It is a law of the universe: Assistance must always be given to those who request it.” Oprah Winfrey

Frank Somma is a highly successful salesman, motivational speaker, and friend of my good friend and mentor, Rob Gilbert. Frank shares inspiring, insights on his site: FrankSomma.com. In an online post, he talked about a simple, but powerful idea: creating a motto that captured his goals.

What a wonderful motivational tool! It’s inspired me to ponder a personal writing motto for this upcoming year — an intention that I want to keep front and center throughout 2021.

Here’s the touchstone phrase I came up for myself: “Onto Publication!” It expresses exactly the mindset right now. I’m going to write it on a card and keep it in my office so I’ll see it every day.

I’ve found that setting an intention for a specific project or a writing session, can be very powerful: It’s amazing how a simple tool like this can help focus and galvanize you. And, given the power of words, putting your intention in writing gives it greater strength: To me, it’s a way of asking the universe for assistance.

How about you? Why not create a writing motto of your own — one that will inspire you to achieve your major goal over the next 12 months? Once you have it, put it where you’ll see it every day: on your computer, your desk, your iPhone, on an index card in your wallet.

Or here’s a simpler idea — just pick one word that inspires you: Creativity, Abundance, Joy. Whatever quality you want to bring to your writing over the next year, sum it up in a single word and use it as your personal touchstone.

As we move into the New Year, let’s capture our intentions for making it a joyful, fulfilling creative experience. Write on!