In a guest post on Writers Helping Writers, Jordan Kantey offers tips to help you reach your writing goals. “The joy of having finished a draft is one of writing’s great pleasures, yet to get there, you need to set – and find ways to keep – writing goals,” he says. His tips include:
- Build Small Habits for Replicable Wins. Break your big goals down into smaller, achievable pieces. If your schedule won’t accommodate lengthy writing sessions, start with fifteen or thirty minute increments.
- Attach Writing to Things You Do by Default. “Stack” your habits and create rewards. Set a small, achievable writing goal, and attach a stretch goal. If you reach your smaller goal – say, fifteen minutes of writing – see if you can keep going for an extra fifteen.
- Find Accountability Partners. Surrounding yourself with people who share your goals and want to create similar habits and lifestyles is a major key to achieving results. Studies have shown that individuals whose peers exercise and eat healthfully have an easier time sticking to their own health plans. You can create a similar community around your writing goals.
- Write Your Goals Down and Track Your Progress. Set realistic goals with a specific measure and set a time limit.
- Stay Open to Revising Your Writing Goals. A goal is only as good as it works. Don’t be afraid to adjust your goals as you make progress or hit setbacks. Your writing shouldn’t be a source of stress or pressure.
