Setting Smart Writing Goals for 2016

No resolutions.

I have made zero resolutions for the New Year. The reason for this is exactly what you imagine. I usually make them, only to break them shortly after each new year rolls around. This time, I’d like to take a different approach. I aim to apply a goal-setting method that has worked for me for some time now. I’m talking about setting SMART goals.

Now, forgive me if this reads like some corporate motivational poster or self-help mumbo jumbo. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time bound, and this popular model can be easily applied to the writing process.

For my writing goals to be specific, I need to have a clear idea of what it is that I want to achieve. Some vague notion simply won’t do. So, instead of simply saying that I want to write some stories in the coming year, I have made a list of the specific stories that I want to complete or continue, and new story ideas that I want to work on in the coming year.

Since I know that I will be writing short stories and a web serial, I have to give consideration to the length of each story, chapter. Managing story length or word counts is a way to make sure that my writing goals are measurable. I figure each short story will cap at about 3000 to 6000 words, and each web serial chapter runs 900-1500 words. Theoretically, I could write one story a month, as well as a weekly update of my web serial. At first glance, that seems achievable. It is, after all, humanly possible.

The problem though is at 12 short stories and web serial 52 chapters are complete unrealistic. Factor in working full-time (that’s 12 hour shifts) plus school, not even some fancy-schmancy footwork is going to make 12 stories and 52 chapters happen in 12 months. If I manage my time wisely though, I reckon, I can manage between 6 and 8 short stories and 12 web serial chapters in 12 months.

This is where the time bound aspect of goal-setting comes into play. For instance, it would be senseless to wait until October to start writing my first story. I’ll need to make sure that I have deadlines for completing stories and monthly chapters of my web serial, and give myself enough time to complete each project within that twelve-month period.

This is merely one rough example of how SMART goals can be applied to the writing process. It’s important to be flexible and open to opportunities for positive changes. Circumstances might change, and I might have to further curb my writing goals. The opportunity to write more than I’m initially planning, could also present itself.

I plan to follow-up every six months by taking stock of where I am, as far as my goals go. Then, I plan to adjust either my pace or goals.

The post Setting Smart Writing Goals for 2016 appeared first on TONYA R MOORE.