When Not to Focus on Monthly Goals

I'm a big advocate for monthly goals, but they can cause one big problem. It's easy to focus so much on what you're supposed to make in January - going through a panicked rush in the last week when you find yourself a bit short - that you forget there's more to a year of revenue than any one period. To focus too much on what you make any given month can cause you to waste time and lose your grasp on the big picture.

Ultimately, the important thing is what you average over a quarter and, then, the year, and not every single month taken absolutely on its own. One reason is that it's difficult to turn around a significant amount that drops out of a month, as by the time you make the sale and start work, generally you will find your deadline into at least the next month. And if the amount is small, it's probably not worth diverting your attention from where your business is going overall.

If you do find yourself short, consider whether you would better take your time and work on getting assignments for larger amounts. Could you split up that shortfall and make it up over the next two or three months?

Be more flexible in your planning. Look at what you are doing per month, certainly, but also per quarter. I know some writers who combine quarterly and daily views, to make sure they're on track in the short and long terms. Personally, daily can be too widely variable for me, but if it fits your business model, then by all means use that approach as well. Whatever you do, though, remember that planning and goals are there to help you run your business and keep on track, not to run you.