Setting Manageable Writing Goals: 5 Tips for New Authors

Navigating the world of writing can be a challenging endeavor, especially when handling multiple writing projects. As a new author, setting manageable writing goals is paramount for a successful writing career.

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret to getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” – Mark Twain

 

 

A colossal writing project or multiple projects can seem daunting and lead to procrastination. An essential element to managing your time and increasing productivity is setting manageable writing goals and deadlines. This is not only about achieving targets but also about maintaining a sustainable and enjoyable writing journey.

 

Welcome to the next part of our guides designed to assist new authors in Managing Multiple Writing Projects. This multi-part journey is designed with a singular goal in mind: to help you grow in knowledge as a new author on your writing journey. Each guide spotlights a specific aspect of balancing multiple writing projects. Whether you’re a first-time author or a creative soul testing the waters of writing, this series is a gateway to a successful future.

 

In this guide, we explore key strategies for setting attainable writing goals while working on multiple writing projects. The strategies include understanding your writing speed. setting SMART goals, remaining flexible with the goals, and incorporating breaks and downtime. These strategies can empower you to tackle multiple writing projects with confidence and enthusiasm.

 

Here’s how and why it’s beneficial.

 

Understand Your Writing Speed & Style.

Knowing how many words you can comfortably write in a given amount of time is a good first step toward setting realistic and achievable goals. Determining how many words or pages you can comfortably write in an hour or a day will enable you to gauge the time needed for each project.

 

If you don’t already know how many words it might be, take time to find out. Track your writing over a few days or weeks to find your average speed. Keep in mind this might fluctuate based on the project’s complexity, your familiarity with the subject, or your passion for it. Know your capacity and tailor your goals accordingly.

 

Your writing style significantly influences how you set your goals. Whether you’re a “plotter,” who prefers detailed outlines, or a “pantser,” who writes spontaneously, align your goals with your style for a smoother writing process.

 

“The art of writing is the art of applying the seat of the pants to the seat of the chair.” – Mary Heaton Vorse

 

Set Manageable Writing Goals:  SMART.

SMART goals – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals are integral to any successful endeavor. They can increase your productivity and motivation.  Break down your writing project into manageable tasks.

 

Instead of aiming to write a book, aim to create a working outline, write a paragraph, a page, or a chapter. Instead of aiming to finish your book as soon as possible (ASAP), set a goal to write 500 or 1,000 words a day, five days a week. This creates a clear, manageable task with a definite endpoint.

 

Avoid getting trapped in “busy work,” such as checking emails, getting distracted by social media, and organizing his workspace. If you do mistake these for being productive, admit it and start setting or reviewing your writing goals.

 

Make sure your goal is achievable based on your writing speed and relevant to your overall writing objectives. Assigning a time frame helps you remain focused. Small, achievable goals can also boost your confidence and keep procrastination or writer’s block at bay.

Juggling multiple projects also requires effective prioritization. Consider factors such as deadlines, project importance, and your interest level to decide which project to focus on at any given time. Also, consider the Eisenhower Matrix, which looks at tasks by what’s urgent as well as important.

Set milestones and track your progress. Whether it’s finishing a chapter or reaching a word count, celebrate these small victories. Tracking progress also helps you adjust your goals as needed.

 

Be Flexible with Your Goals.

Adjust your goals as needed. If you find you’ve underestimated or overestimated your writing speed and how much writing you can get done in a given amount of time, adjust your goals to fit the current reality. Rather than spending an entire week stuck on one paragraph. Allow yourself the flexibility to move on to another chapter. Later, you can revisit that problematic paragraph with fresh eyes and complete it more effortlessly.

It’s better to modify your plans and make them more achievable than to become discouraged and stop writing altogether. Rigid goals can lead to burnout. It’s essential to remember that some days will be more productive than others, and that’s okay.

Revisiting your goals and making necessary adjustments is not a sign of failure, but of growth. Life happens, and circumstances change, your goals should reflect this dynamism.

 

Incorporate Breaks & Downtime.

While it’s important to establish a regular writing routine, don’t forget to give yourself breaks. Scheduling time for rest and relaxation can prevent burnout and keep your creativity flowing. Rest is just as crucial as work. Incorporating regular breaks, days off, or even vacations into your writing goals can enhance productivity and creativity. Remember, writing is a marathon, not a sprint.

 

Building a Support Network

Writing can often be a solitary endeavor, but having a support network can be beneficial. A writer’s group or a mentor can provide feedback, encouragement, and accountability. It’ll make your writing journey less solitary and more enjoyable. It can also help keep you motivated toward achieving set writing goals.

 

Wrap Up

For a new author, setting realistic goals and deadlines can be instrumental in making the writing process less daunting and more structured.

 

Goals with deadlines provide a roadmap, help you maintain focus, and lead to measurable progress. More importantly, it fosters a sense of achievement as you meet your targets, boosting your morale and propelling you further on your writing journey. With proper planning and disciplined goal setting, you can turn your dream of writing into a manageable, achievable reality.

 

We hope you’ve found the strategies for setting manageable goals useful and motivating. We hope they’ll equip you with the insights needed to help you succeed as a new author.

 

As a new author, you’ll find your writing journey is one of continuous learning and improvement. But you don’t have to do it alone. We’re excited to continue the journey with you, providing guidance and encouragement every step of the way. Our goal is to provide basic insights and practical advice to help you navigate the writing world with increased confidence.

 

If you’d like, you can start the series from the beginning: Managing Multiple Writing Projects: Tips for New Authors.

 

Don’t wait. Start today!

 

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