Academic Guides: Writing a Paper: How to Achieve Your Writing Goals

How to Achieve Your Writing Goals

You’ve set your writing goals. Now the question becomes how to achieve those goals. Below is a list of clear steps you can use to keep you on track for goals success.

Make a plan with a clear sequence of steps.

Writing goals are not achieved overnight and will remain unfulfilled if you do not create a plan for achievement. Implementing a goal plan starts with assessing what steps you will need to take to obtain the writing skills you desire. This process may require you to set a series of smaller writing goals, like reviewing the Writing Center’s APA modules or webinar on avoiding bias, that build toward the more complex goal of becoming a strong, professional writer. We are happy to help you map out those steps toward goal achievement through our paper review appointments. Make an appointment and share your writing goal today!
Identify helpful resources and support systems.

One of the easiest ways to start achieving your writing goals is to locate supporting resources available to you. The Writing Center’s paper review service offers a great opportunity to get feedback on your writing goal progress; however, there are a multitude of other tools—including our modules, webinars, WriteCast podcasts—that may specifically address your writing goals and needs. If you have questions about locating resources related to your goals, Ask OASIS.
Set a timeline to review goals progress.

There is no magic number for how often you should review your writing goals. It all depends on the nature and scope of your goals as well as overall writing practice. Those who maintain a daily or weekly writing routine may establish more frequent checkpoints to reflect on their goals. However, it is perfectly acceptable to allow yourself the time and space to develop your skills over the course of a larger project or term. In those cases, a monthly goals check may be more appropriate. Either way, the most important thing to remember is to set aside a specific time interval for review.
Establish a system of evaluation.

In addition to setting aside time to review your writing goals, you should also decide on a method for review. You can establish a more formal system of review, such as requesting writing feedback from your faculty, or make regular paper review appointments with a Writing Center instructor. There is also the option of completing a self-assessment by keeping a revision journal that documents what steps you have taken to achieve your writing goals, what challenges you still face, and what resources you have yet to try.
Be active in your writing community.

Writing does not have to be a lonely, isolating process. We, at the Writing Center, try to foster a sense of community, where students can feel comfortable to ask questions, try out revisions, and reach out anytime with additional requests for resources and support. We have a wealth of writing-related resources and support services waiting for you. To take full advantage, we encourage students to become an active member of our writing community through their participation in paper reviews, webinars, social media, chat hours, and more.
Celebrate progress and accomplishments.

Achieving your writing goals requires a lot of work, but that does not mean you should overlook opportunities for celebration. In fact, writing goals are designed in part to track your progress and accomplishments. Just as you set a timeline and method for review, you also should build in chances to revel in your writing success. You may even consider incorporating a reward system into your goals plan as an added layer of motivation and encouragement.
Reevaluate and set new writing goals.

Goal setting is rarely a one-time task. Writing success requires constant reevaluation. Once one writing goal has been achieved, it is time to start reflecting on what your next steps will be. Are you on track to achieve your larger goal plan? Have you made progress faster than expected? Are there adjustments to be made or new writing goals to be set? There are a variety of questions to consider, so don’t hesitate to make changes as your writing skills grow and evolve.