Staying focused and motivated to smash your writing goals

Finally, you already fired up that keyboard (or pen and paper) and wrote the outline of your story. You may already even have written a few chapters and everything feels great and falling into their right places. But then here comes the imposter syndrome - suddenly you feel too inferior to even write a story, let alone publish it for the world to see. Suddenly, you're not as enthusiastic as when you first started. And just like that, you lost all the reason to lift a finger and continue writing, and scrolling through your for you page sounds more like an accomplishment than pretending you can make in the literary world.  

Yes, I know the feeling. I have been there, too. So many times.

Staying motivated while smashing your writing goals can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. And believe me when I say that we all have those days when the excitement wanes and distractions creep in. Heaven knows how many times I let Sylus rule over me, even though I know it has to stop and I have to regain my focus. But hey, I always keep in mind that I was able to produce two novels last year, so writing another one should be easy feat, right?

What did I do in 2024 that made all the difference? Here are some… well, actually, all of it.

1. Set clear and specific goals

First things first: clarity is key. When goals are vague, it’s easy to lose sight of them. What I did at the start of 2024 was write down “publish two books”. This meant I need to write, edit, and print two actual books within the year. It became specific because there was a timeline to it, and that gave the clear target to aim for.

Plus, breaking down larger goals into smaller, actionable steps can make the process feel less daunting.

2. Create a vision board

Vision boards are so fun to create. It’s a simple yet powerful tool. I would normally look for good-looking men in the internet to represent my male characters. Hell, I would even create a sample book cover to envision what it would look like once it's printed. Gather images, quotes, and anything that represents your story and put it all together. You can paste them in your writing journal, put it in your Notion page or create an actual vision board. This visual reminder can keep your goals in front of your mind and inspire you to stay on course. It’s not just arts and crafts; it’s a way to channel your focus.

They were my Roman Empire when I was writing Karayama (photo from Pinterest)

3. Celebrate Small Wins

Like what I’ve always said in my previous posts in this series, I am an advocate of happiness and celebration. Whenever I finish a chapter or a particularly daunting scene,  progress is progress, no matter how small. If you finish a chapter or even hit a minor milestone, take a moment to celebrate. This could be as simple as treating yourself to a favorite snack or enjoying a day off. Acknowledging your achievements builds momentum and reinforces your motivation. It’s all about recognizing that every step counts.

4. Stay accountable

Accountability can work wonders. Share your goals with a friend or join a writing community (barkadahan system it is). Hear me out: Pinoy Indie Authors is such a wonderful writing community that would give you all the motivation you need. Because having someone check in on your progress can push you to stay committed. Plus, discussing your writing journey with others can provide valuable insights and encouragement. It’s easier to stay focused when you know someone else is rooting for you.

5. Practice self-care

Lastly, don’t forget about yourself in the hustle of pursuing your writing goals. Life happens to all of us, and it won't help if we are gonna be too hard on ourselves. Take breaks, get enough sleep, and engage in activities that recharge your batteries. Burnout can zap your motivation faster than you think. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Taking care of your mental and physical well-being will keep you in the game for the long haul.

Good luck in your writing journey

Staying motivated doesn’t have to feel like a chore. By implementing these five tips, you can keep your focus sharp and your motivation strong. So, set those goals, create that vision board, and don’t forget to celebrate those wins along the way!