5 Steps to make daily writing easier and more consistent
Having trouble with writing consistently? Here’s some help…
1. Identify 2 time blocks that are workable...
Doesn’t matter if it’s morning, noon or night. Just identify 2 time slots that will usually work. For me, that’s first thing in the morning and last thing at night. For some people, it’s morning and after dinner. Doesn’t matter what they are — just identify 2 times you can usually write. If you don’t write during the first one, you still have the second one.
2. Set a trigger
There’s an old story about a young man who was studying and his father told him “Son, every time you sit down to study, sharpen a pencil first.” One day, the son realized sharpening a pencil put his brain in “learning” mode.
Our brain relies on associations. Triggers are the best way to form new habits or strengthen weak ones. Sharpening a pencil, a special tea, or specific candle. I know a writer that puts on a light shrug (shawl) — and bam — writing mode. Think of a trigger— and then save it just for when you’re going to write.
3. Collect ideas
Keep a notebook for ideas. Ideas are slippery, elusive critters. Seems I always have a ton of them until I sit down to write. Save them when you think of them and you can always pull ideas from your idea book.
Here’s another one — spend an hour a week browsing free photos. Save images that inspire ideas. Time to write? Open your inspirations. Tada!
4. Reward TINY milestones
When you hit tiny milestones, reward yourself with a small treat. Doesn’t matter if it’s a cappuccino or a walk in the park. It’s not about the reward, it about acknowledging progress. Small achievements lead to big ones.
5. Don’t berate or compare...
The way to get good at anything is to be bad at it first. Don’t berate your writing, or your consistency, or anything. Also, don’t compare yourself to other people. We can all be our own worst critic, but we must also be our own biggest champion.
I fall off the writing wagon often. Really often. Like, weeks at a time. I wrote this for me, and hope you find it helpful, too! ❤
