Several weeks ago, I finished the book, “Write it Down, Make it Happen“*. The author, Henriette Klauser, believes there is something “magical” (my word) that happens when you commit something to writing. This “magic” can be attributed to the inner workings of the brain.
At the base of the brain stem, about the size of a little finger, is a group of cells whose job it is to sort and evaluate incoming data. This control center is known as the reticular activating system (RAS). The RAS sends the urgent stuff to the active part of your brain, and sends nonurgent to the subconscious….
The RAS is like a filtering system of the brain. Writing it down sets up the filter. Things start to appear – it’s a matter of your filtering system.
If you have never owned a Honda before, and you buy a blue Honda, all of a sudden you see blue Hondas all over town. You might wonder, Where are all these blue Hondas coming from? But they were there all along; you were just not paying attention to them.
Putting a goal in writing is like buying a blue Honda; it sets up a filter that helps you be aware of certain things in your surroundings. Writing triggers the RAS, which in turn sends a signal to the cerebral cortex: “Wake up! Pay attention! Don’t miss this detail!” Once you write down a goal, your brain will be working overtime to see you get it, and will alert you to the signs and signals that, like the blue Honda*, were there all along.
I went out and bought a new journal* and I’ve been writing down some big goals and dreams in this notebook. One of my dreams that I have written down is to become a best selling author. Honestly, it seems like an impossible dream. An author, that seems very possible (especially in this day of self-publishing LOL). But best-selling? That seems very unlikely to me. But I wrote it down, and I’m sharing it. And those are two very big steps.
I recently sent out a survey to help me figure out what to write about. If you haven’t taken it, there are only 5 questions, and I’d really appreciate it if you would fill it out.
I decided that if I’m really going to do this, I need to start setting some goals and making them public. My goal is to have my book proposal completed and submitted by September 1st. This is a really aggressive goal for me, but I’m going to try.
While I’m challenging myself, let me challenge you as well. What is something that you would like to see happen in your life? Please write down that goal in the comments and then also include something that you can accomplish by September 1st to get you there. And write it down. Share it here so we can encourage each other. Let’s see what kind of progress we can all make!
Update: Jim and I made the decision to put off the book until the construction at the new farm was complete. We didn’t want to take anymore time away from the children. Work will resume on the book soon!
*affiliate link
My ultimate goal is to open a dog bakery (an actual building). I currently have a web based bakery and by September 1st, I would like to be selling in at least one store in the area.
Hey Michelle! You can do it. There are so many people looking for that sort of thing and if you’ve got a great product and packaging I know you can find some retailers who will carry it.
PJ
By Sept. 1 I’d like to be back to exercising regularly-not a huge goal, but I homeschool & will be putting up the garden & still doing the important things in life, so getting this in seems big right now!
I just went back to exercising after a week and a half and it is amazing how quickly your muscles forget what they could do!! It’s just plain wrong. LOL
PJ
Well one of my goals was to be a Cosmetologist in Australia, but that occupation is not on their needed skilled job lists anymore. So for a while I was really bummed about that. But I managed to move on and find other countries that are in need of Cosmetologists. I found out South Africa needs them, so that is my next goal 🙂 Sometimes things don’t go your way, but you have to adapt to them anyways !
Good for you for not giving up and pursuing the dream – even if that dream takes you some place different!
PJ
My goal is to lose 15lbs. By Sept 1st I would like to lose at least 5 lbs. I really need to start an exercise routine and stop eating so much junk.
Good luck! 🙂
Brett
I hope you make your goal! 5 pounds is definitely do-able with some small changes and commitment to actually making the change. For me, I have to give up my night-time before bed snacking. I always drop a few pounds when I don’t eat after dinner.
PJ
While in school, I used to rewrite my notes a lot when studying. It seemed like a lot of work but it helped me retain the information much better. It never occurred to me to try that with my dreams and goals as I grow older!
So many things that we learn as a kid we forget to apply to our adult lives. Seems so silly once it is brought to my attention. LOL
PJ
My goal was to win at contesting I have kept a journal called 1000 Shiney Moments!
Good luck! Do you have a list of steps to take to help you achieve that goal??
PJ
One of my goals is to manage a Hobby Lobby store and since I had to drop out of school because no more funding I don’t see that degree to become a manager right now. I have been writing my thoughts and yes even prayers down for as long as I can remember. I have about 3 journals going now and this coming Thursday we are having a lady come to the ladies meeting at church and talk about journlizing. Which is great because we have several people in the group (craft group) that are writers.
I hope you enjoyed your meeting and that God provides a way for you to getting the degree that you need!
PJ
I also write and know the satisfaction it brings me. Nothing was as memorable as reading one of my poems at my 23 yr old daughter’s funeral. It was a poem about Heroin abuse. I used her funeral to get through to as many as I could while I had them there in one spot! It had to be done and I found the strength through our Lord to do it. . Since then, not just by Sept 1, but for always, I will be here for these kids who struggle and I will continue to go to Heroin rallies where my poem is passed out to everyone who reach out the car window. We have circulated 1000s already and it will go on as long as I am here and Heroin is atill being abused.
Have you posted your poem on Facebook? I’m so sorry for the loss of your daughter. My heart goes out to you from one mom to another mom. I admire your determination and dedication to use your daughter’s experience to help others who are addicted to heroin.
God Bless You!
Wanda, Yes my poem is on facebook, its under my daughter’s memorial page. Krista Byrd memorial page, under notes section. You can ask to be friends and read and pass it on to anyone!! I never got more satisfaction when we passed out my poem and they said it was on their refrigerator. Still gives me goosebumps and takes my breath away! God Bless you all for your great comments. It does the soul good. She was a beautiful person and crossed the line 1 time. We pass out bracelets that say not even once. How well I know. If she would have known the outcome, it would have been different. Her brother served 5 years as a SGT in The Marines and the day he arrived home after 5 years was to his baby sister’s visitation. My heart breaks for him. Not the homecoming he envisioned.
Labyrd,
I looked at your daughter’s memorial page. She was beautiful.
And, this is really weird, and gave me goosebumps…..she was born on 6/22/86 – my son was born on 6/22/88.
So weird that I randomly commented on your post and turns out our kids were born on the same day, only 2 years apart.
Your poem in her honor was so loving, raw, and so real. I could feel the loneliness, the missing her, the love you have for her…to a certain extent I could feel your pain. Not feel it as you do, of course, because I didn’t go through it. But, as a mom, I have an idea of what it would feel like to lose a child.
It must help dispel some of the pain, and be healing to you, to be able to try to help others addicted to heroin.
My heart goes out to you. <3 A Heart For Krista
Wanda, I want to make sure you read the right one. There is a poem posted above mine, if you go to notes, then click on notes about, you will see eulogy to my daughter. My niece posted it. Did you read that one? It is very strange that you were the one who noticed this. Cherish your son and I hope you have a long and Blessed life. Thank you for the kind words and heartfelt message.
Very moving story. I hope you find peace in your life and soul. I lost my father 3 years ago, he fell asleep behind the wheel on his way home from work. My thoughts are with you.
I am so sorry for your loss. No mother should have to suffer that. I am glad that you are using this tragedy not to melt down and fall apart but to reach back and try to make a difference. I pray that God will give you peace.
PJ
I’d like to eat the recommended 5 servings of veggies and fruit each day. That is a concrete and measurable goal that I should be able to do!
You can do it! I always found that if I concentrated on getting 5 different colors it was a lot easier than trying to get 5. Sounds weird I know, but breaking it down by colors makes it just one of each to get, so it works for me! LOL
PJ
When I was a teenager my goal was to become an illustrative artist; not being able to pay for school changed that, but over the years my goals became “everyday goals” like ‘to make it through the month with the food and money on hand’, ‘that the children didn’t grown out of their clothes too quickly’, and now at 72 my goals are to live my best life and to continue learning to be the best grandmom that I think I am.
Christine – sounds like you’ve learned the art of contentment. And that is a major accomplishment!!
PJ
PJ, you always amaze and inspire me. You go!
Thanks!! I’m a big believer in dreaming big. I love that saying that if you aim at nothing you’ll hit it 100% of the time.
PJ
By September 1st, I would like to replace the carpeting in my house and replace the kitchen counter tops so we can sell our house. Thanks for prompting me to put that in writing!
Awesome goals! I’ve been starting to put together a mental list of all the work that will need to be done in this house to sell it. Ugh!
PJ
I’m working on getting back to a healthy weight. Setting small goals to make the big goal more attainable. My dream is to feel good again.
That’s a great dream!! One pound at a time!
PJ
I teach Bible Quizzing (where we compete) to a group of teens. I give them homework weekly and tell them to write out the answer, those who write it out remember far more Scriptures than those who do not. I am sending your post to all of my teens. Thanks
That’s awesome!! That’s how I used to memorize Scripture too. It’s amazing how well it works. 🙂
PJ
I would like to simplify my life and “destash” a lot of things that aren’t necessities. By September 1st, I hope to tackle the closets and donate a lot of “stuff” we don’t need.
Good for you! Life is so much “freer” without all the stuff!
PJ
I need to cut down sugar seriously eat way to much junk first to go will be soda.
That’s a great goal – remember that sugar is addictive, so you will go through real withdrawal symptoms. I hope it goes well!!
PJ
My goal in the next couple of years is to get into the medical field. I’m a college student and this upcoming fall with be my 2nd year. I know that I want to do this because I love helping others out especially my mom. My mom always get sick and ends up in the hospital about 3-5 times a year. Whenever she is in there, I make sure that they do their work properly for my mom. I know that it is a tough field but somehow I will be working with patients in the future.
That’s awesome, Vicky! My best friend from high school is an OB/GYN. It was not easy, and she had to make a lot of sacrifices, but she loves it! It’s great that you have a goal, so many of my peers graduated college without a clue what they wanted to do!
PJ
My 7 children are almost grown. I would like to go back to school and in fact, enrolled at the university today.
That’s awesome!! Good for you! Do you know what you’ll be studying?
PJ
I think you’d be a GREAT author! One goal i have is to regain control of my health… It’s been hard but I’m working towards it! 🙂
That’s how I feel about my blood pressure. I have absolutely no reason to have high blood pressure. My doctors can’t find a single cause. But I’m determined to get it under control without medication. 🙂
PJ
My next goal is to ride 60 miles on my bicycle in the Wild Goose Chase. (I will be 60)
That is amazing!! Makes my legs cringe jut thinking about riding that far! LOL
PJ
I would like to attain and maintain a healthy weight. By Sept. 1st I plan to lose 10 lbs.
You can do it!! It’s so important and I hope you make it!
PJ
I am an hobby photographer. I would like to turn this hobby into a business.
I already take photos for an area newspapers web site and sell photos online through them. I would like to get my own web site up though.
Maybe even take some classes as one of my main goals would be to someday do wedding photography.
As of September 1st; I’d just like to be more organized.
That’s great, Sal! I would encourage you with a website to just start it. Don’t feel it has to be perfect from the beginning. Get something up and keep working on it and keep improving it!
PJ
I want to become more fit. By September 1st I want to have a routine in place that allows me that time at least 5 days a week.
Good for you! 5 days a week is a great goal!!
PJ
I want to commit to owrkign out at least three times each week. I am currently wearing an Activelink and by September 1 will be reaching 100% of my daily goal.
I haven’t heard of activelink – I assume it’s tracking weight?? calories?? That’s awesome that you are on track to reaching your goal!
PJ
My
My Goal is to retire before I die.
That is a wonderful goal! And in this economy I can imagine that may not be easy. What are you planning to do to be able to make that happen?
PJ
my goal for my family is to have all our debt paid off, and buy a house by the time im 30. (5 more yrs) as for myself me and my mother always wanted to open a bakery she died 2 yrs ago because of complications with her diabetes but i always wanted to open a bakery that was based on mainly sugar free or diabetic friendly ingredients. so i want to go to school in october for that.
I’m sorry to hear about your mom, but I’m sure that’s great motivation to make your dream a reality. I recommend you read the book The E-Myth. It’s an easy read but will be very helpful at this stage for you.
PJ
I am on the last leg of what I call 120 days of health. It is simply a journey to finding my baseline of health, my bloodwork baseline, my weight and my nutrition. Hitting my mid 50s and just adding a few pounds every year with elevated cholesterol, tryglycerides and blood sugar was a wake up call to figure out what my norms are. The journey is tough, giving up the culture of socialization surrounding food can frustrate but my commitment to finding out where i can venture out and bend once this winds down will start a whole new chapter of my best health…and that is worth millions!
Carol – I am so with you. I am on a very restrictive diet right now to try to get my blood pressure under control and I like what I’m eating, but it’s the not being able to eat with everyone else that is really hard. But you are right – it is worth it!!
PJ
I just joined the YMCA. I love the swin aerobics! I would like to drop 10 lbs by September, wean off the junk food and increase fruits and veggies.
Good job, Leanne! I would suggest having something more specific for the junk food. Such as, I can have potato chips once a month or I can have 1 cup of ice cream every Friday night. Or whatever it is. That always makes a big difference for me in meeting my goal. I’m allowed 1 piece of chocolate a day. Sometimes I eat it, sometimes I don’t. But I can’t have more than that.
PJ
I would like to find a part-time job for extra money to use exclusively for the savings account. Finding a job will be a hard thing to do because I’m 64 and it’s harder to get hired as you get older. I would like to find an office job. I’m computer literate, but need specialized training in business software – so that means a couple of college classes, most likely.
So, by September 1st, I would like to have submitted some applications and researched what college classes I might need.
And, said a lot of prayers asking God for a part-time job. Wish me luck! :*)
Good for you Wanda! I pray you find something that is perfect for you!! You need to find somebody like me who would love part-time help from somebody responsible. 🙂
PJ
Exciting goal PJ! May you do well. My goal by Sept 1 is to have a vacation rental up and running. Then travel with the extra income.
I love it!! That’s one of my goals is to travel more with the children. There are so many things I want to see and that I want to show them!
PJ
I would love to be teaching by 9/1 but finding a teaching job around here is hard especially in my line (Criminal Justice). I can teach History but that’s not my passion and I don’t know how well I’d be able to teach something I’m not excited about! I would also love to be pregnant by 9/1 – we have been TTC for over 3 years now after losing our last baby girl at 30 weeks. There is nothing medically wrong with either of us so my Dr is stumped comsidering I had 2 within 18 months of each other. We keep praying and hoping.
Amanda – I’m sorry about the loss of your daughter. I know how painful that is. I pray that God’s timing for you is perfect and that he gives you peace (and a teaching job!)
PJ
I would like to be able to see myself improve and accomplish my goals as a dancer. I hope to accomplish getting all my frustration out and try to live my life with happiness for as long as I can by September 1st.
Jenny – that’s a great goal. Have joy and peace in your life makes everything else possible.
PJ
I loved reading the others’ goals on here, it is very inspiring! My family and I just recently moved in with my parents, due to financial reasons. We both had lost our jobs, and are currently jobless. My goal (I should say OUR goal) is to be working by September 1st…hopefully sooner! Thank goodness for my parents, or else we would be homeless. We want self-sufficiency ASAP!
We moved in with my parents for 3 months when we relocated from Virginia to New Jersey and waited on the closings of our houses. I was so thankful for it, but it wasn’t easy! I hope you both get jobs that you love quickly!
PJ
Wow! There are a lot of lofty goals here. I have two goals, one is to exercise at least 3x/wk so I can lower my blood pressure and not require more medicine. Two is to start working on my unfinished quilt projects so I can complete a few instead of continually starting new projects. When I was younger I never had any problem with weight or exercise and even completed the New York marathon. So the best thing would be to continue exercising throughout your life and not “slide” or stop.
I have always said that it is so not fair how quickly your muscles forget what they know. If I take even a week off from exercise, I have to decrease so much! And the older I get, the worse it is! So, yep! I second your advice!!
PJ
I noticed I do better when I make a list whether it is chores or goals. Lol now I know why!
I do it! It seems so obvious now. LOL
PJ
I love reading these posts also, very inspiring. My ultimate goal would be to go back to school and get my graduate degree in art. A year and a half ago, i got my bachelors degree in art then found a full time job where i was currently work during college. I have been focused on that, and neglected my goals in art. By Sept. 1st I’m going to start an art project.
Thanks PJ
You’re welcome!! I’d love to see a photo of your project when it is all finished!!
PJ
Inspiring post, writing goals down is known to have an effect on achieving them.
Thanks!
PJ
I was praying one day and asked God to give me something to help the people I know learn His word. I don’t have a lot of money, so, donations don’t always work for me. The Lord answered my prayer. Every week, I TRY, to send out an Old Testament verse and a New Testament verse. . Sometimes it just seem like to much to do, but I know I’m just being lazy.
My goal is not to be lazy in sending out the verses because you never know who will need one.
That’s an awesome thing for you to do! And I’m sure God is using them in people’s lives. 🙂
PJ
Ineed and want to loose weight. I kept putting it off & putting it off – now my niece’s wedding in Colorado is exactly one month away. Regardless, I need to change my life style immediately for health reasons and will try to accomplish that starting today! Thanks PJ!
I hope you can make your goals! And that the wedding (and the post) really gave you the push you needed!
PJ
Like you, I too, would like to be a published author. I have been writing for several years but have never taken it to the next level. Not knowing how has been a stumbling block or at least the rational I have been using. I am encouraged by your blog. My goal is to learn the pathway to becoming published. First steps, then second steps, and so on. Thank you for vulnerability in sharing your goals for writing. I have no doubt that you will achieve your goal.
I think it has never been easier to become a published author and get your book into people’s hands. I wish us both success! 🙂
PJ
Inspiring post! I’ve always wanted to have my etsy store (etsy.com/shop/theyellowwarbler) be my part-time job during school, and full-time job after. I think it’s feasible to aim to have the front page filled with items by September 1st.
You can do that! It sounds like a great goal and etsy is a wonderful way to get started!
PJ
I have “clutter” issues and I have a goal to have an organized home that is ready to put on the market by spring 2013 (praying housing prices will rise “enough” to make it financially feasible). My goal for Sept 1 is to have my pantry and linen closet organized/painted and prettified. Additionally, I want to have sewed up [completed] enough craft projects that my stash of fabrics/notions can be comfortably housed in containers I already own.
That’s awesome!! We’ll be trying to sell our house in 2013 as well, so I’ll join you in praying that housing prices continue to rise!
PJ
Now that I have sighned up for this I truly enjoy the post .My husband and I are in our next season of life we will be married going on thirty years . We are looking for more property and want to build a self sufficent log home that will be easy for us to care for.
I love log homes. I wanted to build one but Jim told me no. Maybe someday. LOL I hope you get yours built soon! And awesome job on the 30 years!!!
PJ
I too have the desire to be published, I think. As long as I can remember I have loved to write. Something about the act of manipulating words to serve my purpose brings me a thrill every time. It really doesn’t matter what the subject, the thrill is there. Problem is I don’t feel like I have “publishing” worthy ideas and self doubt inevitably creeps in rendering my writing hand crippled. I think I should modify my goal, perhaps I should just write for joy and see what comes to my page. I’m going to add this to my prayer list and listen harder for what God has planned for me. Thanks PJ for this blog post, my writing hand aches for a purpose and hopefully I’m a little closer to giving it one.
It sounds like you’re definitely being too critical. If it is something that matters enough for you to write about, than I think that is publishing worthy. But I agree – write for yourself and see what happens. 🙂
PJ
Great Post!
I try! 😉
PJ
Oh my! The car scenario is so true. This has happened to me every time I’ve bought a different car.
I laughed when I read about that also.
PJ
My goal is to lose and keep off 20 pounds. My goal by Sept. 1 is to lose 5 pounds. Thanks for the push.
I love that you added the “keep off 20” pounds part. That shows that you’re serious. You can do this!!
PJ
I’ve always dreamed of being able to sell the crafts and other things that I make to help out with our household budget. My husband is currently in seminary and our budget is really tight. Right now, my short-term goal is to make enough things to sell at a Christmas craft fair in October.
Good for you. I assume you’ve heard of etsy? It only costs 20 cents to list an item, so that might be something to consider if you start to produce a lot.
PJ
My ultimate goal is to have a my own private acupuncture practice. Because of one thing or another, I have not been able to secure my own office space to start my practice. I have decided to have my own office space AND be practicing by September 1. Thanks for sharing your goal with us. The word “IMPOSSIBLE” has the words “I’M POSSIBLE” in it so I know you can be a best selling author!
Thanks for the support, Brenda! It means a lot. Good for you – you can find something. I hope that it is a huge success for you!
PJ
I like the thought of journaling especially goals and commit them to God.
Thanks PJ
I do too. It shows God that I’m serious about it. 🙂
PJ
Hi! The Magic Pencil Project is all about bringing the magic to life! If you believe in magic, tell us #IfIHadTheMagicPencil I would _______ See what we have to say: http://www.magicpencilproject.com/
I don’t believe in magic, but I do belive in the magic of words! 🙂 PJ