5 Writing Goals You Need This Year

Friend, have you noticed how January arrives with a loud chorus of “set bigger goals, hustle harder, do more”? The pressure can leave us spinning — like standing in a bookstore aisle clutching three planners, wondering if this will finally be the year we “get it together.”

But as faith writers, we’re not called to chase just any goals. We are called to set godly writing goals — dreams divinely designed to intersect with the desires of our hearts and ignite a holy passion for His glory. Psalm 32:8 promises, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you” (ESV).

This year, let’s trade hustle for holy alignment. Let’s craft goals that sharpen our writing and deepen our walk with Jesus. Here are five writing goals to set this year — and how to actually achieve them.

1. PRAYoritize Before You Plan.

Before your pen touches paper, pause. Invite the Lord into your creative process. Ask Him: What do You want me to write this year? How can my words bring You glory? When your goals align with His will, your writing becomes more than content — it becomes Kingdom work.

2. Write It Down.

Goals trapped in your head are just wishes. Put them on paper. Be specific: “Finish the first draft of my devotional by September” carries far more power than “Write more.” Writing down your goals transforms someday into starting now.

3. Identify and Overcome Your Obstacles.

Every God-sized dream meets resistance — both external and internal. Maybe it’s time management. Perhaps it’s fear of rejection. Name the obstacle, then prayerfully ask God to equip you with the skill, discipline, and courage to push through it.

4. Set Priorities and Guard Your Focus.

Each day, identify your No. 1, most important writing task using the 80/20 rule: 80% of your results will come from 20% of your efforts. Ask yourself:

• If I can only do one thing today, which task matters most?

• Which activity will contribute the most value to my writing and my calling?

Work on it without distraction until it’s 100% complete. No multitasking, no quickly “just checking” your phone. Focus and concentration are the keys to progress, and self-discipline is the habit that will carry you to the finish line.

5. Create SMART Goals.

Make your writing goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). For example, setting a goal like “Post one blog each month on spiritual growth” gives you a clear finish line and accountability. Another example could be “Complete the first draft of my book by the end of June.” Remember — clarity fuels consistency.

Sweet friend, 2026 doesn’t need to be the year you do more — it can be the year you do precisely what God has called you to do, with intentionality and joy. Imagine looking back next December, not with regret but with quiet satisfaction, knowing you stewarded your gift well. May the Lord guide and bless your writing journey this year. 

Kelly Kirby Worley

Which of these five writing goals will you start with this week, and what’s one step you can take today to move toward it?