Successful Writing Goal #3 – Accountability

Successful Writing Goal #3 – Accountability

Accountability

You must be accountable to yourself to stick with your writing. Many people who say that are writing books don’t complete them. I was recently speaking with an associate who has said for the last few years she is writing a book. The first time I checked in with her, almost a year ago she had completed a chapter. When I recently spoke with her, she admitted  had only written a few additional pages.  Tsk, tsk, tsk. 🙂

The reasons for not completing a project vary but it all comes down to this, there wasn’t a goal set with any sense of accountability. It is not enough to just set a goal you also have to be accountable. Ask yourself, “If not now, when?”

How can a writer become more accountable?
#1 Write things down

Having written goals that you can see and refer to often helps. I have my goals on large chart papers in my room so I can see them. I also say that to myself once a week to keep my goals front and center.

#2 Join a Writing Group
Writing groups are a good for keeping a writing on track. I have belonged to several groups and I can say from personal experience that when I did not feel like writing knowing that I would have to face a writing group was enough to get me motivated. I didn’t want to disappoint anyone, mainly myself. A lot of times what I had written wasn’t good but there was always something usable that pushed me to the next level.

#3 Reward Yourself
Incentives are another thing that worked for me. I would promise myself a small reward if I completed the necessary pages. We give up a lot to write. I work full-time and sometimes I would have to get up early or perhaps stop doing something that I loved to meet my writing goals. Rewarding myself along the way help keep me motivated.

What keeps you accountable? Please leave a comment with a tip.

Other articles you may be interested in:

Successful Writing Habit #6: The Character Sketch

Successful Writing Habit #5 : The Outline

Successful Writing Habit#4: Use a Calendar

Successful Writing Habit #2: Set Goals

Successful Writing Habit #1: Never Give Up