Another benefit of breaking goals down into smaller blocks is the goal suddenly feels far more achievable.  Sitting at the computer, staring at blank page number one, and knowing you’ve got 100,000 words still to go can be extremely daunting and discouraging.  It’s not so bad to think, “I’ve only got to write 1000 words today.”  You can do that, no problem.

Take these three components of successful goals and apply them to any goals you wish to set.  You’ll find they immediately help you define, clarify, and organize your goals.

For example, last year I set the goal to write two complete novels.  I didn’t quite make it.  Part of the reason was that I did not follow this process as closely as I knew I should.  I did complete two drafts of one novel, make significant edits in a previously completed novel, write a new novella, and complete about 70% of the planning process of another full novel.  I am pleased with all the work I did complete, but I could have done better.

This year I am approaching the setting of goals more carefully.  I am still finalizing the plan, but right now it looks like this:

Goal 1:  Complete edits to The Sentinel’s Call, my 150,000 word epic fantasy novel.

The detailed monthly plan is not complete, but at a high level, I need to:

• Re-read the novel and identify needed edits to improve book pacing.
• Compare planned edits with feedback from my agent, and finalize plan
• Make the edits.

I expect to complete this effort by April or May.

Goal 2:  Write the sequel to The Sentinel’s Call.  This will be a 125,000 word epic fantasy novel.

Plan will include:

• Complete high level outline (Current state: 70% complete at 3,500 words).
• Tie plot to planned edits to The Sentinel’s Call.
• Complete detailed outline of up to 30,000 words.
• Write first draft in 3 months.
• Gather feedback from beta readers, plan second draft, and write it prior to the end of the year.

As you can see, I still have work to do, but I’m getting close.  As I finalize the goals, measurements, and the plan to achieve them, you can see how the resulting tasks will easily become sub-goals and milestones I can use to benchmark progress and keep myself on track.  I’ll plan to schedule at least a couple of burst-writing sessions in the months with the heaviest chapter writing to increase productivity.

If I can identify clearly and realistically what I’ll need to do every month to reach these goals, then I just need to work the plan.

We’ll see how well I do.

What are your plans for next year?