Creatively Stuck? Set SMART Writing Goals
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Every writer is likely to hit a wall at some point. Maybe you’re staring at a blank page, unsure of how to write yourself out of a corner, or you struggle with losing momentum halfway through a chapter.
You’re not the only one, and there’s a proven way forward. Setting SMART writing goals can help you break free from the frustration of feeling stuck by turning your ambitions into achievable steps.
The SMART method—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—is a powerful tool to bring clarity and momentum to your writing. Whether you dream of publishing your first book, finishing a draft, or building a consistent writing habit, this framework can help you focus your efforts and rediscover your creative spark.
With a New Year now upon us, let’s explore how the SMART approach will help you stay on track and make meaningful progress in your writing journey in 2025.
Specific: Define Your Next Step
When it comes to goal-setting, vagueness is your worst enemy. “I want to write a book” might be exactly what you want to accomplish, but it’s not a roadmap as much as it is a wish. The SMART method begins with specificity, so consider exactly what it takes to write a book.
An unambiguous, well-defined goal gives you clarity and direction. Instead of thinking about the daunting mountain ahead of you, chart a path to the summit one step at a time. Instead of "write more," try "write 500 words a day." Instead of "finish editing" try "complete revisions on the first three chapters this month."
Measurable: Track Your Progress with Purpose
Measurable goals provide clear benchmarks to track your progress. This could include a word count target, such as writing 1,000 words a day, writing for a set amount of time per day/week, or breaking your manuscript into numbered chapters with deadlines for each. Defining specific, quantifiable goals helps maintain your focus and momentum throughout the writing process.
Tools like spreadsheets or writing apps like Word Keeper or TrackBear can help you visualize your work and break goals down into manageable daily, weekly, or monthly targets. These tools keep you organized and offer a sense of achievement as you track your progress with steady movement toward your ultimate goal.
Achievable: Aim High, But Be Realistic
Dream big, but keep your feet firmly planted on the ground. A goal that’s too far-fetched can lead to frustration and burnout. The SMART method ensures your ambitions align with your current resources, skills, and time.
For instance, writing and publishing a complex 500 page historical fiction novel in 6 months might not be achievable if you’re balancing a full-time job and family responsibilities. Break your larger goals into smaller, bite-sized chunks. For example, instead of tackling your entire literary process at once, start with "write a rough manuscript in 6 months" or "read 4 books about the historical period in the next 8 weeks".
Achievability doesn’t mean lowering your standards. It’s about creating goals you can reasonably accomplish while still challenging yourself.
Relevant: Stay Focused on What Matters
Every writer’s journey is unique, and your goals should reflect what matters most to you.
Relevance ensures your objectives align with your broader vision as an author and always moves you forward in that direction. Consider:
Does this goal support my long-term aspirations?
How will achieving this goal help me grow as an author?
If your goal is to finish your novel and publish it, spending time on scheduling regular writing sessions and finding a professional publishing partner will be more immediately relevant than organizing a book tour.
Keep your "why" at the forefront of your planning. Whether it’s to share your story, inspire others, or make a career out of writing, let your purpose guide your goal-setting.
Time-bound: Create a Sense of Urgency
A goal without a deadline is like a ship adrift at sea. By setting time-bound objectives, you’re giving yourself a sense of urgency and structure. Deadlines help you prioritize and make steady progress toward your goals.
Deadlines don’t have to feel restrictive. Think of them as checkpoints that keep you moving forward. If plans change or you fall behind, it’s okay to adjust your timeline—so long as you keep striving.
Combine your time-bound goals with accountability by sharing your deadlines with a writing group, loved one, or a fellow author to help you stay on track. Sharing ideas, discussing challenges, and celebrating successes with others can keep you motivated and inspired.
Tips for Staying Motivated
Even the most meticulous and thoughtfully devised plans can falter without a little encouragement along the way. Here are some tips to help you stick to your SMART writing goals:
Celebrate Wins: Every milestone is a step closer to your ultimate goal, whether it’s completing a draft, finalizing a character arc, or hitting a word count target. Progress deserves recognition.
Create a Routine: Set aside dedicated writing time every day or week, and try to stick to it. Whether it’s an hour in the morning before work or a weekend writing session, a regular routine will help you stay on track and build momentum.
Flexibility: If something isn’t working—whether it’s your writing pace or the way you’re approaching a certain section—don’t be afraid to adjust. Flexibility in tweaking your approach can help you stay aligned with your ultimate goal without feeling stuck.
Keep Your Vision in Sight: Whether it’s a vision board, a motivational quote, or a simple sticky note on your desk, remind yourself why you started.
Setting sustainable writing and publishing goals isn’t about working harder — it’s about working smarter (or is that SMARTer?). The SMART method provides a framework to turn your creative aspirations into achievable milestones to keep you on track.
Whether you’re a seasoned author or a first-time writer, the key is to start where you are, use the tools available to you, and take one step at a time. Every word you write and every goal you achieve brings you closer to your ultimate vision.
