Hello 2025. Hello New Writing Goals.

Can you believe another year has come and gone? Whether 2024 was a whirlwind of creativity or felt like a slog through writer’s block, now is the perfect time to hit the reset button and look ahead. I know, I know! Setting goals in January is a bit of a cliche. I mean, who sticks to resolutions anyway, right? But it doesn't have to be like that. And it really is a great time for renewing that excitement and love you feel for your writing - and for pushing your progress further.

Goal setting for the new year doesn’t have to be intimidating or rigid; it’s all about finding what works for you and setting yourself up for success. Let’s dive into some tips to help you crush those 2025 writing goals!

1. Reflect on the Past Year

Before we jump into setting new goals, let’s take a moment to look back. What went well in your writing journey last year? Did you finish that draft, start a new project, or even just carve out more time to write? Celebrate those wins! And if there were challenges (hello, procrastination, I'm looking at you), think about what you can learn from them. Why did you hit those challenges and is it something you can overcome? 

The other thing about reflecting over the past year is that it's time to forgive yourself for any mistakes you made. As writers, we can be far too hard on ourselves for not meeting goals or not writing when we 'should' have been. But those days are gone now. Let go of them and focus forward. 

2. Set SMART Goals

You’ve probably heard of SMART goals before, but here’s a quick refresher: make your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of saying, “I want to write more,” try something like, “I’ll write 500 words a day, five days a week.” The clearer your goal, the easier it will be to track your progress and stay motivated. For me, I set a yearly goal, then I break that down into monthly steps. It feels far less intimidating that way. 

3. Dream Big (But Stay Grounded)

It’s great to aim high! Maybe you want to finish a novel, start querying agents, or self-publish your first book. Big goals are exciting and can keep you inspired. Just remember to break them into smaller, actionable steps. Writing a novel might feel overwhelming, but writing one chapter at a time? Totally doable. Also focus on the next step rather than the top of the mountain. 

4. Make Writing a Habit

Let’s face it: the muse doesn’t always show up when you need her. But discipline can! Schedule regular writing time, whether it’s 20 minutes in the morning, an hour after work, or a full day each weekend. Consistency turns writing into a habit, and habits lead to progress. It doesn't matter what your habit is - only you can decide that, since only you live your life with all your unique responsibilities and obligations. But think about it properly. Think about what will work for your schedule, how much you can realistically do, and then stick to it. 

5. Embrace Flexibility

Life happens. Deadlines might shift, and goals might evolve. That’s okay! Be kind to yourself and adjust as needed. The key is to keep moving forward, even if it’s at a slower pace than you’d planned. And if you need to take a break, take a break - but always have a plan to come back at some point. 

6. Find Your Community

Writing can feel like a solitary endeavor, but you don’t have to go it alone. Join a critique group, connect with fellow writers on social media, or attend local writing workshops. Sharing your goals with others creates accountability and offers support when the going gets tough. Try our own wonderful group, So You Want to Write a Book Nook on Facebook or check out my upcoming workshops here. 

7. Celebrate Milestones

Don’t wait until you’ve achieved your ultimate goal to celebrate. Every step forward is worth acknowledging. Finished a chapter? Treat yourself to your favorite coffee. Sent out your first query? Cue the happy dance. Recognising your progress keeps you motivated and reminds you why you love writing in the first place.

8. Keep the Joy Alive

Above all, remember why you write. Maybe it’s to tell stories, process your thoughts, or connect with others. Whatever your reason, keep that spark alive. Writing should challenge you, but it should also bring you joy. Always remember your 'why'. 

Ready to Set Those Goals?

Take some time this week to jot down your 2025 writing goals. Keep them visible—on your desk, in your planner, or as a note on your phone. And don’t forget, goals are not set in stone. They’re a guide to help you stay on track and move closer to your dreams. Share them below, share them with the group, share them with friends. And then get to work on them. You've got this - 100%. 

Here’s to a new year filled with creativity, growth, and lots of words on the page. Let’s make 2025 our best writing year yet.

Happy writing!