Happy New Year!
Today, as the world collectively turns the page, I find myself reflecting on the same dream I’ve been nurturing for six years—publishing a novel. A new year is the ideal time to reset and refocus, but this year, instead of setting rigid resolutions, I’m focusing on intentions. Why? Because they align with my values, creating a path forward that feels sustainable and fulfilling.
I often imagine life after achieving my dream. In one version, I’m promoting my debut novel on NPR’s Fresh Air or the podcast, Debutiful, deep in conversation with the host about my journey. It’s my fantasy, so I imagine saying exactly what I mean, sharing laughs, and feeling uplifted. As the conversation winds down, the host asks, “What’s one piece of advice you’d give to new writers?”
“That’s a great question, and one I’ve thought about a lot,” I’d reply, because it is. “There are so many things I wish I’d known when I started, but the biggest surprise was how much patience is required to sustain this dream.”
There are notes for my current project that date back to 2016, but the novel’s journey began in earnest on Nov. 29, 2020. If my intentions go according to plan, this is the year I’ll finish revising, find an agent, and sell my novel, which is released on the first day of summer in 2027.
I’ve learned that reaching my goals takes far longer than I expect. Each January, I wake up with the same dream: to write and publish a novel. Instead of frustration over how long it’s taking, I ground myself in values—my beliefs and principles that guide how I want to live. These values shape my intentions, and my intentions shape my year.
Self-Autonomy: Trusting My Vision
One of my core values is self-autonomy, trusting myself to create and follow my own path. As India.Arie sings in her empowering anthem Just Do You:
“If you create the game
Then you create the rules
And if you just be you
There's no way you can lose.”
This song reminds me to trust my vision and the work that comes from it. When I write, I immerse myself in the creative process, trusting what comes and knowing I can refine it later. Feedback from others is valuable, but it comes after I’ve shaped the story into something true to my imagination. In those quiet moments when it’s just me and my pen, I honor my autonomy by giving myself the freedom to create without judgment. This sense of independence makes my work authentic and uniquely mine.
Fun: Finding Joy in the Process
Writing is hard work, but I believe it can also be fun. Not just lighthearted fun, but joy that sparks energy and creativity. For me, that’s “Jason Momoa fun.” I keep a screenshot on my desk of him on Jimmy Kimmel Live, strutting confidently across the stage before stripping down to a traditional Hawaiian malo to promote his miniseries Chief of War. His confidence and joy radiate so strongly that I printed the image and wrote, “This much fun” on it as a reminder to approach my work with that same unbridled enthusiasm. When I’m writing, I aim to have that much fun.
Joy comes in surprising ways—like sketching a character’s misbelief, refining a plot twist, or even enjoying the ritual of sharpening a pencil. When the process feels overwhelming, I look at Jason Momoa’s exuberance and remember to embrace my work with enthusiasm and playfulness.
Self-Care and Kindness: Nourishing Myself and Others
Self-care is another cornerstone of my intentions, and for me, it’s deeply tied to kindness. Taking care of myself is an act of kindness that sustains my creativity, allowing me to show up more fully for others. I’ve learned that writing four hours a day, five days a week is my sweet spot. Pushing beyond that leads to sleepless nights and burnout—places I’ve been before and refuse to revisit.
To stay balanced, I make space in my day for rest and play. Naps recharge my body, hikes clear my mind, and connecting with friends or training my puppy recharge me. These moments of care keep me grounded, ensuring that I have the energy to show up with kindness for others and in my writing. In my novel, acts of kindness transform my protagonist into a better version of herself. It’s a reminder that kindness, whether toward others or ourselves, is reciprocal.
If you need help identifying your values, which can be transformative, providing clarity and purpose in your decisions, download the PDF Applied Guidance for Dreamchasers to explore ten actions you can take to discover your core values. Download A Dreamchaser’s List of 100 Values to pinpoint which values encapsulate your spirit and principles.
By making time to contemplate these steps, you can determine what matters most to you, prioritize your values, and chase dreams in alignment with your true self.
Living With Intention
As I look ahead to another year of pursuing my dream, I’m reminded that professional intentions rooted in personal values are what sustain me. They’re what allow me to show up for the work, trust my vision, and enjoy the process.
So, here’s to another year of self-autonomy, joy, and kindness. Here’s to aligning our dreams with what matters most. And here’s to pursuing them with as much Jason Momoa-level fun as we can evoke.
What are your intentions for the new year? Which values guide your dreams? I’d love to hear how you’re aligning your goals with what matters most to you. Drop a comment below and let’s keep the conversation going! Your insights might inspire someone else on their journey. 🌟
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