Live Your Writing Dream

Rethinking Goal-Setting: Alternatives to Yearly Goals

A New Year and Thoughts on Writing Goals

A Personal Note: Yearly, monthly, and weekly goals have never worked for me. In July of this year, I started doing daily tasks to track my various writing projects. I now use a two-page undated daily planner, and I can’t believe how productive the second half of 2024 has been.

If yearly goals don’t work for you, try monthly goals. If that doesn’t work, move to weekly goals or tasks. Try daily goals or tasks if none of the former works.

Also, redefine what success looks like for you. For example, I love checking off the tasks I have completed each day. Each is a success, no matter how small. Try for tasks or goals that are somewhat challenging, yet achievable.

Rethinking Goal-Setting: Alternatives to Yearly Goals for Fiction Writers

Yearly goals can feel overwhelming and, for many writers, unattainable. They’re often too broad and detached from the day-to-day realities of writing. If you find traditional goal-setting doesn’t work for you, here are some alternative approaches tailored for fiction writers.

1. Daily Goals Centered on Current Projects

Focus on what you need to accomplish today. Break down your writing process into actionable steps—drafting a scene, brainstorming characters, or editing a specific chapter. Daily goals are more adaptable and grounded in the immediate needs of your projects.

For example, instead of setting a yearly goal to “finish a novel,” a daily goal might be “write 500 words of the climactic scene.” By concentrating on manageable tasks, you’ll make steady progress without the pressure of long-term deadlines.

2. Project-Based Milestones

Instead of tying your goals to a calendar, anchor them to your projects. For instance, you might aim to complete a short story draft before a submission deadline or finalize edits for your novel before sending it to beta readers. These milestones are flexible and naturally align with your creative flow.

3. Themed Focus Periods

If you like structure but not rigid timelines, try themed periods of focus. Dedicate a week or two to a single aspect of your craft—like character development or world-building. This method keeps your energy focused without the weight of long-term goals.

4. Tracking Progress, Not Deadlines

Instead of focusing on when something should be done, focus on how much you’ve accomplished. Use a journal or app to track your daily or weekly achievements. Celebrate the progress, no matter how small—it adds up.

By shifting your mindset from yearly goals to daily actions and project milestones, you’ll stay motivated and productive while embracing the unique rhythm of your writing life.


P. June Diehl

Live Your Writing Dream
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