Yesterday, I had the privilege of listening to a very insightful and wisdom-filled teleclass given by Nancy Sanders with the Children’s Writers Coaching Club. One of the things that she mentioned during her teleclass is the importance of giving ourselves rewards for writing goals that are successfully completed, even if they are short-term goals. I love that idea! I usually reward myself with a small piece of chocolate if I get a writing project completed and sent off. I think I will have to change my type of reward. Nancy suggested buying a dozen different pens, pencils, crayons, pads, post-it notes, and so on, and having them handy in a decorated box or basket for times that you have completed a project. So, this morning, I went off to a stationary store and bought a whole bunch of stationary, pens, pencils, a whole bag to be specific, and I put them in a wicker basket that I have in my study. I have the basket sitting on a book shelf facing my desk. That has propelled me to really work today and I have earned two rewards already! For myself, there is a psychological/emotional reason why small rewards keep me propelled and motivated to complete my writing tasks. When I was a young girl, my Mom always bought me a little gift when I did something that she asked me to do or when I helped around the house with chores. And the idea of giving myself rewards after completing a writing goal brings me to that positive place when I was so happy as a young girl. I remember how good I felt when I received a reward. So, now I am translating this positive feeling into completing my writing goals. I am so excited about this positive, almost childlike feeling that I get that helps me to feel so positive and uplifted. There is nothing more pleasant than creating positive boundaries around your writing. It inspires and motivates you to not only write every day, but to write enjoy the journey. So, go out to your local stationary store and buy six to twelve small items that you could use to reward yourself for a job well done. You will be glad that you did. For more information on the Children’s Writers Coaching Club, see: http://www.cwcoachingclub.com. Have a great weekend folks! ~ Irene