It's Goal Time

What's on my list for 2026, what's not and why

Looking Back, Moving Ahead

One of my big goals for the year is in jeopardy. Yep—might not complete it by the end of 2025. Not for lack of work. I’ve been moving steadily forward. It’s just taken longer than I expected.

But this is one? I’ll keep at it, because it still feels interesting and relevant. Because I still care about it. A couple of the others, like pitching to new-to-me magazines? Meh. Moving on.

This time of year, I start looking back—at the progress, the setbacks, the lessons learned, and the ones still waiting. I also start thinking about what I want to do next with my writing. That part always feels exciting.

Setting Writing Goals You Can Actually Achieve

I love a good goal—something possible, but requiring effort and intention. The kind where the process itself feels meaningful, and the outcome becomes an indicator that you’ve done the work.

It’s easy to feel dull and depleted when we pick the wrong goal, though. To choose a wish instead of something tangible. It’s something we can never achieve. Then, instead of fueling motivation, it drains it.

Giving up on the wrong goal creates room for a better one.