3 Writing Goals That Don't Work (And 3 That Do)

Are you the type who makes New Year's resolutions? I definitely am. Every year, I set some writing goals for myself.

These are some writing goals that work, and some that set you up for failure. Here's what I've learned:

Bad Goal: Write Every Day

Okay, so right off the bat, I have entered controversial territory. Some well-respected authors recommend writing every day. And if writing is how you make a living, then maybe you should follow that advice.

But realistically? This goal is too rigid for most. Life gets in the way. There will be days when you are unable to write.

Better Goal: Write for XX Minutes/Hours a Week

When you word your writing goal in this manner, you are acknowledging the need for flexibility. Maybe you miss a couple of days, but you have one day where you're in the zone and write for hours.

Bad Goal: Finish a Novel

This goal is vague, and it doesn't acknowledge the steps needed to complete the process. "Finish a novel" isn't really one goal; it's like ten or twenty goals as you need to research, outline, draft, edit, revise, etc.

Better Goal: Finish Draft by (Date)

Breaking down your large goal into smaller goals with deadlines is a much better way to keep yourself on track.

Bad Goal: Get an Agent

Getting an agent is fine! But you don't have ultimate control over this goal. There's only so much you can do, so focus on that.

Better Goal: Query XX Agents

This is something you do have complete control over.

What do you think? What are some of your goals? Drop a comment to let me know!

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