Setting Writing Goals – Keeping it Simple

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

The new year is a chance to start anew. It’s when people make resolutions. Many people set goals. So, today we are going to discuss writing goals.

You may have already set yours. That’s awesome. If not, it’s never too late (and certainly doesn’t have to be at the beginning of the year) to set some good goals for your writing. And I’ll keep it simple for you!

There are a lot of different types of goals that pertain to writing:

• Improvement – honing your craft and research
• Writing – what you want to achieve as a writer
• Publication – when and how
• Marketing – your strategy and plans

Now, when setting these goals, you have to consider these particulars:

• How much time can you devote to writing and all it involves?
• Are the goals specific? Don’t be vague—get into the details.
• Are the goals realistic? If not they will only cause frustration.
• Have you set little goals that lead up to a big goal?
• Are the goals your own or are you trying to keep pace with someone else?
• Have you given your goals deadlines? No deadline, no finish!
• Are you really committed to these goals?

Once you’ve set goals and honed the specifics, there are a few other items you need to take into account:

• Distractions – sometimes they are out of your control and sometimes you can set goals to eliminate them
• Rewards – when a goal is achieved, celebrate and reward yourself
• Disappointments – sometimes a goal is missed, but it’s not the end of the world—just reset the goal and don’t beat yourself up

As promised, simple! Setting writing goals isn’t brain surgery, but they have to come from both the heart and the brain. You need passion but you also need common sense.

So, set goals in those areas, consider those particulars, and take into account those final items. And believe you can achieve them.

After all, you’re the creator of worlds, wielder of the mighty pen—you can make anything happen!

What specific goals will you be setting this year?