We’ve talked general writing goals. We’ve talked SMART writing goals. Now how in the world are we supposed to actually meet the writing goals we set, anyway?
Looking at the big picture, it’s pretty easy to set goals. You can set as many goals as you want to so you can improve a multitude of things in your life over a certain period of time.
But to promote change, to make things happen, you actually have to work toward achieving those goals. Following through is the hard part.
To conclude this mini-series, here are a few tips on how to overcome this roadblock.
Make sure it’s what you really want
Don’t set a goal just because you think it’s a good idea. If you’re going to work toward a goal, you have to really, really want to achieve it. Do you really want to write a book this year, or is that just what everyone around you is expecting you to do? Do you really want to spend all your time and energy focusing on a cast of characters that doesn’t actually exist?
If you do, then you’re much more likely to write, finish, maybe even edit that book this year. And that’s great. You will get there in large part because you really want to. If your heart’s not in it, you are going to struggle. The nice thing about personal goals like these? It’s all up to you. If you don’t want to do something, and no one is requiring or paying you to do it, don’t.
Wanting to do it is only one piece of the puzzle, though. There’s a little more to it than that.
Understand what you need to give up and make time to make it happen
The key to failing is not trying. If you want to write a book this year, and you REALLY want to write a book this year, it might seem like on the surface that’s all you need to motivate yourself to sit down and do it. But a big project like that requires discipline. It requires a deeper understanding of time and how you need to spend it in order to achieve your larger writing goals.
Instead of watching every new episode of Scandal on Thursdays, you might have to spend an hour writing instead. Some days you might feel overwhelmed and try to convince yourself you’ll just double up on work tomorrow. Don’t do that! Get it done. Take a deep breath and just get it done. You can watch the episode you missed online after you’ve gotten your work done.
Here’s a list of everything you have to give up to write a good book.
Find someone to hold you accountable
Sometimes, goals are a team effort. You might need someone to push you, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. If that’s what it takes to get some serious writing done this year, DO IT!
Whether it’s just one person or the whole world, find accountability somewhere other than inside your head or on a piece of paper. If you announce to all your social media followers that you’re writing a book, you are committing – and if that’s not enough motivation for you, what is?
We set goals to motivate ourselves. Even if you don’t meet any of your writing goals this year, what’s most important is that you tried. You made progress. These tips, in addition to everything we’ve gone over this week, should be able to help you move forward. If in the middle you realize you reached a little too far, adjust. Make it work for you.
You CAN do this. Deep down, you WANT to do this. If you need someone to hold you accountable, reach out here.
This year, make writing one of many priorities in your life. Make it count. Make it work by finding balance. Enjoy it. You are a writer. It’s what you were born to do.
Image courtesy of Novelty Revisions.
Meg Dowell Writes 
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