How to set writing goals (and work toward achieving them)

Have you thought about creating writing goals to help keep your writing on track?

Maybe you have story ideas and some characters and settings for your novel but you want accountability to make sure you take action. Maybe you just need to set a single goal to write a certain number of words each day or put aside scheduled time to stay focused.

Writing goals don’t have to be formal or normal. If traditional SMART writing goals work for you, great. But other kinds of goal-setting can help writers, new or experienced, stay on track and allow you to monitor your own personal achievements.

If you're setting writing goals, here are a few suggestions to get you started.

What does ‘success’ or ‘completion’ of the goal look like? 

Maybe your goal is simply ‘write a novel'. Or maybe you want to submit to three story contests within the next three months. Whether it’s a specific outcome or a time-based goal, decide what successful completion means to you.

Thinking about the end first helps you better measure success and set action steps that help you achieve results.

Not every goal has to be quantifiable either. Sometimes, getting yourself into a headspace where you feel ready to sit down and write, or dive into a character's backstory can be fruitful and just as important as writing 500 words in one sitting.

Be specific.

Of course, broader goals like ‘finish my novel’ are fine, but being more specific will help you measure and monitor your success in more concrete ways. You can also use smaller goals as steps to help you reach your larger objective.

For example: ‘I will write 2000 words per day’ is specific, and it sets a clear step toward the broader goal of finishing your novel. On the other hand, ‘I will write every day’ is equally valid, but it's also less structured. Choose the type of goal that provides the sort of incentive and structure you need.

A note of caution though: If you set a goal that is date-specific or overly ambitious, it may cause you more stress. For example, if circumstances interfere or prevent you from reaching that goal, give yourself freedom to make adjustments. Be mindful when you are goal setting and make sure they're achievable.

Dream big and small

Create big goals (tip: add them to your vision board if you love creating those!) and don’t be ashamed of them. Your big goal may include becoming a best-selling author, attend a major writing event, or simply to FINISH your first novel.

While dreaming big, add smaller goals too (there’s no right and wrong way to do this). A smaller goal may include writing every day or every week. It could be to sign up for a ‘how to write’ workshop or two, or maybe you want to attend a writing retreat somewhere nearby.

Set writing goals that work for you. They don’t need to look like everyone else’s. When it comes to writing, and in life, authors are creative, so channel some of that creativity, and motivation, into your goal-setting.