Like most writers, you probably have mixed emotions as we near the end of 2024. My guess is that you’ve had some great wins this year, but you’ve also had some challenges. One thing we all have in common, no matter what our specific business, is that we want the next year to be better than this one.

As I’ve examined the past year in my business and talked to lots of writers about their experiences, I’ve concluded what’s holding most of us back from the success we want:

You’re trying to do too much.

If you want to grow exponentially in 2023, stop trying to do everything. Instead, focus on what truly matters in your business. 

The answer is not trying to do more. It’s focusing on doing less. On this episode, we look at four ways to do that.

1. Determine the #1 thing you want to grow next year.

2. Be brutally honest about where you are most likely to win.

3. Maintain, eliminate, or defer everything else. 

4. Have the courage to say “no.” 

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Today’s podcast is sponsored by editor Karen Hunsanger, also known as “The Word Wizard.” I’ve worked with Karen many times, and she is your secret weapon for crafting the highest-quality book possible. Visit the link above for a free sample edit.

Today’s podcast is also sponsored by Plottr, the #1 visual book planning software for writers that helps you plan books in the same way you think. Plottr helps fiction and nonfiction authors, podcasters, speakers, and anyone creating content to organize their material and story points. Visit the link above to start your free 14-day trial.