In preparation for watching the first of Peter Jackson’s three Hobbit adaptations, I recently re-read Tolkien’s (surprisingly slim) book about Bilbo Baggins’ adventures. I was struck by what an unlikely hero Bilbo is, perfectly happy in his cosy little Hobbit hole with no inclination to leave. He isn’t motivated by the treasure, or the companionship, but primarily agrees to go on the quest because his pride is hurt. He’s cross to overhear the others referring to him as a “little fellow” who looks “more like a grocer than a burglar” so enters the room determined to prove himself. And, while Tolkien tells us Bilbo later curses his stupid pride on many occasions, he never really regrets his adventure.

As this month marks the 200th anniversary of another classic British novel, Pride & Prejudice, I’ve been thinking about pride and whether it's always a bad thing.

When I first considered leaving my own Hobbit hole and venturing across the world on a volunteering expedition, the idea scared me as much as it excited me. There came a point where I knew if I didn’t start telling people about it there was a chance I might chicken out. So I told you all about it in a column. I still have the occasional uneasy moment – Dig your own toilet! Can’t wear contact lenses! – but I’m too proud to back out now; I have something to prove to myself.

Pride can be an excellent motivator and a powerful tool when harnessed in the right way. In my creative-careers coaching sessions last year at the IdeasTap Spa, we were encouraged to set goals then share them with at least two other people. In the next session we discussed how this had gone. Most of us found it extremely hard, because once we told people we were going to do something, we knew we really had to do it! Some people realised they’d set unrealistic targets for themselves – sometimes it’s easier to lie to yourself than others – and were able to revise them into achievable goals before sharing them.

So if you’ve made some New Year’s resolutions or, like me, set yourself a career or creative goal, don’t keep it to yourself! Confide in friends or family members, set up a blog to record your progress or post updates on Twitter or Facebook. Just be sure to give yourself clear targets to hit by specific deadlines. If you succeed, take pleasure in your achievements. Should you try and fail, be proud that you put in the effort. As Kirsty Logan said, “Risking failure is the only way to succeed, and taking risks is more fun than doing the same old crap again and again.”

Granted, there are pitfalls to avoid – never be too proud to ask for help, and don’t allow pride to push you into playing fast and loose with your physical or mental health. But make your pride work for you and, just like Bilbo Baggins, you might surprise yourself.

Share your 2013 goals in the comments below...

More Daisy:

…on creative culture shock

…on celebrating chaos

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