question late January. 

How about you? Do you have a writing career plan? What tools do you use to stay on track and boost producitivity?