Every January, writers set resolutions: “I’ll finish my novel,” “I’ll write every day,” “This will be my year.” But resolutions often fade by February. Goals, on the other hand, can carry you through an entire year and beyond.
For more than twenty years, I’ve facilitated a goal-oriented group for writers at Writer’s Village University. It’s called The Finish Line. I started it because so many people wanted to know how I managed to get so much done. Instead of mentoring several individuals at different times, I created a space where writers could come together to post clearly stated goals, stay accountable, offer feedback, and learn from one another. Over the years, I’ve seen hundreds of writers make real progress by transforming vague dreams into practical, trackable plans.
Clearly Stated Goals Are More Than a To-Do List
The guiding statement of The Finish Line is: “Clearly stated goals are the step between what you want and what you get.” The purpose of the group is to help writers at any level achieve what they desire most, turning obscure dreams into actionable blueprints.
Over the past two decades, I’ve seen that truth in action again and again. Goals turn an abstract dream into something you can measure, track, and celebrate. They bridge the gap between “someday” and “done.”
Years ago, when my kids were still in school, I worked full-time, hosted two Bible studies each week, and juggled Scouts and all the usual family busyness. I barely had time to breathe, let alone write. Around that time, I read Survival for Busy Women by Emilie Barnes. One idea stuck with me:
“Planning our daily and weekly calendars is much easier once we’ve established long-range goals. They help us choose which activities fit into our mission plans.”
— Emilie Barnes, Survival for Busy Women (p. 49)
That concept changed how I approached writing. I didn’t think I had the time. But that book encouraged me to prioritize what truly mattered. My long-term goal was to be a writer; I had a specific book in mind. To get there, I needed steps.
How I Break Goals Down
I divide writing goals into three levels:
- Annual / Yearly Goals (long-term): the big picture: draft a novel, launch a blog, submit to agents.
- Monthly Goals (intermediate): milestones that move you toward the yearly target.
- Weekly Goals (short-term): specific actions like word counts, first draft, revisions, or submissions that meet monthly goals.
My weekly goals serve as my daily to-do list. Some weeks go smoothly; others fall apart. But even in chaotic seasons, those goals give me direction. When life gets hectic, I can move tasks forward instead of giving up entirely. Tracking progress often shows that even in “bad” weeks, I’ve accomplished far more than I thought.
And one more truth I’ve learned: goals are flexible targets, not rigid ultimatums. Don’t let a bad week crush your momentum. And don’t keep a goal on your list if you realize it won’t accomplish what you thought it would. Adjust, reset, and keep going.
Why Most People Quit (and How to Keep Going)
Every January, I see a flood of new faces join The Finish Line. Writers arrive full of enthusiasm, posting long lists of everything they want to accomplish. But by February, about half of them have disappeared. By March, only a handful remain—the ones who’ve learned that having goals isn’t enough.
You have to set priorities and a plan to accomplish them. And I recommend starting small. Let your goals grow with you.
Here’s where I started:
- Yearly: Find Time to Write
- Monthly: Write 3 days a week for at least 20 minutes.
- Weekly: Write 20 minutes 3 days a week.
Writers who stick with it don’t just dream about writing. They make choices. They decide what matters most, what can wait, and what can be set aside altogether. They understand goals without priorities are wish lists, and wish lists don’t get books finished. Real progress happens when you know what matters most and commit to it.
How to Set Clear, Actionable Goals
When I was trying to build publishing credits, my first goal was simple: “Get a short story published.”That sounded clear, but I had no control over whether an editor would accept my work. So I reframed it to make it measurable and attainable:
“Submit one short story every month.”
That goal was within my power, and within months, results followed.
A clear goal gives you a path. It’s something you can measure, schedule, and act on.
The Purpose of Priorities
The purpose of setting priorities isn’t to do everything. If we focus on the most important priorities, we can relax even when secondary goals remain unfinished. Writing goals turns scattered effort into intentional progress and helps fight procrastination and burnout.
It’s Not Just about Productivity
In the end, writing goals aren’t just about productivity. They’re about clarity, purpose, and grace. The grace to keep going, the grit to stay focused, and the realism to know that progress often happens one imperfect week at a time.
So as you step into the New Year, skip the resolutions. Set goals that fit your life, honor your priorities, and move you closer to the stories only you can tell.
Ready to Start Your Own Finish Line?
You can do this on your own, but when you have a small group, the accountability can really prod you to follow through on your goals. You don’t need a big program or fancy system. Gather a few writer friends, people who want accountability, encouragement, and honest feedback.
Create a private Facebook group and make it your shared finish line type group. Invite those who want to join. Use it to post goals, check in weekly, celebrate progress, and support one another when life gets in the way.
Keep it simple. Keep it kind. And keep each other moving forward.
That’s how The Finish Line began over twenty years ago, with a handful of writers who wanted to do more than dream. You can start your own version anytime, even today.
Here’s to a New Year filled with words, progress, and the satisfaction of crossing your own finish lines.
