How to Create Effective Writing Goals
As this year begins to wind down, we're all starting to think about our goals for 2024. Is writing a book one of your goals for the New Year? Keep reading!
It’s November and with 2024 fast approaching, it’s natural to start thinking about setting goals for the future. As a writer, you may already be thinking about what you want to achieve with your writing over the next year.
Goal setting is an important tool in any writer's toolbox and can help to keep you motivated, focused, and on track. In today’s article, we’ll explore two types of goal-setting approaches— project-based goals and S.M.A.R.T. goals—and provide some tips on creating effective writing goals.
Project-Based Writing Goals
If you want to focus your attention on a singular writing project goal for the next year, try creating goals that directly correlate to your project. Here are some ideas to be successful with setting and achieving your project-based writing goals.
Answer This Question
To set project-based writing goals, you need to start by asking yourself, “What does writing success mean to me?” This question will help you to identify why you are setting certain goals and what you hope to achieve.
Speak About Your Writing Goals with Positive Terms
Try using positive terms when speaking about your writing goals, such as “I get to write 500 words today” as opposed to “I won’t procrastinate on my writing today.”
Set Goals You Can Control
It's important to set goals that you control because it’s not always possible to achieve results if you’re dependent on the actions of others. For example, if your goal is to get published by a certain date, you’re not in control of the publication process. Instead, set goals that you can control, such as writing a certain number of words each day.
Set a Stretch Goal
Setting a stretch goal is another effective way to make sure you’re always pushing yourself to achieve more. A stretch goal is a goal that is beyond what you think is possible. It’s challenging but not out of the realm of achievable.
Have a Recovery Goal in Place
Setting a recovery goal is also important to consider. A recovery goal is a contingency plan in case you fall behind on your goals. For example, if you plan to write 500 words a day, but miss a day, your recovery goal could be to write 1,000 words the following day.
Work Backward from an End Date
To make sure you’re on track with your goals, work backward from an end date. For example, if you want to finish your manuscript in six months, work backward to figure out how many words you need to write each day to achieve that goal.
Hold Yourself Accountable
You also need to hold yourself accountable for your writing goals. Create a reward system to celebrate hitting specific milestones. You can also tell someone else about your goals, so they can regularly check in on your progress, or set up a writing group so several of you can give and receive support.
Revisit Your Goals Often
Regularly revisiting your goals is important to make sure you’re on track and adjusting them as necessary. Write out your goals and place them in a spot where you will see them every day. Many people like to write their goals on a sticky note and place it on their bathroom mirror.
Develop a Daily Writing Habit
Our last tip for setting project-based writing goals is to develop a daily writing habit. Having a specific time set aside each day to write turns your writing into a habit. The stronger your writing habit, the more likely you are to reach your writing goals.
S.M.A.R.T. Writing Goals
S.M.A.R.T. is an acronym for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time limited. When creating S.M.A.R.T. goals, you need to consider each of these components.
Specific
Specific goals are clearly defined and leave no room for interpretation. For example, “I will write 500 words a day” is specific, whereas “I will write more” is not specific.
Measurable
Measurable goals are quantifiable and can be tracked. For example, “I will write for one hour each day” is measurable.
Achievable
Achievable goals are realistic and attainable. Setting goals that are too difficult to achieve can be demotivating. For example, “I will write a novel in a week” is not achievable.
Relevant
Relevant goals are important and aligned with your overall writing goals. For example, if your goal is to write a novel, setting a goal to write one poem a day is not relevant.
Time-Limited
Time-limited goals have a set deadline. For example, “I will finish my novel by June 1” is time limited.
By setting S.M.A.R.T. goals, you can ensure that your writing goals are well-defined and achievable. You can also track your progress and hold yourself accountable.
Conclusion
Setting effective writing goals is an important tool in any writer's toolbox. By setting project-based goals or S.M.A.R.T. goals, you can stay motivated, focused, and on track. Remember to regularly revisit your goals, hold yourself accountable, and develop daily writing habits. With these tips, you can create effective writing goals that will help you achieve writing success.
Upcoming article: Author Interview with Doris Baez
Have a productive writing week 🖊️
If you’re finding this newsletter valuable, share it with a friend or on social media!