Meg Dowell Writes

It’s my favorite time of year — a season of not just gratitude, but also for reflection and planning ahead as well. As writers, we always seem to want to be working on something — but sometimes it’s overwhelming even thinking about what we want to do next, or how we’re going to get it done.

Below, you’ll find a list of potential “goals” or challenges to try setting for yourself in 2026. Some are more practical, while others are a bit sillier. When it all comes down to it, it’s the joy of writing that’s going to get us through another year of work, play, and fulfillment.

Choose a few things to try from the list below — or create your own, and go for it! You never know what can happen when you have something to work toward and start putting in the effort little by little.

1. Create a writing schedule you can stick to.
2. Stick to that writing schedule! You can do it.
3. Try writing something new — even if it doesn’t work out.
4. Challenge yourself to write something you’re scared to write.
5. Create a reward system to train your brain to “like” writing.
6. Make a new writing friend (and write together!).
7. Switch up your writing environment.
8. Switch up your writing method (handwrite instead of typing).
9. Post or submit something original you’ve written.
10. Set a weekly writing goal to see if you can stick with it.
11. Try writing a story out of order (if you usually don’t do that).
12. Write something specifically inspired by an existing story you love.
13. If you’re not ready to publish something, show it to someone you trust.
14. Don’t set any goals! Write when you feel like it. Give yourself a break.
15. Write standing up.
16. Write while listening to music (if you usually don’t).
17. Finish something you started writing — even if it isn’t perfect.
18. Write something shorter than you usually aim for.
19. Write something longer than you’re used to writing.
20. Reread something you wrote a long time ago.
21. If inspiration hits, don’t start writing right away; see what happens.
22. Write a story you’ve always wanted to read but could never find.
23. Keep your word count hidden while you’re writing — until you’re finished.
24. Plan a big celebration for the end of the year for when you meet your goal.
25. Don’t tell anyone what you’re working on; let your secret fuel your progress.
26. Remember why you started writing in the first place. You’ve got this.