Sometimes when we find ourselves not meeting our writing goals, it can help to have an “accountability partner.” This can be a writing friend or a coach with whom you check in on a regular basis concerning your short and long term goals.
I have always found that being accountable to someone makes me get my work done. I’ve never really liked deadlines, but knowing I have one surely makes me complete my writing work. When I work for a magazine, my editor becomes my accountability partner. If you have a book contract, your editor at the publishing house serves as your accountability partner. If you are a blogger, your readers become your accountability partners; you assume they wait each day or week for you to post your next blog.
In the absence of these partners, you can hire a writing coach. I have successfully coached clients through the writing of their books simply by being there every week to discuss their progress, obstacles and strategies, and new weekly goals. It’s amazing how quickly people can write a book when they know they are paying someone to keep them on track.
Critique groups, writing buddies or even best friends and family members also can stand in as accountability partners. Simply ask them to hold you to your own deadlines and writing goals. Or, if you are fairly disciplined, simply give yourself deadlines, and then stick to them.
If you utilize the idea of accountability partners and deadlines, you’ll find yourself meeting your writing goals much more quickly and reliably.
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