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Set realistic goals from "summary" of Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
Setting realistic goals is crucial when it comes to pursuing any creative endeavor. It is easy to get overwhelmed by the enormity of the task ahead, whether it is writing a novel, painting a masterpiece, or composing a song. We often set grandiose goals for ourselves, fueled by ambition and a desire for perfection. However, these lofty aspirations can quickly become unattainable, leading to frustration and disappointment. When we set unrealistic goals, we set ourselves up for failure. We place undue pressure on ourselves to achieve perfection, which is an impossible standard to meet. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, ultimately hindering our creative process. Instead of aiming for perfection, we should strive for progress. By setting realistic goals, we can break down our larger ambitions into manageable steps, making our creative journey more manageable and less intimidating. Setting realistic goals allows us to focus on making incremental progress, rather than fixating on the end result. It enables us to celebrate small victories along the way, building our confidence and momentum. By setting achievable milestones, we can track our progress and adjust our course as needed. This flexibility is essential in any creative pursuit, as it allows us to adapt to unforeseen challenges and setbacks. In order to set realistic goals, we must first assess our capabilities and limitations honestly. We must consider factors such as time, resources, and skill level when determining what is achievable within a given timeframe. It is important to set goals that are challenging yet attainable, pushing us to grow and improve without overwhelming us. By setting clear and specific goals, we provide ourselves with a roadmap for success, guiding us through the creative process with purpose and direction.- We can cultivate a sense of discipline and resilience in our creative practice. We learn to pace ourselves, to persevere in the face of obstacles, and to stay focused on our long-term objectives. Ultimately, setting realistic goals empowers us to take ownership of our creative journey, leading to a greater sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in our work.
