It's that time of year again when we all set goals to achieve writing a book and promise to do better. We get off to a good start. We begin achieving our writing goals and we get closer and closer to writing and finishing our book, and then we stop. We get stuck. Our lives begin to get cluttered with things to do. It is so much easier to do other activities than continue writing a book that gets us out of our comfort zone.

That darn old comfort zone. It is an agonizing feeling of helplessness. We don't know what to do next. Writing and finishing a book takes longer than we thought. We start having self-doubt. "I'm too busy,” is our common excuse.

Has this happened to you? Isn't it about time we stopped all this nonsense? In order to achieve writing a book here is the list of things to do. You probably already know them all, but this will be a good reminder that you can achieve your writing goals when you use these six principles.

1. Believe it with a PASSION. You have to really want it. You must BELIEVE IT. Then you must have a plan, it's like a map, so that you know how to get there. Can you feel it, taste it, and yearn for it? You must have that passionate feeling about your subject and believe that your readers want it. Passion: Don't leave home without it.

2. Visualize the end result in your mind. Can you see it? Can you visualize your published book? What are the topics of each chapter? What does the cover look like? Make some sketches and paste them on the wall or poster board in your writing area where you can look at it every day.

3. Know your subject and take notes continuously on achieving your writing goals. Do you have a writing plan? Prepare a list of topics you will include in your book. Begin writing on each topic. On a 3x5 card write the title or keyword for Topic 1. Then continue a new 3x5 card for each topic. Carry these cards with you and make notes on the back as new thoughts come to you. Before you know it you will have great ideas for your book.

4.Repeatedly tell yourself… "I can do it.” Doubters never win. Believe in yourself. Believe in your book. This is such an easy step to do yet we sometimes fall short of being our own cheerleader. We root for everyone else but ourselves. No more! This year you will say, "I can do it.” Stay focused and keep on going.

5. No excuses. Keep your commitments. You set your writing goals. They are important to you. Be true to yourself. Stay committed. It's like competing in a race. You just keep on going, and going, and going until you reach your goal. Take the words, "I'm too busy,” out of your vocabulary. You promised you would achieve writing a book, now do it.

Get a buddy. Get a coach. You do not have to be alone in your journey. This is the year to get support. Find a trusted friend or colleague that can help you on your venture. Someone you know will support your writing goals. Return the favor by helping them with their goals. If you need to learn something new or get stuck get a coach with the expertise to move you forward.

Writing and finishing a book takes a lot of time, creativity and effort. This year promise yourself to stay focused, write everyday even if it is only for 20 minutes, and keep on going until you finish writing your book. Are you ready to achieve writing and finishing a book? Get those 3x5 cards and write your topics or keywords. Start writing on the topic that you know best. Keep on writing and never, never give up.