A simple technique to set and achieve any goals!
When you want to write – really write – and make a living doing it.
You want to write – really write – and make a living doing it.
But here's the thing about dreams: they require a roadmap. Otherwise, you're just another burnt-out manager with a half-finished novel buried somewhere in your Google Docs.
So, let's talk about goal-setting – not the corporate BS kind with SMART objectives and KPIs, but the kind that might actually get you out of that office chair and into the driver's seat.
Step 1: Confront Your "Why" (It's Probably Complicated)
Before you draft that resignation letter, take a hard look at why you want this. Is it the allure of being your own boss? The dream of turning your obscure passion into a thriving newsletter? Or is it (fill in the blank...)
As Simon Sinek emphasises in Start With Why, understanding your underlying motivations is crucial. Your "why" is the purpose, cause, or belief that inspires you to do what you do. It's probably a mix of things, and that's okay.
It's probably all of the above, and that's okay. Our motivations are messy, contradictory, and often rooted in both genuine passion and a desire to divert from societal expectations. Embrace that complexity. Write it down.
Step 2: Define Success (And NO, It's Not Just About Subscriber Count)
Sustainable success on Substack looks different.
Maybe success is being able to pay your rent without panic-checking your bank account. Maybe it's building a small but engaged community around your topic and interests. Or maybe it's simply the ability to write.
James Clear, in Atomic Habits, talks about the power of setting clear, specific goals and making incremental improvements.
Define what success looks like for you, in concrete terms.
Step 3: Chunk It Down (Because Your Publication’s success Will Take Time)
The gap between "office desk" and "thriving independent writer" can seem insurmountable. So let's break it down into less terrifying chunks.
Anne Lamott, in her classic Bird by Bird, shares a story about her brother struggling with a massive school report on birds. Their father advised him to tackle it "bird by bird," one small task at a time. This approach is about breaking down overwhelming projects into manageable steps.
Build a financial runway (because nothing kills creativity faster than money worries)
Develop a content strategy (what are you actually going to write about?)
Set up your Substack and design basics (Substack makes this part super easy)
Create a backlog of posts (aim for at least a month's worth)
Plan your launch. (This includes getting the word out about your publication)
Establish a consistent writing and publishing schedule (Even when you have zero readers)
Engage with your community (This will take months!)
Each of these steps can be further broken down into weekly or even daily tasks. The key is to make progress feel tangible and achievable, rather than a vague "someday" fantasy.
Step 4: Accountability
Find an accountability partner – preferably someone who won't just nod sympathetically as you explain why you haven't written anything in weeks. As James Clear notes, "Environment is the invisible hand that shapes human behavior." Surround yourself with people who encourage progress.
Join writing groups, both online and in-person. Share your goals publicly (nothing like the fear of public humiliation to light a fire under your ass).
Step 5: Embrace the Suck (It's Going to Suck Sometimes)
Here's the part most goal-setting guides won't tell you: it's going to be hard. You'll have days where the words won't come, where your subscriber count stubbornly refuses to budge.
Steven Pressfield, in The War of Art, calls this internal struggle "Resistance." He writes, "Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands Resistance." Recognizing and battling this force is essential to pushing through tough times.
This is normal. In fact, it's necessary. Success is not a linear path, and the ability to push through the suck is what separates the people who actually build careers on Substack from those who just daydream about it.
Elizabeth Gilbert, in Big Magic, reminds us that fear and doubt are part of the creative process. "Do whatever brings you to life," she advises. Embrace the uncertainties; they're signs you're on the right path.
The Bottom Line
But it's also about being pragmatic. Dreams don't pay the bills (at least not initially). By setting clear, achievable goals and consistently working towards them, you're not just pursuing a fantasy – you're building a path.
Jeff Goins, in You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One), encourages us to claim our identity. "Believe you already are what you want to be. And then start acting like it," he says. By taking actionable steps, you're embodying the role you aspire to.
So go ahead, set those goals. Break them down. Hold yourself accountable. And when it gets tough (it will), remember why you started this journey in the first place.
Very valuable I recently researched and wrote about adding SMART goals to your career development as making goals more tangible. I liked your thoughts on rewarding yourself and having accountable buddy, that is an incredible way to help yourself with your goals. Thanks for sharing
What a valuable resource! It not only provides guidance on setting goals but also offers insights into staying committed and overcoming setbacks. The inclusion of accountability and daily affirmations is fantastic—often overlooked but crucial aspects.