I confess, I'm a goal junkie.
I set daily goals for almost everything I'm working on, particularly writing. And once they're set, I have a tough time backing down, or modifying them (other than to further raise them). If I fail to get there, it makes me feel bad. Guilty. Useless.
I know such self-imposed rigor might be considered a bit weird. It all started back in College with a very disciplined study regime that help my grades considerably, and then it carried over into my work life. I've been setting daily goals of some sort for a good thirty years, and while it sometimes seems like a road leading to nowhere, I almost can't imagine life without the process. Even when I intentionally try to drop it, after a short time I find it right back in my routine.
For example, right now I've arbitrarily decided that I need to write a chapter a day on the first draft of "Supply Side," my latest novel. Why a chapter a day? It's a nice, round amount -- approximately ten pages, or 2,500 words.
I could pick another, smaller amount. I could take a day off, but when I know a busy day is coming, I find myself trying to "make up for it" by writing more on the less busy days, thus maintaining my daily quota.
And while I greatly enjoy hitting the goals, I must admit it sometimes makes what is generally enjoyable into a bit of a chore.
It also leaves me wondering if I'm typical (or "normal"), or is there something odd going on here???
