How to Write - 8/1: Setting Smart, Achievable Goals (But Aim HIGH, Very HIGH) - Part 1

Introduction: The Art of Balanced Goals in Writing

Hello, dear reader. Welcome to a journey of growth and mastery in the world of writing. Whether you’re a budding writer or looking to refine your skills, understanding how to set balanced goals is fundamental. Today, we begin on a quest to set achievable yet challenging objectives. No lofty language here, just clear, direct guidance. So, let’s set the stage for your transformation.

Chapter 1: Watch Out for These Goal Setting Traps

1.1 Be Careful with Too Much Ambition

Ambition is your drive, the thing that gets you moving. It’s like a strong horse or a tank full of fuel. But just like you wouldn’t let a horse run wild or burn all your fuel in one go, you need to manage your ambition.

Have you ever started a big, exciting project, maybe writing a whole novel in a month, only to feel overwhelmed and give up halfway? That’s ambition running wild. Instead, let’s aim high with a bit of caution. Think of it as planning a trip. You wouldn’t start without knowing your route, right?

So, for writing, rather than saying, “I’ll finish my novel quickly,” set a goal like, “I’ll write 500 words every day.” It’s high enough to keep you moving but not so high that you lose your way.

Now, how do we find this balance? It’s about knowing your limits and stretching them just a bit more each time. If you write comfortably at 200 words a day, push it to 300. If that feels okay after a week or two, push a bit more.

It’s like training for a race. You don’t run the full distance on day one. You start small and build up, keeping the end goal in sight but not trying to reach it in one leap.

1.2 Don’t Sell Yourself Short

The opposite of too much ambition is setting goals that are too easy, which can be just as bad. It’s like playing a game that you always win without any effort; soon, it becomes boring and unfulfilling. If you find yourself breezing through your writing goals and losing interest, it’s time to level up.

Let’s say you’ve set a goal to write 100 words a day, and it’s become a piece of cake. Why not challenge yourself to 200 or 300 words? Or perhaps add a new dimension to your goal, like improving the quality of those words or exploring a new writing style.

But how do you know when it’s time to push harder? Pay attention to how you feel. Are you getting bored? Does it feel like you’re just going through the motions? Those are signs it’s time to increase the challenge.

On the flip side, if you’re consistently missing your goals and feeling frustrated, it might be a sign they’re too ambitious. Find that sweet spot where you’re comfortable but still feel a bit of a stretch. It’s about growing steadily, not jumping too far too fast or staying too comfortable for too long.

Chapter 2: Why Your Brain Loves When You Reach Goals

2.1 The Joy of Hitting Targets

Hitting a goal is like getting a high-five from your brain. Did you know that? It’s true! So, let’s use this cool brain trick to make writing even more fun for you. Now, when you reach a goal, even if it’s a tiny one, you should celebrate it.

Imagine that you finished a writing session, maybe you wrote 500 words, and that’s awesome! Celebrate it by doing something you like. Maybe dance around your room, treat yourself to a tasty snack, or just take a moment to smile and say, “I did it!” It’s all about making every goal, no matter how big or small, feel like a win. This will keep you excited about writing and looking forward to your next goal.

But here’s the thing: when you celebrate these wins, it’s not just about having a good time (though that’s a bonus). It actually makes your brain release happy chemicals, like a mini fireworks show inside your head. These chemicals, like dopamine, make you feel awesome and motivated. They’re like your brain’s way of saying, “Keep it up, you’re doing great!” So, remember to high-five your brain every time you hit a writing goal.

2.2 How Small Wins Make Big Waves

Now, imagine your writing goals are like pebbles you toss into a calm pond. Each little goal you hit creates ripples that spread out and push you further along your writing journey.

Let’s say you set a goal to write for just 10 minutes a day. It might not sound like much, but by the end of the week, you’ve spent over an hour writing! It’s like saving up coins in a jar. One by one, they might not seem like a lot, but as you keep adding them, the jar fills up.

So, what’s the secret here? Well, these small wins add up over time. They build your confidence and your writing skills. You start to think, “If I can do this, maybe I can tackle something a bit bigger.”

It’s like leveling up in a game. You start with easy quests and gradually take on more challenging ones. The more small goals you achieve, the more confident you become, and the bigger your writing waves get.

But how do you keep track of these wins and see your progress? One fun way is to keep a writing journal. Write down your goals, no matter how small, and check them off when you achieve them. Or you can use a progress bar, like the ones you see in video games, to visually see your journey. It’s like a roadmap that shows you how far you’ve come and how much further you can go. These tools can be super motivating and a constant reminder that you’re making waves in your writing adventure.

Chapter 3: Smart Ways to Set Your Writing Goals

3.1 Making SMART Goals Work for You

You might have heard of SMART goals, and that’s awesome! But let’s make them even smarter, just for you. See, SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Don’t let the big words scare you. We’re going to break it down in a way that’s super clear and easy to follow.

• Specific: This means being crystal clear about what you want to achieve. Imagine it’s like drawing a map that takes you right to your dream destination. Let’s say your dream is to write a book. A specific goal would be deciding to write one chapter of your book.
• Measurable: It’s all about keeping track of your progress. Think of it like checking how many miles you’ve traveled on your road trip. In writing, it could be setting a goal to write 500 words each day, and you can count those words to see how you’re doing.
• Achievable: This is making sure your goal is something you can actually do. It’s like picking the right puzzle piece that fits perfectly. For instance, if you have a busy schedule, setting a goal to write for 8 hours a day might not be achievable, but writing for 30 minutes a day could be doable.
• Relevant: Your goal should connect to your bigger dream. Imagine it’s like building blocks — each goal should fit into the bigger picture. So, if your dream is to become a famous novelist, setting a goal to write a blog post every day might not be as relevant as working on your novel.
• Time-bound: This is about giving your goal a deadline. Think of it as setting an alarm clock to wake up on time. For instance, if you want to finish a short story, you can set a deadline like “I’ll finish it by the end of this month.”

But hang on, we’re not stopping here. Let’s explore each element with real-life examples to make your goals not just smart, but brilliant. So, stay tuned for that!

3.2 Embracing Your Emotional and Environmental Context

Writing goals aren’t just words on paper; they’re tied to your feelings and what’s happening in your life. It’s like adjusting your clothing based on the weather. When it’s sunny, you wear lighter clothes, and when it’s cold, you bundle up. Similarly, when life gets busy or your emotions are all over the place, your writing goals should adapt too.

If you’re going through a hectic time at work or home, it’s totally okay to set smaller goals. It’s like taking smaller steps when the road gets rocky. And if you’re feeling inspired and full of energy, maybe it’s time to challenge yourself a bit more. It’s like speeding up when you’re on a smooth highway.

3.3 Discovering Your Writing Rhythm

1. Self-Assessment: Start by taking a moment to reflect on your daily routine and personal preferences. Are you a morning person or a night owl? When do you feel most creative and energized? Understanding your natural rhythms can help you schedule your writing time when you’re at your best.
2. Setting Realistic Goals: Consider your current commitments, such as work, family, and other responsibilities. Be realistic about the time you can dedicate to writing each day or week. Setting achievable goals that fit your schedule is crucial for success.
3. Creating a Writing Calendar: Once you’ve identified your optimal writing times, create a writing calendar. Schedule specific writing sessions during those periods. Treat these appointments with the same importance as any other commitment in your life.
4. Flexibility: Life can be unpredictable, so allow for flexibility in your writing schedule. If unexpected events arise, adjust your writing time rather than skipping it altogether. Consistency over the long term is key.

To access my other articles in the ’How to Write’ series, you can explore my list below:

3.4 Practical Strategies for Synchronization

1. Use Short Sessions: If you have a busy day, don’t underestimate the power of short writing sessions. Even 15–30 minutes of focused writing can make a significant difference over time.
2. Eliminate Distractions: Find a quiet space, turn off notifications, and eliminate distractions during your writing sessions. The more focused you are, the more you’ll accomplish in less time.
3. Set Milestones: Break down your writing projects into smaller milestones. Celebrate each milestone as you achieve it. This not only motivates you but also helps you measure your progress.
4. Accountability: Consider sharing your writing goals with a trusted friend or writing group. Being accountable to someone else can boost your commitment.
5. Reflect and Adjust: Periodically review your writing schedule and goals. Are they still aligned with your emotions and circumstances? Adjust them as needed to maintain that harmony between your writing ambitions and everyday life.

Continue to Part 2:

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