Hello chopsuey.
You said some things to which I need to respond:
1. "First, I have no ideals. Cause the moment you have ideals Maverick, you've conditioned the mind to think one way."
I don't know exactly what you mean by that. Are you saying that having an ideal (or ideals) limits one's thinking to other possibilities that one might not otherwise think of? If so, then I can say firsthandedly that having an ideal (or ideals) actually expands the mind. It all depends, of course, on one's level of awareness in regard to interrelated conditions - and that the integration and application of same CAN be made (or achieved) into a real, relevant, concrete and practical benefit to the human condition. I think that the greater the relationship one can see among many different factors, the greater that individual's chances are of making his or her ideal(s) a reality, because one's resourcefulness is extended toward applying same in many directions. Again, this is true so long as such a goal(s) are kept on the path of reality and are not just free floating thoughts without form or structure or purpose or practical use.
2. "That's great if things go right but what happens when you come to cross roads."
In the pursuit of anything worthwhile, one is sure to encounter crossroads. If delays get in the way in the acheivement of one's ideal, one has to take a look at how to best counteract same, find the best approach that works and keep pursuing and never give up. To me crossroads are just that - temporary delays. I never look to or let external circumstances get in the way of what I know I'm capable of achieving. So long as what's held in my mind is capable of being achieved by a human being and through existing resources, I'm not bothered by it.
3. "My view is that, have a goal, take action towards it, and then tell yourself you've already got it. Its working backwards, hope that make sense?"
You're right! However, to me, a goal is an ideal - something that one looks forward to having and seeing come to fruition in the future. It provides a motivation to keep going forward. The only difference is whether such a goal/ideal is short or long term. The more sophisticated or complex the goal, the larger and more far reached, time-consuming (and long term) it will be to accomplish. In the meantime, however, small steps can be taken to achieve short term ideals, which can be used as a ladder toward reaching higher one's.
As for your writing and and your desire to have your work published, your best bet is to focus on the quality and content of your writing and then work like thunder to do your very damndest best. Then let the chips fall where they may. Wanting to get your work published is fine but your primary thoughts should be on the excellency and value of your writing; on saying something new, of interest and that's exciting (or of putting a unique twist to an already established genre of writing [you said your interest is in comedic writing]). That which is new and exciting is sure to draw interest. If possible, make what you write something that doesn't just fade out with the current fads of the time, and - instead - is something that's applicable, relevanat and valuable to the human condition.
If you thrive on writing, can think of nothing else but doing so and take your work very seriously, chances are you'll succeed more than most.
With that said, one of my goals is to prove the scientific basis of reincarnation and that people's lives are not an accident. But, in addition to that, I seek to show how people can best take advantage of abilities and resources toward achieving the greatness within themselves - to be a life coach consultant to others. In preparation for same, I'm currently building a website that provides an enormous storehouse of knowledge drawn from various disciplines and that shows how humans can take better advantage of their own realities toward bringing out the extraordinary in everyday life circumstances.
In closing, let me extend much success in the optimum use of our creative ideas, talents and in achieving our desired ends/goals/ideals.
Maverick_Entity