1. Lack of Motivation Can Block Your Writing Goals:

One of the most common obstacles aspiring writers face is a lack of motivation. It's normal to have days when you feel uninspired or unsure about your writing abilities. To overcome this hurdle, it's crucial to cultivate a sense of purpose and find ways to reignite your passion for writing.

• Set clear writing goals: Establish specific, achievable goals that provide you with direction and purpose. Break them down into smaller milestones to make progress tangible and rewarding. Consider using the free JWP Writing Project Planning Sheets.
• Find inspiration in others' work: Surround yourself with great literature, read books by your favorite authors, and explore different genres. Let the power of words reignite your creative spark.  Just being hard on yourself and toughing it out isn't enough. You need to fill the well that you draw from.

2. Lack of Continual Learning and Growth Will Block Your Writing Goals:

Writing is a lifelong journey of learning and growth. Read and study in and out of your preferred genres. Stagnation will hinder your progress. Here's what you can do:

• Embrace continuous learning: Attend writing workshops, join writing communities, and participate in online courses. Learn from experienced writers and immerse yourself in the world of literature. Seek feedback on your work to grow and improve.
• Overcome self-doubt: Remember that every writer, no matter their level of expertise, has moments of self-doubt. Push through those feelings by reminding yourself of your passion for writing and the joy it brings you.

3. Lack of Structure and Time Management May Thwart Your Writing Goals:

Many aspiring writers struggle with structuring their writing time and managing their commitments. Without a clear plan, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and unable to make progress. To tackle this obstacle:

• Create a writing schedule: Set aside dedicated time for writing and treat it as an essential appointment with yourself. Whether it's early mornings, late nights, or specific blocks of time during the day, find what works best for you and commit to it. If your writing stagnates, make a new writing routine. Change the time of day or change from a keyboard to a notebook-or vice versa. Try a coffee shop or library or sit at a picnic table in a quiet park. Shake things up. But don't stop.
• Break it down: Divide your writing projects into smaller, manageable tasks. By breaking them down, you'll feel less overwhelmed and more motivated to tackle each piece.
• Minimize distractions: Identify and eliminate distractions during your writing time. Turn off notifications on your phone, find a quiet space, or use productivity apps that help you stay focused. Learn to say no. You don't have to knit because your neighbor does.  Delete time-sucking games from your phone.  You can declare that you are unavailable for the next 90 minutes. (Download the free "Writer at Work" Doorknob hanger.)

4. Lack of Support Often Blocks Writing Goals:

Writing can sometimes be a solitary pursuit, and the absence of support and encouragement can dampen your spirits. Surrounding yourself with those who also understand the  writing life will support your journey:

• Join writing communities: Connect with other writers, either locally or through online platforms. Participate in workshops, critique groups, or writing circles where you can share your work and receive valuable feedback.
• Seek accountability partners: Find a writing buddy or join a writing group where you can hold each other accountable. Regular check-ins and shared goals can provide the support and encouragement you need to stay motivated.

5. Unrealistic targets or not having clear direction can lead to discouragement and a lack of enthusiasm.

To set yourself up for success:

• Be specific: Define clear and specific goals for your writing projects. Specificity helps you measure progress. I suggest a word count writing goal because writing for an hour can easily become an hour of surfing the net. One strategy is to set an easily achievable writing goal. Even a goal of 250 words will help you get words on the page and help you defeat resistance.
• Set deadlines: Establish realistic deadlines for each writing milestone. Deadlines provide a sense of urgency and ensure that you stay on track.
• Celebrate achievements: Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. Reward yourself when you reach your writing goals, and acknowledge the progress you've made.