7 Powerful Steps to Set Realistic Writing Goals and Stick to Them

Setting realistic writing goals is one of the most effective ways to transform your writing dreams into tangible achievements. Without structure, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, procrastinate, or lose motivation. But with the right approach, writing goals can serve as both a roadmap and a source of encouragement.

Below, we’ll explore seven practical strategies to help you create realistic writing goals and actually stick to them.

1. Define What Success Looks Like for You

Before you set realistic writing goals, you need to identify what success means in your writing journey. Is your goal to finish a first draft of your novel? To blog consistently once a week? Or maybe to publish short stories in literary magazines?

Clarity is key. When you know exactly what you’re aiming for, your goals become more meaningful and easier to track. This is where the SMART goal framework comes in handy: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example:

• Vague: “I want to write more.”
• Specific: “I will write 500 words per day, five days a week.”

👉 For further guidance, check out this breakdown of SMART goals in writing.

2. Break Big Goals into Small, Manageable Steps

One of the biggest mistakes writers make is setting goals that are too broad. Telling yourself you’ll “finish your novel” sounds inspiring but also intimidating. Instead, break it down:

• Outline your chapters.
• Write 1,000 words at a time.
• Revise one section per week.

By breaking larger objectives into smaller, bite-sized tasks, you’ll make consistent progress without feeling overwhelmed. This approach ensures that your realistic writing goals feel achievable rather than daunting.

3. Prioritize Consistency Over Perfection

When setting realistic writing goals, remember that consistency matters more than perfection. Many writers get stuck editing the same chapter over and over instead of moving forward. A daily or weekly writing habit builds momentum—even if some days the words aren’t your best.

Think of writing like exercising: you may not love every workout, but over time, those small, consistent efforts create powerful results.

If you need help building this habit, read my post on why you don’t need to write every day.

4. Track Your Progress in a Visible Way

Tracking your progress is a powerful motivator. Use a word count tracker, a writing journal, or even a simple calendar where you mark off writing days. Seeing your progress adds a sense of accomplishment and reinforces your realistic writing goals.

Some writers find apps like Scrivener or even Google Docs helpful, while others prefer the satisfaction of physically checking off boxes on a list. Whichever method you choose, make it visible and celebratory.

5. Build Accountability into Your Goals

Accountability is a game-changer. When you share your realistic writing goals with others, you create external motivation to follow through. This could mean:

• Joining a writing group or critique circle.
• Partnering with a writing buddy.
• Posting your progress updates on a blog or social media.

If you don’t know where to start, check out writers.com workshops and communities, which provide both accountability and skill-building opportunities.

6. Adjust Goals as Needed Without Guilt

Life happens—work deadlines, family obligations, or just plain burnout. Setting realistic writing goals means understanding that flexibility is part of the process. If you miss a day or fall short of your word count, don’t quit. Adjust and recalibrate.

Instead of saying, “I failed,” shift your mindset to, “I need to modify my approach.” Writing is a marathon, not a sprint, and flexibility helps you stay committed long-term.

7. Reward Yourself Along the Way

Rewards help your brain associate writing with positive reinforcement. Celebrate small wins: finishing a chapter, completing a week of consistent writing, or hitting your monthly word goal. Rewards don’t have to be extravagant—maybe it’s a special coffee, an evening of guilt-free TV, or even sharing your progress with your readers.

By tying your realistic writing goals to rewards, you’ll strengthen your motivation and make the journey more enjoyable.

Track Your Writing Goals

Want a simple, motivating way to turn your writing plans into real progress? The Writing Goals Tracker helps you set realistic writing goals, break them into doable steps, and measure what matters—consistency. Use it to map weekly targets, log word counts or focused time, and celebrate small wins that add up to big results.

Whether you’re drafting a novel, blogging regularly, or building a daily writing habit, this tracker keeps everything visible and encouraging so you can stay on track without the overwhelm. Print it, save it, and update it as your goals evolve.

Final Thoughts

When you set realistic writing goals, you’re not just creating a plan—you’re giving yourself the structure and encouragement you need to succeed. Remember to define success on your terms, break goals into smaller steps, prioritize consistency, track progress, find accountability, adjust when necessary, and celebrate along the way.

If you’d like more tips on writing habits and staying inspired, explore my article on how to write compelling characters.

With the right approach, you’ll not only set realistic writing goals—you’ll stick to them and see your writing dreams come to life.