Most of us look ahead to the coming year–2020. This one, especially, since it is historic—number-wise, at least. 

Many of us set goals for the coming year, so I decided to clarify just what 20/20 means in relation to eyesight.

20/20 is considered “normal” vision when measured on a Snellen visual acuity chart. It is a Fighter pilot minimum. It is required to read stock quotes in the newspaper, numbers in a telephone book and (in almost all states) to drive a car without the restriction of eye-glasses on one’s license.

However, 20/20 is not perfect. 20/15 and 20/10 are even better.

Should 20/20 be our writing goal for the coming year? 

Well, if you are content to be “normal” or average, then aim for 20/20. But if you are intent on raising your game, then a goal of 20/15 or 20/10 might be worth striving for.

So, what would 20/15 or 20/10 writing look like?

Imagine exciting “show-don’t-tell” writing, colorful adjectives, stimulating conversation, vivid imagery.

Imagine superior editing, unique style, interesting characters with real depth.

You get the idea.

If our personal goal is to be the best we can be, if our writing goal is to achieve more in the coming year than in the last, then we cannot settle for average. 

We cannot be content with what we’ve achieved thus far.

We must set our sites on a “writing acuity” that will reflect excellence in the year ahead.