By Audrey Quinn
As a writer, you’re likely always planning what comes next.
Whether it’s finishing your latest story, revising a final draft, or taking the daunting step of submitting your work for publication, you always have another goal for yourself to reach.
Goal setting is an important part of a writer’s life. But it’s equally important to remind yourself of all the things you’ve already accomplished!
Even if you think you could have done more, or that something didn’t turn out quite the way you pictured it in your head, you still got through it–whether “it” is a project, personal improvement goal, or a work-related aspiration. Read on for some ideas on how to celebrate your successes, no matter how grand or small.
Get yourself something special!
This doesn’t have to be expensive jewelry. Getting yourself something special can be a dessert you love, an item of clothing you’ve wanted for a while, a new tool or supplies to use in your craft or hobby, or tickets to a concert you want to go to, to name a few examples.
Tell a friend, family member, or colleague
Sometimes it’s nice to share our joy with the people closest to us.
I know I love hearing about my dad’s woodworking projects, my brother’s artwork and stories, and my friend’s academic achievements in his last year of school.
It’s not bragging to talk about something you created or achieved that you’re proud of–especially if you worked hard on it. If you feel comfortable doing so, consider telling a friend, family member, or colleague about something you got done.
Sometimes this even helps us combat negative ideas we might hold: “Oh, so-and-so did something so much more impressive than me,” or “It wasn’t really that hard. In fact, I should have done this faster/better.”
The people we’re close to can offer praise and reassurance when we don’t always do so for ourselves.
Take time to reflect on what you’ve done
Take a little time to look back on what you’ve accomplished.
If it’s a longer project you’ve completed, think back to when you first started it, and walk yourself through each step and bump in the road you faced to get to where you are today.
If it’s a shorter-term goal that you got done, you can still reflect on your success. Think about how you felt when you started working towards this goal, if you ever had doubts as to whether you could complete it or not, and how it feels now that it’s over.
You can try journaling, or creating visual art, or just silently reflecting on your journey in your head.
Take a trip or staycation
Consider taking a trip to commemorate your success. It can be near or far away, be spread out over several days, or just one. Taking a trip could even mean just going hiking somewhere new to explore, or camping. Or it could be doing the whole fancy bed-and-breakfast thing. Whatever the nature of your trip, taking a little vacation for yourself is a great way to unwind and celebrate your achievement.
Congratulations on your success, whatever it is!
Remember to take joy and pride in how far you’ve come from starting your goal to this moment today, and try not to compare yourself to others. Comparison breeds self-doubt, and that serves no purpose to anyone.
Upcoming classes you might enjoy
Nap-a-thon: a fundraiser for people who are tired. Which, statistically, is everyone.
Nap Ambassador sign ups close Sept 30.
Napping and fundraising happens Oct 1-31.
The Oregon Author Series brings a visiting Oregon writer into our space for an afternoon of live conversation: about their book, their process, and the stubborn, beautiful work of making something true on the page.
Sept 13, Dec 13, 2026; March 14, June 13, 2027 | 4-6 pm
Ages 16+
Come share a meal with other writers and talk shop—craft, process, money, motivation, publishing, rejection, weird writing habits, and whatever’s currently living rent-free in your brain.
Friday, Sept 18 | Noon–1:30 pm
Ages 18+
Get your novel out of your head and onto the page in this 6-month novel-writing cohort with Daryll Lynne Evans.
Begins October 5 | Ages 18+
A 12-week, 6-session critique class for writers ready to move their work forward—with kind, constructive feedback and a welcoming crew of fellow creatives.
Every other Tuesday. Fall Memoir/Creative Nonfiction cohort starts Oct 6, 2026 | Age 16+
A 4-week writing accountability and co-working group to help you make real, steady progress on your writing.
Wednesdays 3-4:30 pm | In person or online | Next cohort starts Oct 7, facilitated by Daryll Lynne Evans | Age 16+