How to Set Writing Goals You'll Actually Achieve
Are you struggling to set writing goals you actually achieve? Aspiring authors often find themselves in a loop of setting ambitious goals only to abandon them halfway through. But fear not, I'm here to walk through the process of setting and achieving realistic writing goals.
Clarify Your Intentions:
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of goal setting, let's first get clear on our intentions. I prefer using the term "intentions" over "goals" because it feels softer and more empowering. I’m an ex-corporate girlie who still fears those quarterly goals. :) Think about what you want to achieve with your writing. Whether it's completing a novel, finishing an outline, or polishing edits, write down your intentions and the reasons behind them. Understanding your WHY will keep you motivated during those inevitable moments of self-doubt and resistance.
Make Your Goals SMART:
Now that you've identified your writing intentions, it's time to make them SMART. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound. Avoid vague goals like "write a book" and instead opt for specific targets with deadlines. Aim to finish the first draft of your book by a certain date or commit to writing a certain number of words per week. For example, a goal might be “I will finish the first draft of my book by August 1st, 2025.” By making your goals SMART, you'll have a clear roadmap for success.
Address Potential Barriers:
Reflect on past obstacles that may have hindered your writing progress. Whether it's life commitments, self-doubt, or procrastination, acknowledging these challenges is the first step toward overcoming them. Identify strategies to navigate potential roadblocks and stay accountable to your goals. This could involve setting aside dedicated writing time, finding an accountability partner, or joining writing communities for support.
Ready, Set, Action:
With your SMART goals in place and potential barriers addressed, it's time to take action. Break down your goals into smaller, actionable steps and prioritize them based on their importance. Whether it's scheduling writing sessions in your calendar, setting up a writing space, or establishing a daily word count target, commit to taking one proactive step toward achieving your goals this week. Remember, progress is incremental, so celebrate each milestone along the way.
Embrace Imperfection:
Finally, embrace imperfection and be kind to yourself throughout this process. Writing is a journey filled with ups and downs, and it's okay to veer off course occasionally. What matters most is your commitment to showing up and putting in the work, even on the tough days. So go ahead, make those big moves toward your writing dreams, and remember to enjoy the process along the way.
Setting and achieving writing goals is a transformative process that requires dedication, resilience, and self-reflection. By clarifying your intentions, making SMART goals, addressing potential barriers, and taking consistent action, you'll be well on your way to realizing your writing aspirations. So go ahead, write that novel, finish that outline, and embark on your literary journey with joy. And hey, don't forget to celebrate your victories along the way!
