Writing Habits vs Writing Goals: Know the Difference & Develop a Healthy Routine
Discover the key differences between writing habits and goals, and learn how to use both to build a rewarding, sustainable writing practice.
What does it take to build a rewarding, sustainable writing practice? Goal setting and habits are important pieces of the puzzle, but the terms are often used interchangeably, and the concepts confused. In reality, understanding the difference between writing habits and writing goals and how to apply both is crucial to mastering your craft.
People often confuse goals and habits because they see both as steps toward achieving their desired outcomes. However, goals are specific targets or results you aim to achieve. Habits, on the other hand, are the consistent actions and behaviours that make those goals attainable.
Put another way, goals are what you do — they’re the tangible outcomes you want to achieve.
Habits, on the other hand, are who you are — they’re the processes and routines that define your writing life.
Writing Goals: The Destination
Writing goals are your milestones. They’re specific, measurable, and often time-bound. Think of goals like:
Completing a 2,000-word short story by the end of the month
Submitting three articles to your favourite magazine this quarter
Finishing the first draft of your novel in six months
Goals give you direction and something concrete to aim for. They’re the finish line at the end of a writing sprint or marathon.
Writing Habits: The Journey
Writing habits are the daily practices that get you to your goals. They’re the routines that make writing an integral part of your life. Examples of writing habits include:
Setting aside 30 minutes every morning to write, no matter what
Keeping a journal to jot down ideas and observations daily
Reading a chapter of a book every night to fuel your creativity
Habits are about consistency and identity. They transform writing from a task on your to-do list to a natural part of who you are.
Ever experienced that self-doubt or imposter syndrome that whispers menacingly in your ear, “You’re not a real writer.” Habits contribute to an identity shift where you’re able to see yourself as a writer. Building an ongoing practice reinforces your commitment and passion, making it easier to pursue and achieve your goals.
How This Applies to Your Writing Life
Let’s say you have a goal to finish a novel. That’s a big, exciting target, but it can also be daunting. Here’s how you can break it down with habits:
Daily writing sessions: Commit to writing for 30 minutes each day. This habit helps you make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed.
Weekly word count: Aim for a weekly word count goal. This keeps you on track and allows for flexibility if some days are busier than others.
Morning pages: Start each day with a brief writing exercise to get your creative juices flowing. This habit can help overcome writer’s block and build momentum.
Focusing on building solid writing habits helps your goals become more achievable.
Habits keep you grounded and consistent, while goals keep you motivated and inspired.
How can you make this work for you in practice? For starters, avoid setting vague goals. Instead of saying, “I want to write more,” set a specific goal like, “I will write 500 words every day.”
Don’t rely solely on motivation, either. Motivation can be fleeting and hard to find. Develop habits that turn writing into a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.
Track your progress, too. It’s important to recognize and celebrate small wins and progress so you don’t feel like writing is an endless slog. Keep a journal or use an app to track your writing habits and progress toward your goals, to build accountability into your routine.
Remember, goals are the destination, but habits are the journey. To truly succeed as a writer, you need both. Set clear, ambitious goals to give yourself something to strive for. But more importantly, cultivate daily writing habits that make reaching those goals a natural outcome of your routine.
So, what habits can you start building today to achieve your writing goals tomorrow?