SMART Goals
SMART goals work because they break big ambitions into manageable actions.
Specific — Write New Words in Your WIP
Every SMART goal begins with being specific. A vague goal like “write more today” is hard to follow because it doesn’t define what success looks like. Instead, create a clear objective, such as writing new words in your work in progress (WIP).
Specific goals remove uncertainty. When you sit down to write, you already know exactly what you intend to accomplish. That clarity helps focus your energy and keeps you moving forward instead of wondering what to do next.
Measurable — “1000 Words”
A goal must also be measurable. If you can’t measure it, you can’t tell whether you’ve succeeded or not. “Write some new words” is vague, but “write 1000 new words” gives you a clear finish line.
Word counts are an easy metric for writers. When you hit the number, you know you’ve achieved the goal. That simple measurement helps build momentum and confidence because progress becomes visible.
Achievable — Don’t Set Yourself Up for Failure
Goals should challenge you without setting you up for failure. If you’ve never written 10,000 words in a day, making that your daily goal is likely unrealistic. Instead, choose a target that pushes you slightly beyond your normal output.
For example, if you normally write 1,500 words a day, setting a goal of 2,000 words may be the right challenge. It stretches your ability while still remaining within reach. The point is to grow, not to frustrate yourself.
Relevant — Is It the Right Thing for Your Day?
A goal must also be relevant to your overall objective. Writing goals should move you toward finishing a book, improving your craft, or strengthening your author business.
For instance, saying “I will spend 15 minutes on advertising” may not be meaningful if the time passes without real progress. A better goal might be reviewing ad keywords, updating targeting, and reloading the campaign. The action matters more than simply filling time.
Timely — Give It a Time Element
Finally, goals must include a time element. Without a deadline, goals tend to drift. A statement like “write 1000 words” becomes much stronger when paired with a timeframe.
For example: “Write 2000 new words on your WIP today.” The time boundary creates urgency and focus. It also allows you to plan your day around completing that task.
Final Thought
SMART goals work because they break big ambitions into manageable actions. By making goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely, you set yourself up to win day after day. Small daily victories add up quickly, and before long, those steady steps turn into completed books and real progress in your writing career.
SMART Goals — Original Medium Article
SMART Goals — Over 1000 Five Minute Focus videos on the Successful Indie Author YouTube Channel
The May I Write a Novel Challenge is live, but it is never too late to jump in and get started.
Join other successful indie authors this May on the SIA Writing Challenge website and record your progress. Collectively, SIA members wrote nearly 3,750,000 words in May 2025.
You set your goal. You establish your own boundaries. The rest of us will support and encourage you. Simple as that.
Don’t miss out on your chance to be part of that success in May 2026.
SIA Writing Challenge website — Record Your Progress on Your Way to Becoming a Successful Indie Author
Craig Martelle is an author, leader, and entrepreneur living in Alaska. Retired from the Marine Corps military intelligence community and physical security, he graduated summa cum laude from law school and went into business consulting. From intelligence, to the inner workings of company boardrooms, to on-the-ground leadership, Craig has seen it firsthand.
He is a million-selling author of over 200 science fiction (post-apocalyptic, military sci-fi, and space opera), thrillers, and the non-fiction series, Successful Indie Author. Craig has been running author conferences since 2017, and also the Successful Indie Author Facebook Group, and the Successful Indie Author YouTube Channel.
Leadership is a service, not a crown to lord over others.