It’s a brand-new year, and we all know what that means: New Year’s resolutions! After we’ve shed our Christmas sweaters and retired our trees, we can gear up for a fresh start. If you’re a writer, you probably have some kind of writing productivity goals on your list. You might want to finally start your book, get your ideas down on paper, or carve out some time from your busy schedule to write.
But any writing project can feel daunting, and if you’re anything like me, you might get easily overwhelmed by a looming task or ambitious goal. We have these great ideas, but how do we make them a reality?
These six actionable tips will help you prioritize and reach your writing goals while avoiding the dreaded February fatigue.
1. Reflect on the Past Year
Take a moment to think about this past year. What made it difficult to prioritize your writing goals? What got in the way of you starting your book? What obstacles did you run into?
For me? I’m often guilty of getting excited about an idea, then making a goal that’s too big to reasonably reach. This usually sends me into burnout and disappointment. Once you’ve figured out your own common pitfalls and obstacles, write them down. If you know what might get in your way, you can do your best to plan around it.
Then, reflect on what went well. Think of your best success story when it comes to reaching your goals. What helped you get there?
A personal list of goal-making dos and don’ts will help you make resolutions that work for you.
2. Make SMART Writing Goals
So, what makes a goal good or bad? Like I mentioned before, a “bad” goal might be one that’s too big. If your writing goal is too ambitious, vague, or hard to measure, then it’ll be really hard to keep up with it.
Good goals should be:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
For example, maybe your goal is to write an entire book this year. This goal is too vague, and it might not be attainable. It doesn’t specify how you’re going to do it, nor does it break your goal into measurable steps.
Instead, start with a goal like this one: “Write a 1,000-word introduction by this Saturday.” This goal is specific, measurable, and attainable. Once you have a few good goals, don’t forget to write them down!
3. Create a Writing Schedule
One of the most valuable tools for reaching your writing productivity goals is a writing schedule. Let’s say your end goal is to finish your book this year. On its own, this goal is too big. But you can use a writing schedule to organize your smaller goals.
To create a writing schedule for the year:
- Decide on your end date. When do you want to reach your end goal?
- Determine a few key milestones. For example, your milestones could be to finish a complete outline of your book by the end of January, write your first chapter in February, and so on.
- Break your milestones into actionable, measurable steps. Set weekly and daily goals that specify how many words to write, how long to write, and when you’ll write.
Create a physical copy of your writing schedule and keep it somewhere visible. Seeing your goals daily can motivate you to stay on track.
4. Stay Accountable to Your Writing Productivity Goals
An often-forgotten part of making and keeping goals is accountability. It can be a game-changer for staying motivated.
Ask someone to hold you accountable for your goals; it could be your spouse, a family member, or a friend. Have them check in with you regularly. Share your writing successes and struggles with them.
Some writers even take to social media to share their progress and updates on their books. Whether it’s online or in person, having a support system can make all the difference.
5. Join a Writing Group for Support
For a writer, there’s no better support system than a group of fellow writers. Consider joining a local writing group or an online community. Writing groups are great for:
- Exchanging ideas and feedback
- Staying motivated
- Learning how others set and achieve writing goals
Being part of a writing community can provide a reliable sounding board for your ideas and a source of inspiration. Staying connected with other writers—or even reading their work—can help you stay on track with your goals.
6. Be Patient and Celebrate Small Wins
It’s hard to predict how your goals will pan out, so don’t be too hard on yourself—especially when life throws you a curveball.
Evaluating and adjusting your goals is a normal part of the writing process. Check your writing schedule regularly and make sure it’s still working for you. If you aren’t progressing as planned, that’s okay! Adjust your goals to make them more attainable.
And don’t forget to celebrate your wins—no matter how small! Decide how you’ll treat yourself whenever you reach a goal. For me, the bigger the goal, the bigger the celebration. These rewards can give you an extra boost of motivation to keep going.
Final Thoughts
Follow these tips, and you’ll be more than ready for a fresh start and a productive year of writing. With the right mindset, a solid writing schedule, and a support system, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.
Need more help reaching your writing productivity goals? Use the 1-3-5 Rule to start meeting and exceeding your goals today! Good luck, and happy writing!
