Last week we ushered your new year of writing goals by talking about getting it right. I trust you’ve been able to spend some times pondering that. One of the things that will solidify that foundation is to Believe.

I’m sure you’ve had times in your life where you just believed it would come to pass. There was something inside that drove you to not be shaken in that faith. It got you out of bed in the morning and caused you to move forward step after step in search of your goal.

That belief is unshakable. It is arguably one of most powerful forces in your writing journey. You may be thinking that’s all well and good but you can’t just go through the drive thru window at the Belief store and order some. So how to you build your belief? I’m glad you asked. Here are just a few ways that will help you believe.

Remember the successes. I urge you to sit down with your journal and read through those events that went your way. Or talk to someone very close to you who can remind you of them.

Know that God is in control. Your steps are ordered by Him. That’s something you can believe in! No matter where you wind up, it will be a place prepared for you by the Creator.

Decide to believe. Did you know it’s a choice, just like deciding to be happy? You can make the decision that you’re going to believe in your abilities, your dream and your destiny.

Make it new. Yes, every morning you must decide that today you will believe. Decide to start the new day from a position of faith in your writing.

Here’s the thing. You have a lot more control than you realize. There is so much emphasis placed on tragedy in our world that it’s sometimes easy to forget that you really do have choices and control.

You can choose to be happy or sad. You can choose to write or watch a movie. You can decide to believe in your quest for publication or not. It’s simple, really. It does take practice. You have to make the conscious decision to do it without a doubt but it is well worth the effort.

If you start out this year with the determination to believe, you will set yourself up for a successful year. Go ahead. Try it. I dare you.

What do you believe right now about your dream? Share it here.

Reba J. Hoffman is a natural encourager and Member Care Coach at My Book Therapy. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Counseling and is the founder of Magellan Life Coaching (www.magellanlifecoaching.com). She is the author of Dare to Dream, a Writer’s Journal published by My Book Therapy. She also publishes a motivational and encouraging blog, FindingTrue North. Contact Reba at reba@magellanlifecoaching.com.