New Year, New Objectives: How To Set Realistic Goals For Writers During 2025?

When a new year begins, it is common for us to review the goals we set for the previous year and evaluate the year ahead.

Sometimes realizing that we did not accomplish the things we had planned or, on the other hand, seeing them accomplished, motivates us to set more demanding goals. And, without realizing it, we make them unattainable before we even start them.

Getting more readers, writing a new novel, starting a self-publishing project in physical or digital format, editing an abandoned draft, starting a literary podcast or generating more digital content to promote our stories can be some of the common goals we usually set as writers.

However, we have to be realistic and aware of what is in our hands to achieve this new year 2025.

What does being “realistic” mean to you?

As basic as it sounds, the first thing to do is to define what is realistic for yourself, because what is realistic and possible for you may not be for someone else.

For example, there are people who do very well with social media and content generation, however, for others, it may be completely impossible and demand much more time than required.

Likewise, for a novice writer or one who is in a roadblock, a goal of 1,000 words a day can be quite overwhelming. However, for an experienced writer, with a well-oiled writing routine, writing 2500 words in one sitting is not as much of a problem.

Set measurable goals over time

Dividing your goals into short and long term helps to better perceive what you want to set out to do.

You can work with weekly or monthly goals that add up to one big annual goal. For example, you could set out to write 2 chapters a month, and by the end of the year you would have a complete novel of 24 chapters.

Another small short-term goal could be to work on x amount of social media posts, and by the end of the year you would have an active and functional marketing strategy.

It is very important that you set specific goals, this way you will know how much effort you should invest that day, week or month.

Avoid setting goals such as “write more” or “get more followers”. In the first case, you should be aware of what it means to write more. And in the second goal, there is a part that does not depend entirely on you, since you cannot force someone to press the follow button on your profile just because you wrote it in your goals at the beginning of the year.

Keep in mind that if your goals are measurable and specific, they will be easier to achieve.

On the other hand, it is crucial that you accept the unexpected. Life is unpredictable. You can only control what is up to you. Instead of getting frustrated or trying to give up, plan intelligently how to deal with setbacks.

It's helpful to remember that every word is an accomplishment: one small step toward reaching your goal.

Find your “why?”

Why do you write? Why do you spend hours doing something that discourages or frustrates you? What's behind that feeling? Again, ask yourself why you do it.

Knowing your “why?” is helpful in dealing with difficult times. Knowing why you're doing what you're doing helps you push away doubts and hold on to what you're truly passionate about.

Find your motive, discover the reason why you write, hold on to it. Based on your why, set goals that you would like to achieve, as long as they are measurable and realistic.

In any case, remember that writing should only be a part of your life. Make it your goal to find a balance between writing, resting, living a healthy life, studying or working, and doing other activities you enjoy. It sounds complicated, but it is possible. Leading a full and balanced life will help you sustain your writing goals.

Find a writing community

Remember that although writing may seem like a lonely path, you will never be alone. There will always be colleagues willing to join you and readers who want to read you.

Sharing your goals, drawbacks, and accomplishments will provide you with support, motivation, and encouragement. Look for friendly communities with whom you share things in common, like the one we have on Discord. These safe spaces are ideal for socializing with others.

Also, celebrating your achievements with others, no matter how small, is something that will make you happy. The year is long and is built on daily victories - you just have to find them! Publishing a chapter, getting out of a block, or simply writing 25 minutes are great little victories that sometimes become invisible.

Annual goals are not a wish list. Dreaming is amazing and allows you to go further, however, setting your dreams as goals is somewhat counterproductive to your mental well-being.

Know yourself and set specific, realistic and measurable goals once you understand how your own creative process works. Challenge yourself, but always with consistency so you don't overwhelm yourself or make unattainable demands on yourself.

No matter what happens, keep writing. One step at a time. One word at a time, chapter by chapter, one novel after another.