You want to make 2024 your year of writing? Here are five things to consider to ensure you crush all your goals.
1. What are your goals? How can you run to the finish line if you don’t know where it is. As a writer, you probably have a lot of notepads and sticky notes, so it shouldn’t be a hassle finding a plain sheet of paper and writing down your goals. You can list out all your goals and then break down each goal into smaller tasks. Be specific. Do you want to write a novel or write short stories for publication in journals? List out your goals with as many details as possible.
2. Create a realistic schedule
Be realistic. Can you write for eight hours every day? If you can, that’s fine. If you can’t, then don’t create a schedule with eight hours dedicated to writing. You know your schedule more than anyone else. When do you have time to write? In the mornings or at night? Decide and allocate time slots for writing and treat them with the same reverence as you would a meeting with your CEO or your biggest client. Be consistent.
3. What is your priority?
Okay, you’ve settled down for your writing session. What do you do now? Start chapter 5 or rewrite chapter 3 or edit chapter 9? Whatever the case, identify the most crucial tasks and tackle them in order of priority. This allows you to keep your focus on the most important things.
4. Set achievable milestones
Do you want to write 15,000 words in one hour? Me too. But it’s not possible, physically (yes, I Googled it) and mentally. So why not set goals you can actually meet? Consider your circumstances and the targets you want to meet. Break down your 2024 writing goals into monthly and weekly milestones and celebrate yourself when you meet these targets. Achieving smaller targets will boost your sense of accomplishment and help you track your progress more effectively.
5. Accountability
When you share your writing goals with others—fellow writers or otherwise—you are creating an avenue for motivation and discipline. If you have regular check-ins and discussions where you can exchange tips and critique each other, your writing goals for the year become 10x more achievable.
If you’re looking for a page to help you advance and meet your writing goals, then you’ve come to the right place. Share your writing goals for the year in the comments.