Setting Realistic Writing Goals: Lessons in Patience and Perseverance

As a writer, setting goals is an essential part of your creative journey. Whether you’re working on your first novel or aiming to improve your daily writing routine, setting realistic goals can make a significant difference in your progress. In this blog post, we’ll explore the art of setting achievable writing goals and the sweet lessons in patience and perseverance that come with it.

The Importance of Setting Writing Goals

Seeing Clearly in the Fog of Creativity

Ever feel like you’re wandering through a mystical forest with no GPS? Setting goals is your trusty compass. It gives your writing direction and purpose. No more aimless ramblings through the forest of your imagination!

A Friendly Push and a High-Five

Goals are like your writing BFFs. They cheer you on, give you high-fives, and sometimes, a gentle nudge when you’d rather binge-watch Netflix. Plus, when you share your goals with your writing crew, they’ll keep you accountable.

The Joy of Seeing Progress

Remember that feeling when you leveled up in your favorite video game? Setting writing goals is like that. It helps you see your progress in black and white (or should I say, ink and paper?). Tracking your word count, completed chapters, or submissions will boost your confidence and keep you inspired.

Setting Realistic Writing Goals

Baby Steps First

Don’t sprint before you can crawl. If you’re new to writing, attempting to craft a 100,000-word epic in a month is a surefire way to end up face-first in a keyboard. (I’m saying this from personal experience) Start small; maybe set a goal to write 500 words a day. When that feels like a breeze, crank it up a notch.

Be Specific

Vague goals like “write more” won’t cut it. Get Sherlock Holmes specific. For example, “Finish the first draft of my fantasy novel by December 31st” is much better. You know exactly what you’re aiming for.

Slice and Dice It

Ever tried to swallow a watermelon whole? Yeah, don’t. Break your big goals into bite-sized chunks. This makes them much more digestible and way less daunting. Especially if you’re someone who gets discouraged easily. 

Set Deadlines

Deadlines provide a sense of urgency and prevent procrastination. However, make sure your deadlines are reasonable. Rushing through your work to meet an unrealistic deadline can lead to burnout and subpar writing.

Review and Tweak

Life’s unpredictable, just like a plot twist you didn’t see coming. Review your goals regularly and be ready to adjust. Sometimes, life throws curveballs, and you need to adapt your goals accordingly.

Lessons in Patience and Perseverance

Writing is a Crock-Pot, Not a Microwave

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is your masterpiece. Be patient with your writing. First drafts are supposed to be messy; it’s in their job description.

When Life Gives You Lemons…Write About It

Setbacks are as inevitable as typos in a first draft. Rejections, writer’s block, self-doubt—they’re all part of the writer’s package. Embrace them as opportunities to learn and grow. Perseverance is your secret weapon.

Celebrate Small Wins

Don’t wait until you’ve achieved your ultimate goal to celebrate. Small victories are where it’s at. Finished a chapter? Yay! Got positive feedback? Woohoo! Hitting your daily word count? Party time!

Conclusion: Setting Realistic Writing Goals

Setting realistic writing goals is a powerful tool that can propel your writing career forward. They give you direction, motivation, and a sense of achievement. But remember, writing isn’t a sprint; it’s a leisurely stroll through a literary garden. Be patient with yourself, and persevere through the challenges that arise. In the end, it’s the combination of setting goals and staying dedicated that will lead you to success in the world of writing.

This blog is also featured on Thirzah Writes

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