Hey, busy writers! We all know how the New Year rolls around with that pressure to set ambitious goals, but if you’re anything like most writers, you might have a tendency to bite off more than you can chew. Whether it’s finishing your novel, writing every single day, or hitting some impossible word count target, over-ambitious writing goals can often lead to burnout and disappointment. But what if you could set goals that are not only achievable but will actually help you move forward with your writing in a manageable, sustainable way?

Here are 5 realistic writing goals you can set for the New Year—without setting yourself up for failure:

1. Write every day (even for 10 minutes)

We get it—life gets in the way. But writing every day doesn’t have to mean a 2,000-word marathon each morning. Set a manageable daily goal, like writing for 10 minutes, 300 words, or drafting a paragraph. The key is consistency. Writing every day, even in small increments, builds the habit, keeps your mind sharp, and adds up over time. Before you know it, you’ll be 10,000 words closer to your next milestone!

2. Set a word count goal that feels achievable

Instead of setting some lofty, unreachable goal like “Finish my novel by March,” break it down into smaller, more manageable chunks. Try setting a word count goal that’s realistic based on your schedule. Maybe it’s 1,000 words per week, or 5,000 words per month. Once you have that number, track your progress. Celebrate your wins, big or small, and adjust the goal as needed. Make it challenging but not overwhelming.

3. Focus on habit, not perfection

Too often, writers get caught up in trying to make each page perfect. But writing isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. This year, focus on building the writing habit instead of obsessing over your prose. Set goals that prioritize regular writing time over crafting the perfect scene or chapter. The more you write, the easier it gets to edit and revise later. Trust the process and give yourself permission to write “bad” drafts.

4. Complete one short writing project

A massive novel can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never finished one before. Instead of diving into a 100k-word manuscript, commit to finishing a shorter writing project—whether it’s a novella, a short story, or even a blog post series 😉. Completing a short project will give you a sense of accomplishment and prove that you can finish what you start. Plus, it’ll boost your confidence for tackling longer works in the future!

5. Prioritize writing time over writing output

It’s tempting to focus on word counts, chapter completions, or page numbers, but in the New Year, consider setting a goal to simply prioritize writing time. Block out regular time for your writing, whether it’s an hour every morning or three writing sessions each week. It’s less about how much you produce and more about showing up for the craft. When you make writing time a non-negotiable part of your routine, the output will follow naturally.

Conclusion

The New Year is a perfect time to set writing goals—but remember, realistic goals are the key to staying motivated and productive. By focusing on the process, building habits, and breaking down big tasks into smaller ones, you’ll be setting yourself up for success. So don’t overwhelm yourself with a long list of unattainable resolutions. Instead, take it one step at a time, and keep your writing dreams alive with steady, manageable progress. Here’s to a year of creative breakthroughs and achievable writing goals! 🥂