So, you’re getting ready to create a writing schedule? Not so fast. Here are five things you should consider before getting started.

1. Make sure it’s clear all around.

Life’s daily preoccupations are unavoidable, but when it comes time to write, you don’t want your mind cluttered with thoughts of unfinished business.

Forcing a block of time into an otherwise busy day might not be feasible, and it might actually have a negative impact on the quality of your writing. So, when creating your schedule, try to not only set aside a free period of time, but also make it a time when you’ll be able to concentrate (early mornings are best for this).

2. Be reasonable.

Don’t schedule your writing at difficult hours, and don’t force yourself to meet outlandish goals. Give yourself room to breathe, and remember that the point of a writing schedule is not to destroy your spirit, but to make you consistently productive. It is not an endurance test.

3. Set tangible goals.

Most plans fail because people grow discouraged when their work does not yield tangible results. So, beyond showing up everyday to write, set realistic goals over a period of time. These can include finished articles or stories, submission deadlines, any number of possibilities. Give yourself something to shoot for that will reinforce your motivation.

(Another thing: some people create schedules that are based solely on meeting quotas, or tangible goals, per day. Either approach is fine, but I feel it’s easier to begin with a schedule based on time, as it’s not as stressful).

4. Record your progress.

Just as it’s important to set realistic goals, it’s equally important to record your progress. Establish when your schedule will begin, and keep track of what you have accomplished. Looking back, you’ll be motivated by seeing how far you’ve come.

5. Know that it won’t be easy.

Maintaining a writing schedule — or, really, any type of schedule — is difficult. The important thing, however, is to stick with it no matter what. Even if you sit down during your allocated time and just stare at the walls, you still need to be there, because here’s the thing: it always starts with the thought oh, I can skip it just this once.

And then it’s all over.