How to Set Achievable Writing Goals
Originally posted October 1, 2024.
This post is part of Prose in Progress, a seasonal series that runs every October through December to support writers through planning, drafting, and revising.
Because even your biggest ideas deserve a plan that works for you.
Staring at a blank page can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re not sure where to start, or how to set writing goals that work for you.
One of the best ways to move forward with confidence is by setting clear, achievable writing goals. Whether you’re drafting a new project, revising something older, or just trying to write more consistently, a well-set goal gives your creativity direction.
Writing a book (or even a single scene!) can feel like a massive undertaking. Goals help break it down into doable steps, so you can build momentum, track your progress, and celebrate small wins along the way. The right goals don’t just help you get organized—they keep you motivated and grounded when writing gets hard.
No matter where you are in your process, learning how to set writing goals can help you move forward—with less burnout and more clarity.
Why Writers Need Goals
Setting goals gives shape to your writing process. It brings focus to your creative time and helps you stay connected to the bigger picture: why this project matters to you.
But more than that, goals can provide reassurance on hard days, reminding you that progress isn’t always about big breakthroughs. Sometimes, it’s just about showing up with intention.
Writing goals can help you:
- sharpen your focus
- stay motivated
- track your progress
- build consistency
- move forward with intention
Whether your goal is to finish a novel, revise a tricky chapter, or write for ten minutes a day, setting clear intentions can help you stay grounded.
No matter where you are in your writing journey, intentional goal-setting can help you finish what you started—without the burnout.
The Benefits of SMART Goals for Writers
When it comes to setting writing goals that actually work, the SMART framework is a go-to for good reason. It helps you get specific about what you’re working toward without setting yourself up for overwhelm. For writers, it’s a practical way to learn how to set writing goals that are achievable—no matter your genre, schedule, or experience level.
Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense for writers.
S — Specific
Vague goals like “write more” or “finish my book” don’t offer any direction. To make real progress, you need a clear target.
Instead of “write more,” try: “I’ll write 500 words a day.”
Instead of “finish my book,” try: “I’ll complete five chapters by the end of the month.”
M — Measurable
If you can’t track it, you can’t celebrate it. Measurable goals give you proof of progress—and small wins that keep you going.
Try: “I’ll finish a rough draft of Chapter 3 by Sunday” or “I’ll write for 30 minutes each weekday.”
A — Achievable
Big dreams are great—but your goals need to fit your current life. What can you reasonably take on with the time, energy, and headspace you have?
If your week is hectic, “write 200 words a day” might be more doable (and sustainable) than aiming for 2,000.
R — Relevant
Make sure your goals align with what you actually care about. Are they helping you get closer to finishing your novel? Preparing you to publish? Supporting your writing growth?
Example: “I’ll revise my character arcs this week” or “I’ll write one query letter draft this weekend.”
T — Time-Bound
Deadlines give your goals structure. Without them, it’s easy to keep pushing things off. But make sure your timeframes are realistic—and give yourself grace.
Try: “I’ll finish my first draft by October 31” or “I’ll outline three new scenes by Friday.”
Long-Term vs. Short-Term Writing Goals
Not all goals are created equal, and they’re not supposed to be. Think of long-term and short-term writing goals as working together to help you make real progress.
Long-term goals are your big-picture milestones:
- finishing a novel
- submitting to a literary magazine
- launching a self-published book
They’re exciting, but they can also feel far away. Enter your short-term goals.
Short-term goals are the bite-sized, actionable steps that lead you toward your long-term wins:
- write 500 words a day
- revise one chapter per week
- outline a new scene before the weekend
These bite-sized goals build momentum and give you a chance to track progress in real time. And yes, you should celebrate every single one of them.
☕ Coffee Break Tip: Break your long-term goals into mini, manageable targets.
Instead of “I want to write a novel,” say “I’ll write 500 words a day for the next 10 days.”
It’s more motivating and more achievable.
🫘 Bonus Espresso Shot: Tracking short-term goals in a visible way
(like checking off daily word counts on a calendar)
gives you an instant sense of progress—and a little dopamine boost.
Creating Accountability in Your Writing Journey
Writing is often a solo act—but staying motivated doesn’t have to be. A little accountability can go a long way in helping you stay focused, follow through, and feel supported along the way.
Here are a few ways to build accountability into your writing process.
Writing Partners
Find a writing buddy or accountability partner to check in with. Whether it’s a quick weekly email, a daily check-in on Discord, or a shared spreadsheet, a little outside encouragement can keep you moving forward.
Public Declarations
Share your writing goals with a group or community on social media, in a local writers’ circle, or even with a small group chat. When others know your goals, you’re more likely to stick with them.
Progress Trackers
Use a bullet journal, a spreadsheet, or your favorite writing app to track your goals. There’s something incredibly motivating about watching your progress build over time.
☕ Coffee Break Tip: Check with your local library.
Many offer free writing groups or critique circles.
It’s a great way to stay accountable and meet other writers.
Writing Routines, Rituals, and Habits
Every writer needs a way in. Some days it’s easy to sit down and write. Other days… not so much. That’s where routines, rituals, and habits can help.
They’re all tools to support your creativity, but each one works a little differently.
A writing routine is a consistent pattern, like writing every morning from 7 to 8 am, or setting aside Sunday afternoons for revising.
Routines help you create dedicated space for your writing, even if life gets chaotic. They make it easier to show up… even on the days you don’t feel like it.
A habit is a routine that becomes second nature. When you build a writing habit, it takes less energy to get started. You just do it.
Research suggests it takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit. So start small, and be kind to yourself as you build consistency.
A writing ritual is something small and meaningful that signals, It’s time to write.
Light a candle. Brew a cup of coffee. Put on a playlist that gets your creativity flowing or focuses your mind. Rituals help ease the transition into your writing zone and make the process feel intentional—and maybe even a little magical.
🔥 Reality Roast: Not every day will go to plan.
Some days the words will flow. Others, not so much.
That doesn’t mean you’ve failed or that you’re not a “real writer.”
Writing is a practice.
You can trust your routines to carry you through the off days
and your creativity to show up again when it’s ready.
Your Writing Journey, Your Way
Start by setting writing goals that reflect your process—not someone else’s. Whether you thrive on word counts or prefer a looser rhythm, developing writing routines and habits that suit your life makes all the difference. Staying grounded in what works for you is what will help you reach “The End”—on your terms.
Start small.
Celebrate often.
And remember: you don’t have to follow anyone else’s rules to be a “real” writer.
Want tools to help you reach your writing goals?
Prose in Progress is my seasonal series for fiction writers, running every October through December. When it’s in session, you’ll get writing tips, encouragement, and free downloadable tools like goal-setting worksheets and progress trackers delivered straight to your inbox.
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