Goal Setting Without Fear

By Peg Brantley

One of my favorite sayings is "It doesn't matter where you start out. What matters is where you end up."

Are you ready to plan your route to the finish line? Do you know what that looks like for you?

And what happens if you fail?

That's the simple question. Here's the simple (though not always easy) answer. You start over. You pick up where you left off. You change the idea of failure to one of education. You understand you're that much further ahead.

But what about setting goals in the first place?

Before I throw out some strategies to think about, think about this first: carefully consider that the goals you are setting are what you want to accomplish, not what someone else thinks you should accomplish. Do not set your goals based on the expectations of others, or just because they sound good.

Man, it took me forever to figure that one out. (I'm such an approval seeker—or at least I used to be.) Sheeshkabobalino.

Most of us have heard about SMART goals. This is a great tool to keep in mind when you're sitting down to start clarifying what you want to achieve. Make each goal as Specific as possible. Details. Make them Measurable. Quantify what you're going for. Think carefully about whether or not each goal is truly Achievable. Are they Reasonable? And are they Timely?

Here's where I think people can get tripped up—your goals must be consistent with your values—without conflict. Not only must you look at where your heart is, you need to understand what makes it tick. For example, if your heart is set on getting that huge promotion, but you value time with your family, you need to make sure you can accomplish both. If not, which are you willing to sacrifice? Conflict will surely impact both goals, and your quality of life will suffer.

Another piece is to strive for balance in your life. Set goals for all six areas: Family, Spiritual, Social, Career, Physical, Educational. Don't pump up one area at the expense of another—and don't forget to check for conflict.

When you write your goals down (and that in itself is important) write them in the positive rather than the negative. Our subconscious minds focus on the written word. Make it good. Rather than saying, "At the end of the year, I don't want to still be writing my novel", say "At the end of the year, I will have a completed novel ready to be shopped." And of course, be detailed. Even to the point of recording how you will FEEL when that happens.

Take an assessment. Check your heart—your values. And take a chance on writing down some goals for 2013 (assuming we make it past the end of the world). If you fail, you're no further behind, and maybe even a little ahead. But if you succeed? Zowie.


(This post was originally published in Suspense Novelist, updated for the comment referring to the Mayan Calendar.)

An old dog needs no new tricks

By Jenny Hilborne, author of mysteries and thrillers

I've always loved Bond movies, especially the earlier ones with Sean Connery as the smooth and sophisticated, much younger James Bond. I love all the gadgets, the speed, excitement, the fast cars.
When I went to watch Skyfall earlier this month, I wasn't sure what to expect. Bond is no longer a young man, and his superior, M, is even more silver-haired. I settled into my seat with a little concern and an open mind. Was an older super agent about to ruin my enjoyment?

Bond has been around for years. In an article posted on Reuters, I read comments on the topic of relevance, especially in a world where technology has replaced the old style sleuthing the earlier Bond used to do. I found this most interesting, because I have an aging detective in my Jackson mystery series.

When I wrote MADNESS AND MURDER, I planned it as a stand alone. I never intended to write a series - ever. I rarely read books in a series, so why write one? Then I got feedback from readers. They loved Jackson and sought his return. I wanted to give them what they requested, but I had a bit of a problem - Madness and Murder spans 20 years, which means Jackson is in his early 60's by the end of the book. How much crime-fighting life could there be left in the old dog?

Back to Bond - Daniel Craig came on the screen in Skyfall as a scruffy, unshaved, silver-streaked agent who looked closer to retirement than a new mission. Oh, dear. Where was the suave, sophisticated super spy of the past? I shifted in my seat, thought "I'm not going to like this" and pitied the older Bond. I wondered what everyone else thought - and the movie theatre was packed. The first show was a sell out and I had to wait for the second showing of the night. For everyones sake, I hoped Bond still had it.

A short way into the movie (after Bond had a shave and smartened up), I relaxed. There were fewer gadgets, fewer women, and a great plot. The show was a success and fulfilled my expectations. The older spy appeared more vulnerable, more humble, wiser, and...well, better. Far less cocky and still relevant. As mentioned in the Reuters article, older values are evident, and Bond's loyalty and courage are tested. I liked this. It was more realistic.

I realize my fictional detective is also still relevant. He honors old fashioned values, where his younger counterparts might not. Something about that is appealing. His age causes tension, but his experience more than compensates. He talks to people in person, rather than using modern technology to communicate. He may be physically less fit, but he is mentally stronger.

Older cops are more complicated, more layered, and more interesting. Weakness in a tough role adds depth to their character - a crucial element to good fiction. The dangers they face are greater. And, as with Bond, older agents can still be sexy. I'm less concerned about more stories with my aging fictional detective than I was. Even though I hadn't planned it, I see he has a future.

Readers: what's your take? Do you enjoy reading crime fiction with an older cop, an aging amateur sleuth, or an older protagonist?