Volume 1, Number 8  |  December 2007

One of the best ways to accomplish a goal is to have some sort of program or structure to support it, and learning to express yourself artfully is no exception. The right group of likeminded individuals or a framework that keeps you juiced can make the difference between wishful thinking and actual accomplishment.

With that in mind, here are some hacks for keeping you on track with whatever it is you want to accomplish in the coming year--even if you didn't know you wanted to accomplish it!

Your Best Year Yet, by Jinny Ditzler

If you're not quite sure what it is you'd like to hit and you've got a lot of plates spinning, this is the book for you. Developed by the author and her husband over several years of self-testing and then seminars, YBYY is a values-based goal setting system that helps you figure out what you can and really want to accomplish in 12 months, then walks you through mapping out actionable monthly and weekly goals.

100 in 1001 Project (internet meme)

If that feels like too much pressure or structure, you might want to check out Day Zero, home of 100 in 1001. The idea behind this plan is that while deadlines are important, 1001 days (or about 2.75 years) is a more realistic timeframe in which to accomplish stuff. There are support groups, other lists to look at and helpful links to get you started. [More on YBYY here.]

The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron

On the other hand, if you're a little vague on what it is that moves you and 1001 days (or a year) feels too long, this terrific 12-week program for finding your authentic self and giving voice to it is outstanding. I've recommended it time and again to people struggling with how to express themselves. The exercises and tools are top-notch; Elizabeth Gilbert of the currently popular Eat, Pray, Love basically used a version of morning pages to help her in her search. And if you start The Artist's Way in January, you'll still have 9 more months of year to play with other stuff!

Toastmasters International

Nominally a program about helping people overcome their fears of public speaking, Toastmasters can do a whole lot more for you in addition to that. The best clubs (like mine!) combine structure (in the form of a manual of speeches you work through methodically), support (like-minded people helping each other) and fun (oh! the stories you'll hear!). While it's up to you to get to your meetings and do your "homework", that support network and the regular meetings go a long way towards keeping you motivated. I've learned a ton in the year and a half I've been doing it, and if you're interested in improving your communications skills (both written and spoken), pound for pound, it's one of the best deals in town.

Project 365 (Taylor McKnight/internet meme)

There are a whole lot of reasons to take a photo a day, and only one of them is that it will make you a better photographer. The discipline of doing anything every single day will change you in and of itself. If you're generally better with words, it's a great way to start engaging another part of your creative brain. And as the site says, at the very least, at the end of the year, you'll have a fascinating diary to look back on!

Illustration Friday (Penelope Dulligan/internet meme)

Similarly, this illustration project is a great way to get over your fear that you cannot express yourself artistically, and, for those who don't have that fear, a great way to stay limber and challenge yourself. Again, for writers and performers and speakers, I can't tell you how valuable it is to your primary mode of expression to be at least semi-fluent in another.

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More about goal-setting in a column I wrote for Casting Networks in January of 2007.

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If you know of other resources, I'd love to hear about them, and what your plans are for 2008--what you're working on, what you're interested in changing, starting or accomplishing. The more I know about you, the better the chance I can be of use to you in the coming year. (And I do like to be useful!)

Here's hoping you enjoy what's left of this year, and have a great time ringing in the next!