Goals for 2026?

I know, I know, I'm a month late. But in all honesty, how many of us really know what we truly want to accomplish for a whole year right at the beginning? Well, not me. That was for sure. At least nothing that doesn't ooze with cliche's. Anyways, it took me a couple months of recalibration and reflection to figure out what I wanted to focus on. Those things included, finding my joy again with my creative work, and being more productive in a healthy way. It may sound odd to outsiders looking in, but once you decide to walk down the path of 'author' there are certain expectations you unconsciously impose upon your shoulders. That sadly, can result in overworking yourself, stressing, and eventually burning out on what you loved in the first place. Not a great place to be.

So, a healthy amount of last year I took some steps back and focused on writing when inspiration struck rather than beating myself over not being disciplined. It turns out, that is what I needed. I took time for me. I wrote some short stories centered around humorous family stories. Spent time with family and friends. Even found a hobby or two that I had neglected in recent years in pursuit of the whole writer/podcaster thing. I gave myself permission to do nothing. To be bored. To play. Let my mind wander. Percolate on ideas that roll around my head like loose batteries in the junk drawer. It was wonderful.

However, as the end of the year came and went, I decided I wanted to get back into the swing of things. Center my attention on tackling projects. Not just in general but approach it in a smarter more effective way. That way came in the form of, to my surprise, writing all my projects down on paper. Then prioritizing them and breaking each project into singular tasks. Finally, I tacked them on the cork board in my office where I sit every day. Let's just say, that when I am feeling overwhelmed tired, or confused on next steps, it is a wonderful tool to use. I feel like I often don't lack the energy, but the ability to aim. So, I spin and spin on making those silly decisions. Analysis paralysis, if you will. This happens ALOT when I finally sit down to choose a new show on a streaming service. A lot of looking, not a lot of actually choosing.

How's the production going? You may ask. Quite well. thankfully. With the decisions made for me on what it most important, I have busily been working on my second novel. The second book in the "Beasts of Men and Gods" series. It is titled, "Forgotten Fathers." I have miraculously knocked out a number of important small tasks and making great strides in polishing the book for its inevitable release. Exactly when it will be out. I do not know. I am shooting for this year. It has been too long since a full-blown book release, and I for one and determined and more focused than in recent years to get it out into the world to share.

Other notable projects have been releasing my short story for the fantast series on Amazon. You can now purchase the eBook online, and soon in print. Along with that, many of my short stories, released last year have already been turned into audio stories that will be released every two weeks on my YouTube channel. Finally, I have been having an absolute blast with creating artwork and world-building items for my fantasy series. Kingdom crests, beast pictures, and even a more detailed map of the great land of Ruxar, itself!

All in all, I am truly pleased with how this year is starting out. I look forward to seeing what can be accomplished in the coming months. Remember, people often overestimate what they can do in a day, but underestimate what they can accomplish in a year. Have a great month!