What Makes Writing Goals Actually Achievable

Writing a book is hard enough, but getting yourself to sit down and actually do the work? That’s where most writers hit a wall. It’s easy to say you’ll write every day or finish a chapter by the end of the month, but those plans often get pushed aside. Daily responsibilities creep in, doubt starts to stir, and suddenly your writing goals drift out of reach.

The real issue usually isn’t lack of talent or time. It’s that the goals aren’t realistic from the start. When writing goals are too vague or too ambitious, they fizzle out fast. But when your goals are clear, practical, and grounded in your daily life, they actually work. Let’s take a look at what goes into setting writing goals that you’ll actually stick to and feel good about while doing it.


Identifying Clear Writing Goals

If you’ve ever told yourself “I just want to write more,” you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: broad statements don’t offer a direction. If your goal is unclear, it’s hard to take action. That's why clarity is key when setting any writing target, big or small.

A strong writing goal should answer two simple questions: What do I want to achieve? And how will I measure it?

Instead of saying “write every day,” a more practical goal might be “write 300 words every weekday for two weeks.” That gives you something specific to aim for and a way to track your efforts. It's easier to stick with and actually feels possible.

Here are a few examples of clear writing goals:

- Finish drafting Chapter 5 by Sunday evening

- Spend 15 minutes editing your manuscript after dinner

- Hit 1,000 words on Saturday morning while at the café

When your goals are tied to specific times or routines, you’re more likely to follow through. It becomes a habit, something that fits into the rhythm of your life rather than something that depends on inspiration.

Start with one short-term goal you can tick off this week. If it works, make it part of your schedule. If it doesn’t, tweak it and try again next week. These bite-sized improvements can carry you further than you’d expect.

Breaking Down Goals Into Manageable Steps

Big writing plans can feel overwhelming. Whether you're working on a novel, memoir or poetry collection, looking at it all at once can make it feel completely out of reach. The solution? Break things down into smaller pieces.

Treat your writing like a puzzle. You don’t try to complete the whole thing in one go. You focus on a few pieces each day.

Here’s how to make large writing goals more manageable:

- Pick your main objective (for example, finish a full draft in two months)

- Break that down into weekly and daily goals

- Plan your writing sessions around smaller tasks like “Outline key scenes this week” or “Write 500 words each weekday”

- Build flexibility into your schedule to handle unexpected change.

If your goal is to write a 50,000-word book, that might seem like a mountain. But if you break that up into 500 words each session, that's 100 sessions. And suddenly, it feels much more realistic.

What’s helpful about this approach is that the wins come quicker. You’re not waiting weeks or months to feel progress. Every short task you complete keeps you going. Over time, that motivation builds a rhythm that’s hard to beat.

Think of it like climbing a hill. You take steady steps, you look at how far you've come, and you just keep moving. That’s what turns small writing habits into big achievements.

Staying Motivated and Focused

Passion might get you started, but habits keep things going. When the excitement fades and distractions pop up, many writers find themselves losing steam. What helps is making the process feel natural and rewarding.

Tracking your efforts can do wonders. Whether it's a calendar, notebook or spreadsheet, recording your writing sessions gives you visible proof that you're still moving forward. If you prefer incentives, a reward system also helps. You can plan a break, a sweet treat or your favourite show after meeting a milestone.

To stay focused during sessions, try:

- Setting timers for short writing bursts followed by breaks

- Turning off notifications and putting your phone out of reach

- Tackling one small goal per session so your mind isn’t pulled in different directions

- Writing at the same time each day so it becomes automatic

- Pairing your writing time with a trigger, like after finishing your lunch or once the kids are in bed

It’s also worth changing up the environment if things begin to feel stale. If you’re always at your desk, try writing at the library or your favourite café. Some writers find switching to pen and paper for brainstorming or outlines gives them a fresh perspective.

Small adjustments like these can help you feel more in control of your writing routine. And when things feel manageable, your motivation naturally stays stronger.

Overcoming Common Obstacles in Your Writing Routine

Planning a great writing schedule is one thing. Sticking to it when life gets busy is another. That’s why it helps to recognise common blocks and then make space to work around them.

One of the biggest challenges is time. You might not always have hours to spare, especially during busier weeks. But you may be able to claim smaller segments—fifteen minutes at the start of your day, or even ten minutes in the car before the school run.

Another roadblock is distraction. We’re surrounded by phones, messages and endless responsibilities. If you treat your writing like an appointment, though, and even let others know your plans, staying focused becomes easier.

Then there’s self-doubt. That little voice that says what you’ve written isn’t good enough, or makes you wonder if you should continue at all. When it gets loud, try reminding yourself that your goal isn’t perfection. You’re building something draft by draft. You can polish later. For now, just move forward.

If the same problem keeps showing up, change something. Shift your schedule. Lower your word count. Find a new place to write. These small tweaks often bring big results.

Recognising Milestones and Setting New Goals

When you hit a target, no matter how small, take the time to sit with it. Many writers rush off to the next goal and miss the chance to reflect. But that pause is what strengthens your progress.

You don’t need to throw a party. Just review what worked, what didn’t, and decide how you want to adjust your next steps. Maybe you flew through drafting and now want to focus on editing. Maybe deadlines helped you stay on track, so you’ll aim for a submission date next time.

Here are a few simple ways to celebrate and reset:

- Write a short note to yourself reflecting on the milestone

- Share the win with a friend or online group

- Do something enjoyable with no guilt attached

- Adjust your next writing goal based on your new insights

- Add your achievement to a progress chart or journal

Each finished goal adds to your writing rhythm. Each one shows you what works best for you. And slowly, they form the shape of the finished book that’s been sitting in your imagination.

From Scribbles to Something Worth Printing

When writing goals are structured, tracked and tweaked along the way, great things happen. Pages pile up. Chapters grow. And before you know it, you’ve got a complete draft that holds real weight.

Once that draft exists, it’s time to start thinking about bringing it into the world. Whether it's something you’ll share with loved ones, a story meant for public release or a memory preserved in print, having that publishing goal in mind gives the whole experience more purpose.

The most effective writing habits are built on small wins, personal progress and realistic timelines. They guide you forward without feeling too heavy. And when you find that balance, your final product benefits.

A strong draft isn’t the end. It’s the beginning of turning your work into a printed book. When you get to that stage, it’s worth having a partner who can help shape your words into something tangible. Something you can hold, share and feel proud of. Someone who knows how to take your writing aspirations and turn them into finished books that last.


Achieving your writing goals is just the beginning of your journey to becoming a published author. With your manuscript ready, it’s time to transform those words into a tangible masterpiece. At Spine Book Printing, we specialise in self-published book printing, offering you the quality and support to make your dreams a reality. Let us guide you in creating a book that not only meets your expectations but exceeds them.


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