A new year is like a blank page, full of possibilities waiting for your ideas, your stories, and your vision. For lifestyle authors, it is the perfect moment to reflect, reset, and set intentions that will transform not just your writing life but your impact on the readers and communities you serve.
Whether you are dreaming of finishing a manuscript, expanding your platform, or sharing a message that inspires, nurtures, or uplifts, this is the time to commit to goals that truly matter. Setting author resolutions is not about pressure. It is about creating momentum, staying motivated, and building a roadmap for your best year yet.
Keep reading to discover strategies for setting meaningful, actionable goals and learn how you can turn those resolutions into recognition and opportunity with the Living Now Book Awards.
Why Setting Author Resolutions Matters
Writing is an act of transformation not only for your readers but for you as a creator. When you approach the new year with intention, you give yourself:
Focus: A clear sense of direction helps you prioritize what matters most and keeps you moving steadily toward your creative vision.
Motivation: Achieving small wins along the way creates energy and confidence and turns ambition into tangible progress.
Recognition: Preparing thoughtfully for submissions, including to the Living Now Book Awards, ensures your work is ready to shine.
Resolutions are not just boxes to check. They are opportunities to inspire, nurture growth, and contribute positively to your community through your work.
How to Set Resolutions That Transform Your Year
Here are some practical ways to turn inspiration into action:
1. Break Big Goals Into Achievable Steps
Instead of focusing on finishing an entire book, set manageable milestones. For example, plan to write a chapter per month, a round of edits per quarter, or a weekly writing target. Small, consistent progress can help keep momentum high and make even the biggest goals feel possible.
2. Expand Your Vision Beyond Writing
Author goals are not only about what you write. Make sure to leave time in your day for marketing, community engagement, speaking opportunities, or building a social media presence. Every step you take to connect with readers can help amplify your reach and strengthen your impact.
3. Schedule Submissions Strategically
Award deadlines like those for the Living Now Book Awards can sneak up fast. Make sure to set a reminder on your calendar to give yourself plenty of prep time. Preparing early ensures your work is polished, thoughtful, and ready to be recognized.
4. Celebrate Your Wins Along the Way
Acknowledging progress, big or small, keeps your energy high and your creativity flowing. After every chapter is finished or a milestone is achieved, make sure to give yourself a pat on the back. You’re one step closer to achieving your goals!
5. Stay Flexible and Reflective
The best resolutions are adaptable and not too rigid. Set reminders to review your progress regularly and adjust timelines as needed. Flexibility is the key to keeping your goals aligned with your evolving vision.
Finish the Year Empowered
Setting intentional resolutions does not just help you write more. It helps you write with purpose. Every goal you reach, every manuscript you polish, and every connection you make bring your story closer to the people who need it most. This is a friendly reminder that your work can educate, inspire, and make a difference.
Pair Your Goals With Recognition
Planning a purposeful year sets the stage for success. Recognition amplifies it. Entering the Living Now Book Awards is more than submitting a manuscript. It is an opportunity to share your message with a wider audience, gain credibility, and celebrate the meaningful impact of your work.
Think of it this way. Your resolutions drive your creative growth while awards give your work a spotlight that elevates it, builds trust with readers, and spreads your influence further. Together they create a powerful path to fulfillment, visibility, and lasting impact.
Set your goals, embrace the journey, and submit your book to the Living Now Book Awards because your story deserves to be celebrated, recognized, and shared.
