Six Ways to use Micro Timelines and Micro Goals for Writing Success

by Irene S. Roth, Contributing Editor

Do you have a difficult time reaching your overall writing goals?

Do you feel overwhelmed because life keeps getting in the way and you end up not following through with your goals?

If so, you may want to implement a few micro timelines and micro goals into your daily writing routine.

Here are six ways to do that:

1. Look over your main goals for the year.

Which one of these goals would you like to complete first and why?

If completing this one major goal is important to you, you’ll be more motivated to follow through and reach it.

2. Break up this main goal into small, doable segments.

For instance, if you want to write a book, you may want to first outline your book in one or two sessions.

During your next writing session, you may want to write your introduction.

3. Make sure each of your small, micro goals can be completed in an hour or sooner.

That way, you can check it off your to-do list and move onto your next micro goal.

4. Schedule a writing time that is realistic.

For instance, if you know you will be tired right after work, take a power nap or go for a walk to regroup after a long stressful day at work.

Schedule your writing for after that, so you will be most likely to show up to write.

5. Plan to write every day.

You don’t have to write for hours every day.

But you have to write regularly.

This will help you feel connected to your writing, even when you’re between writing sessions.

6. Reward yourself for each micro goal you reach.

It doesn’t have to be a big reward.

But make sure it’s something you enjoy wholeheartedly.

This will give you something to look forward to after you complete each small goal.

Why Micro Goals Work

Micro goals make it possible to set realistic and doable action plans you can complete, regardless of what else is going on in your life.

This is especially important if you don’t have a lot of time to write because of other responsibilities.

Micro goals and timelines allow you to pull yourself out of distraction mode and keep taking consistent action to complete your bigger goals.

So why not set some micro goals and timelines today?

Check out these additional posts about goal setting:

Goal Setting Guide

Learn How to Prioritize To Reach Your Goals

About Irene S. Roth
Irene Roth has a master’s degree in Philosophy and Psychology from York University, Ontario, and is currently using her expertise to write books for adults about how to be a productive writer. She has published over 150 books and e-books for adults on different topics such as the writing life and different aspects of chronic illness.

Irene has been running workshops at Savvy Authors on many topics for writers for over ten years. She also leads a very successful mentoring group for writers on Savvy Authors that is in its sixth year. She coaches writers to be their best. She lives in Ontario with her husband Jim, cat Toby, and dog Milo.

Visit Irene’s website is: https://irenesroth.com/

And, before you go, don’t forget to sign up for our mailing list.

Just fill in your name and email address, below: