Goal Setting For You And Your Writing

By Shannon Evans

Goal setting is a difficult task to make time and energy to do. Goal setting is a significant task that a good writer will force themselves to do on a regular basis. Writing goals down makes them real, in-your-face, and easier to commit to actually doing. You know this. I know this. Then why do so many authors struggle with creating goals and objectives for their writing projects? Because they are afraid to decide what they want and make a plan to get whatever it is they want.

Goals define who you are. They act as the map to where we want to go and help us to choose the right highways and by-ways that get us to our destination. Goals are not just dreams hastily scribbled down. Goals are focused purpose-filled ideas that we want to bring to fruition.

Your written goals should follow the SMART test:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Realistic
• Timely

So, what are you going to do? Are you going to write a killer novel or perhaps a non-fiction self-help book. Why is this something that is important to do at this time? What do you want to accomplish with this writing goal for the long range plan you might have? How are you going to do it?

Perhaps you plan to write a book about professional style day planners. It is important because there is much that goes into deciding what day planner to purchase for all types of professional people. You need to write this book because you intend to launch a speaking career next fall on planning and scheduling in the corporate world. You have set aside 6 months for writing, editing, and revising the book. You know it takes 4 months to get your book from that final draft to bound copy in your hands.

Here is a sample goal written to help you meet that plan:

I will develop and write a first draft of a 120 page book on professional style day planners beginning January first and ending March 31. I will edit, revise, and rewrite my initial finished draft between April 1 and June 30. I will have the final finished and printed copy of my book in hand by December 31.

Can you create sub-goals and objectives to make this happen? Absolutely! A writer's sub-goals are generally related to how long they will write or edit or conduct research each day and each week for their project.

When you write down your goals you are far more likely to follow through and take action. Having copies of your goals handy for regular review keeps your commitment to your project fresh. Measurable specific terms for your goals are important to gauge your progress. Giving your goals definite start and finish times keeps you focused and moving forward.

Devise a realistic writing plan with attainable goals that are realistic. Review your list of goals often to keep them fresh in your mind. Remember to set the bar high enough that achieving the goal is a satisfying experience. "People with goals succeed because they know where they are going " says Earl Nightingale in his personal development course outline. Decide what you want in your writing and make a plan to get it. Goal setting can significantly increase your personal probability of success.

Setting Goals for You and Your Writing
Shannon Evans

Shannon Evans, senior editor and owner of http://www.mywritingmentor.com lives with her best friend Rick on Bainbridge Island in the Puget Sound just a "ferry ride from Seattle."

She works with her two Labrador assistant editors, Mocha and Luke, and her feline copy edit assistants, Caesar and Yoda. Shannon is widely recognized as one of the top writing coaches for non-fiction authors. With over 17 years teaching composition and technical writing to native and non-native English speaking students she knows how to help every writer make every word count.

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