{"id":177921,"date":"2022-01-25T09:19:03","date_gmt":"2022-01-25T15:19:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.draft2digital.com\/blog\/?p=177921"},"modified":"2023-08-08T09:12:27","modified_gmt":"2023-08-08T14:12:27","slug":"5-tools-to-help-you-reach-your-writing-goals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/draft2digital.com\/blog\/5-tools-to-help-you-reach-your-writing-goals\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Tools to Help You Reach Your Writing Goals"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For many of us, annual goals follow a predictable pattern. We make clear resolutions, often including writing goals like \u201cFinish that book!<\/em>\u201d, and are steadfast about keeping them \u2026 for the first few weeks. After that, life tends to get in the way. We\u2019re too busy to hit our target word count for one morning, then two. Before we know it, we\u2019ve slipped right back into our old habits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These five writing tools won\u2019t achieve your writing goals for you, but they\u2019ll give you the best chance of achieving them. From low (or no)-tech to cutting-edge, here are five tools that will help improve your focus and make it easier to hit your writing goals this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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#1: Noise-canceling headphones<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re writing from the road<\/a> or simply trying to find a bit of quiet in a busy household, noise-canceling headphones can be an invaluable focus tool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like magic, they block out any outside noise that might distract you while you\u2019re trying to write, from screaming children to road or airplane noise. Instead, you can listen to whatever helps you focus, from music to piped-in cafe noise. You can even use them to create a cone of silence, if that\u2019s how you work best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bose is generally agreed to have the gold-standard offering, but far less expensive options serve the same ultimate purpose. For guidance, explore a few online reviews like this one from Wirecutter<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And while you\u2019re at it, check out targeted mood playlists (like Spotify\u2019s<\/a>) to give you some aural inspiration while you write. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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#2: The classic notebook<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The notebook is about as low-tech as it gets. There are some fantastic options on the market, and we\u2019ve listed our favorites below. But you don\u2019t need anything fancy\u2014and that\u2019s why we love this tool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re the type of person who likes to write by hand, you probably already carry a notebook with you everywhere. You never know when inspiration will strike, and the best way to capture those moments is to write them down<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notebooks come with considerable perks. They require no battery power, they aren\u2019t generally a target for theft, and you can use them just about anywhere. Lower-end options can be purchased at the dollar store, or you can invest in higher-quality favorites like Moleskine<\/a> or Leuchtturm<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those who like the look and feel of writing on paper but prefer the versatility of tech, check out a thin paper-like tablet like the reMarkable tablet<\/a>, which can convert handwriting to typed text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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#3: Word count apps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re the goal-oriented or competitive type, tracking your daily writing habit will probably prove a powerful motivator. Once you string together a series of days in which you\u2019ve hit a word count goal, momentum tends to build. After all, if you\u2019ve committed to writing 500 words a day and you\u2019ve shown up for the last 30 days, you\u2019re far less likely to break your streak on day 31.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few tools we\u2019ve found helpful in sticking to daily word count goals:<\/p>\n\n\n\n