Setting Smart Writing Goals

An integral part of the writing process is setting goals for project completion, but if those goals aren't realistic or within your means to accomplish, they will only frustrate and impede your progress rather than enhance it.  It's important to set smart goals that will help you get your writing done timely and effectively.  There are several things to keep in mind when setting writing goals:

• Consider the larger picture first.  Before embarking on any writing project, it's important to have a clear grasp of the project in its entirety.  For example, if you're writing a report, do you have a clear concept of the report's purpose and overall goal?  Secondarily, do you know what resources you will need to help you accomplish that purpose and goal?  A third consideration in the larger picture is time constraints.  When is the report due and can you realistically meet that goal?  If you have these major aspects within your grasp, then you have a sound basis for proceeding with your project.

• Consider your skills.  It is critical to evaluate your ability to complete the project at hand, to ensure that you have the requisite skill set to do the job. For example, if you're writing fiction in a certain genre, do you have the basic skills required in writing in that genre?  If the genre is plot-driven, do you have strengths in plotting?  If the genre requires suspense and flashbacks, do you have the skills to effectively utilize those techniques?  If you're writing nonfiction, such as an essay, do you have the basic skills required to construct an effective essay?  Do you have good paragraph construction skills and effective paragraph transition skills, for example? Having the basic skill set to complete a writing project will make your work easier and more fulfilling.  

• Consider your schedule.  Every writing project requires time and commitment.  A realistic look at your lifestyle and schedule will reveal whether or not you have the time to commit to the project. For example, if you are writing historical fiction that requires both extensive research and composition, do you have adequate hours in your days and weeks to commit to such a large undertaking?  If your schedule is too busy, maybe working on shorter pieces, such as short stories, memoirs or essays would be more realistic for you.  If you are writing a research report that requires a combination of interviewing, fieldwork, research and composition, do you have the time to commit to such a thorough treatment of your subject matter?  If not, maybe a shorter work such as an article or essay would be more realistic for you. Having a realistic grasp of your ability to commit time and effort to a writing project will enhance your ability to experience completion and success. 

• Consider the smaller picture.  If you have the larger picture in control and have determined you have both the skills and time to commit to a writing project, it's important to also consider the details.  Look at the intricacies of the work you are attempting.  If it requires research in a certain area, for example, will you enjoy that research and be motivated to pursue it?  If it requires mastering a certain technique or style, do you like that style and will you be motivated to master it?  If it requires a lot of tedious and painstaking editing for detail, will you have the patience to do it? There are many minutiae involved in a writing project that will require your care and attention.  A careful look at those and at your own innate interests and motivations will help you ensure that the project is a good match for you.  

• Consider your purpose.  Finally, with any writing project, consider why you want to write it. Is it because you have a deep, personal connection to the subject matter or is it because you are being required to write it for an educational or work project?  Getting in touch with your personal connection to the project is important for its success, because the more you care about your writing, the better it will be.  So, take some time to determine your motivation. Even if it's being directed by someone else, can you make it more meaningful to you or modify it in some way that brings you more enjoyment?  Being able to articulate a clear purpose for writing that holds some personal meaning for you is critical to writing well.

Setting smart writing goals is essential for writing success. Making sure you have a clear grasp of the scope and purpose of your writing project and that you have the requisite skills, time and interest to pursue it will enhance your ability to see the project to completion.  It will also help you write more effectively, capitalize on your writing strengths, and enjoy the process more. Be smart in setting your goals and the reward will be a more fulfilling and successful writing life.