Setting Realistic Writing Goals and Deadlines

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Setting Realistic Writing Goals and Deadlines: How to Avoid the Procrastination Trap

If you’ve ever found yourself binge-watching cat videos instead of writing that bestseller, you’re not alone! The struggle is real, and let’s face it—writing can sometimes feel like trying to shove a square peg into a round hole, especially when there’s a deadline looming closer than a hawk eyeing a field mouse. But fear not! Today, we’ll learn how to set realistic writing goals and deadlines that can help you dodge procrastination like a ninja dodges bullets.

Why Setting Goals Matters

Setting writing goals is like GPS for a road trip. Without it, you may end up wandering the chaotic backroads of “What am I doing with my life?” Here’s why it’s crucial:

  • Provides direction: Goals function as an invisible compass pointing you toward your writing destination.
  • Boosts motivation: A well-defined goal can ignite your passion faster than your morning coffee—unless you’re coffee-deprived!
  • Helps you measure progress: Reach milestones and celebrate them like you just won an Olympic gold medal (even if it’s just finishing a chapter).

Smart Goals: Not Just for Corporations

You’ve probably heard of SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). But let’s add a little flair and nuance, shall we?

  1. Specific: Instead of saying, “I want to write a book,” say, “I will write 1,000 words a day for my mystery novel.”
  2. Measurable: Track your progress with a word count tracker. Nothing feels quite like hitting that 10,000-word mark!
  3. Achievable: Be real with yourself. If you have three kids, maybe don’t set a goal to write 50,000 words in a week. Unless you’re a superhuman, which I doubt.
  4. Relevant: Make sure your goal aligns with your personal writing aspirations. Writing flash fiction when you dream of penning an epic novel may not be the best move.
  5. Time-bound: Set deadlines! “I will submit my short story to this magazine by next Thursday.” They say pressure creates diamonds—but let’s not overdo the whole pressure cooker thing.

Crafting Your Fabulous Action Plan

Now that you have your SMART goals in hand, it’s time to whip up an action plan that any writing superhero would be proud of!

1. Break it Down

Your goal—while enticing—might feel daunting. So, break it into smaller tasks:

  • Outline your chapters.
  • Research your topic if needed.
  • Set daily or weekly writing quotas.

2. Schedule Your Writing Time

Mark it on your calendar, treat it like a family dinner, and show up ready to write—preferably in comfy pajamas. You’re a writer; this is non-negotiable.

3. Celebrate the Milestones

Wrote 500 words? Treat yourself to something nice—perhaps a fancy cup of coffee! Finished a chapter? Fireworks! Okay, not literally, but you get the idea.

Avoiding the Procrastination Trap

Procrastination is like a thief in the night—one minute you’re confidently typing away, and the next, you’re watching videos of raccoons stealing food. To outsmart this sneaky villain:

  • Establish a distraction-free zone: Tie up that dog and keep the snacks at bay!
  • Use productivity techniques: Pomodoro, anyone? (25 minutes of writing, followed by 5 minutes of guilt-free scrolling!)
  • Stay accountable: Share your goals with friends or join writing groups. They’ll remind you that those cat videos can wait.

Conclusion: Write Like No One’s Watching

So there you have it! By setting realistic writing goals and deadlines, you can unleash your inner literary genius while avoiding the dreadful grasp of procrastination. Remember, the best writing habit is simply putting words on the page—no matter how messy they may seem at first.

So grab your pen, laptop, or voice memo app and start putting your ideas into the world. Your future self (and your cat) will thank you for it!

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