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How to Achieve Your Writing Goals

You established your writing goals, but the next step is figuring out how to reach them. Here are some clear steps to help you stay on track and successfully achieve your writing goals.

Create a plan with a clear sequence of steps

Writing goals are not achieved overnight and will remain unfulfilled without a plan. Start by assessing the steps needed to develop the writing skills you want. For example, if the overall goal is to improve on citing sources in APA format, you can start with setting a smaller goal like reviewing the citations page. Then you could set another smaller goal of reviewing the reference list page. These smaller steps will build towards the overall goal of improving your citations and the larger goal of becoming a strong, professional writer.

Find useful resources and support systems

One of the simplest ways to begin achieving your writing goals is to find the resources available to you.

Paper Review Service

An excellent opportunity to receive feedback on your writing goal progress.

Explore Paper Review Service

Writing Modules

Multimedia and self-paced tutorials that can specifically address your writing goals and needs.

Explore Writing Modules

Ask OASIS

If you have questions locating the resources related to your writing goals.

Explore ASK OASIS

Establish a schedule to review goals progress

There is not a set rule for how often you should review your writing goals. It depends on the nature and scope of your goals and your overall writing practice. If you write daily or weekly, you might set more frequent checkpoints to reflect on your goals. However, it is also fine to give yourself time to develop your skills over a longer project or term, in which case a monthly review might be more suitable.

The key is to set a specific schedule for regularly reviewing your progress.

Create a method for evaluating the progress of goals

Besides setting aside time to review your writing goals, it is important to choose a review method. You can set up a more formal review system, such as seeking writing feedback from your faculty or scheduling paper review appointments with an OASIS writing specialist. There is also the option of completing a self-assessment by keeping a revision journal that records the steps you have taken to meet your writing goals, the challenges you still encounter, and the resources you have yet to explore.

Actively engage with your writing community

Writing does not have to be a solitary or isolating experience. The OASIS Writing page provides a wide range of writing-related resources and support services just for you. Students should feel comfortable asking questions, trying out revisions, and seeking additional resources and support as needed.

OASIS Writing Resources

Recognize and celebrate progress and achievements

Reaching your writing goals takes considerable effort, but it’s important not to miss out on celebrating your achievements. Writing goals are designed in part to track your progress and accomplishments. Alongside setting a timeline and review method, you should also include opportunities to enjoy your writing successes. Consider adding a reward system to your goals plan for extra motivation and encouragement.

Reevaluate and set new writing goals

Setting goals is an ongoing process. Achieving writing success involves continuous reevaluation. 

After reaching one writing goal, it’s important to reflect on your next steps.

  • Are you on track to achieve your larger goals?
  • Have you made progress faster than expected?
  • Are there adjustments to be made or new writing goals to be set?

There are many questions to consider, so feel free to make changes as your writing skills develop and evolve.

How to Avoid Ineffective Writing Goals

Curious about how to avoid ineffective writing goals? Setting SMART Goals is a great start. However, you may find the following suggestions, tailored specifically for writing goals, to be helpful:

Focus writing goals on developing skills, rather than addressing problems

When receiving writing feedback, it’s natural to focus on mistakes. While identifying areas for improvement is important, solutions should take priority. Focus on developing a specific set of skills that address your concerns and enhance your overall writing abilities and confidence as a writer.

Consider the order in which the writing goals are set

Thinking big is key in goal setting, but it’s important to break down large goals into manageable steps. Start with smaller writing goals and build on them to achieve your larger aspirations. Use SMART Goals criteria to set timely, achievable objectives. 

Maintain a sense of purpose and flexibility

Writing can be challenging, especially after a long day. To continually practice writing, your writing goals should be rooted in purpose to keep you motivated. Remember, writing takes time, patience, and practice. Don’t be discouraged by slow progress. Give yourself time to practice and be flexible to making any changes as needed.

Revising for Goals

Revising to meet your writing goals starts with planning and reflection. Feedback might highlight issues like inconsistent paragraph focus or improper APA citations. Knowing where to begin improving can be challenging.

To help organize your efforts, we recommend the following resources.

Setting Writing Goals Resources Writing Goal Journal Template

Additional Strategies for Revising Writing Goals

  • Review your previous work and identify any feedback that addresses your goal or a writing skill you want to develop.  

  • Use the information on the Revising Based on Feedback page for help interpreting and applying instructor feedback to your writing goals.  

  • Set up a follow-up Paper review appointment or establish a series of appointments to have your revisions toward your writing goal reviewed.  

  • Create a specific and relevant writing goal for each project you work on. This approach gives you time to focus on a specific skill and apply its application immediately as opposed to trying to achieve all your writing aspirations in one project.  

  • Ensure your goal is measurable. How will you know you achieved your writing goal? How will you measure your progress? 

  • If measuring progress isn’t feasible, focus on the desired outcome (why the writing goal is important) and explore available measurement options (what success looks like). 

  • Break your writing goal down into manageable steps, so it is achievable. Start small and consider steps that build on one another.  

  • For example, if you aim to master APA format, start with citations. Then move to references before tackling more nuanced features of APA style, like headings or abbreviations.  

  • Set a deadline for each step in your writing goal plan (timely). Remember to keep it reasonable and allow room for adjustments.  

  • Create a guide of related resources (e.g., webpages and blog posts) on your writing goal for future reference.  

  • Consider bookmarking these resources in your web browser for easy access.  

 


 

Key Takeaways

  • Writing goals need a plan and time; start with smaller goals, like reviewing APA modules, to build towards becoming a strong writer.   

  • Choose a review method like seeking faculty feedback, scheduling paper-review appointments, or keeping a revision journal. 

  • Writing doesn't have to be solitary; the OASIS Writing page offers resources and support. 

  • Celebrate your achievements; track progress, set a timeline, review method, and include rewards for motivation. 

  • After achieving a writing goal, take time to reflect on your next steps. 

  • Develop specific skills to address writing concerns and enhance your writing abilities and confidence by focusing on solutions. 

  • Think big when setting goals but break them into manageable steps using SMART criteria to achieve your larger writing aspirations. 

  • Set purposeful goals and allow time for practice and flexibility to stay motivated and see improvement. 

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