Unrealistic Expectations – What Writers Need to Know
When it comes to writing a book, ambition is often the fuel that gets us started. The dream of finishing a masterpiece in record time, seeing your words flow effortlessly onto the page, and crafting the perfect first draft is exciting—but it can also set you up for disappointment.
Unrealistic expectations can creep in before you realise it:
- “I’ll finish this book in three months.”
- “I need to write 2,000 words every day.”
- “My first draft must be flawless.”
While ambition is a great motivator, setting unattainable goals can lead to frustration, burnout, and even abandonment of your project. Here's how to combat these challenges and build sustainable writing habits.
The Problem: Unrealistic Expectations Drain Motivation
Imagine setting out to write 2,000 words a day but consistently falling short. Each missed target feels like a failure, chipping away at your confidence and making you question whether you’re cut out to be a writer. Over time, this cycle of over-promising and under-delivering can drain your motivation.
A common conversation that I have with potential clients is their expectation to be able to write and get their book published within 90 days. I think there is some fault placed on many courses that sell themselves on this promise. However, unless writing is your sole focus without work, family or anything else, it’s unlikely to be able to achieve that. Especially if you’re relying on working with other people on the publishing process, which would normally take 90 days alone depending on the size of the book.
Bestselling author Anne Lamott reminds writers in Bird by Bird that, “Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor.” It’s a harsh reminder that we don’t have to get everything right on the first try.
Proven Strategies to Overcome Unrealistic Expectations
- Set Realistic Writing Goals
- Instead of aiming for an arbitrary number like 2,000 words a day, start small. Write for 30 minutes daily or set a goal of 300-500 words. Over time, these smaller goals will add up to significant progress.
- Why It Works: Achieving small, consistent wins boosts your confidence and builds momentum.
- Embrace the “Messy First Draft” Mindset
- No first draft is perfect, and it’s not supposed to be. Focus on getting your ideas down rather than polishing every sentence.
- Tip: Think of your first draft as a house you’re making a home - you’ll change things and improve it later.
“I’m writing a first draft and reminding myself that I’m simply shovelling sand into a box so that later I can build castles.” — Shannon Hale
3. Plan for Progress, Not Perfection
- Break your book into milestones, such as finishing a chapter or reaching a word count by a specific date.
- Celebrate and reward yourself when you reach these milestones—it’s about progress, not how quickly you finish.
4. Recognise Your Unique Pace
Every writer works differently. Some authors complete books in months, while others take years.
George R.R. Martin took over five years to write A Dance with Dragons, while Stephen King is known for his prolific pace. Both approaches are valid.
5. Take Intentional Breaks
Creativity thrives when you give your mind space to recharge. If you’re feeling stuck, step away for a walk, read, or try another creative outlet.
Tip: Use a pomodoro timer to create short breaks as you go.
Warning: Breaks should be intentional, not indefinite. Use them as a recharge, not an escape.
Why Managing Expectations Matters
Unrealistic expectations don’t just slow you down—they can make you feel like giving up entirely. By reframing your goals and allowing space for imperfection, you’ll:
- Write more consistently without the weight of impossible standards.
- Stay motivated by focusing on what you’ve achieved rather than what you haven’t.
- Finish your book at a pace that feels sustainable and rewarding.
Tip: Remember, even your most loved bestselling books started as messy first drafts.
If you’ve ever set unrealistic goals and fallen short, you’re not alone. Writing is a marathon, not a sprint. When Haruki Murakami wrote his first novel, he didn’t aim to finish it in months. Instead, he focused on writing every day—one sentence at a time—and eventually completed it.
Your journey might look different from someone else’s, and that’s okay. The important thing is to keep moving forward, one word at a time.
A Simple Thoughtful Action
Today, take five minutes to set a realistic goal for yourself:
- How much time will you write daily or weekly?
- What milestone can you aim for this month?
Why not share it with us here?
Writing a book is a monumental task, but you don’t have to do it all at once. Set expectations that honour your creativity and your capacity, and you’ll be well on your way to finishing the story only you can tell.