If you read my previous post—The Benefits of Writing Every Day—you know why it’s important to write on a consistent basis, whether that’s every day or simply several times each week.
Now, here’s a step-by-step guide for setting up a regular writing practice:
Step #1. Schedule Your Writing Time.
Treat your writing time like any other appointment.
That way, if friends or family urge you do other things during this time, you can simply tell them you have another appointment (they don’t have to know that the appointment is to do your writing).
Choose a time of day when you’re typically alert and focused, and schedule it into your calendar.
Whether it’s early in the morning, during your lunch break, or in the evening, consistency is key.
Step #2. Set Realistic Writing Goals.
Start small and gradually increase your writing goals as you become more comfortable with your practice.
Setting achievable goals will help you stay motivated and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Step #3. Create a Dedicated Writing Space.
Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can write without distractions.
Whether it’s a corner of your home, a coffee shop, or a library, make sure it’s a place where you feel inspired and focused.
Step #4. Eliminate Distractions.
Minimize distractions during your writing time.
Turn off your phone, close unnecessary tabs on your computer, and let others know you’re not to be disturbed during your writing sessions (if this is too difficult to do at home, you may need to write at the library or a coffeeshop.
Step #5. Develop a Ritual.
Establish a pre-writing ritual to signal to your brain that it’s time to write.
This could include activities like making a cup of tea, doing a quick meditation, or listening to music.
Find what works best for you and stick to it.
Step #6. Know What You Want to Write Before You Sit Down.
Once you’re in your dedicated writing space and have eliminated distractions, if you know what you want to work on during that particular writing session, you can start writing right away instead of wasting time deciding what you’re going to work on.
Don’t worry about perfection at this stage—just focus on getting words on the page.
Remember, you can always revise and edit later.
Step #7. Track Your Progress.
Keep track of your writing sessions and monitor your progress over time.
Whether you use a journal, a spreadsheet, or a writing app, tracking your progress can help you stay motivated and see how far you’ve come.
Step #8. Celebrate Milestones.
Celebrate your achievements along the way, whether it’s reaching a word count goal, completing a draft, or getting published.
Acknowledging your progress will keep you motivated and inspired to continue your writing practice.
Before you go, if you haven’t subscribed to The Morning Nudge, be sure to do that now, so you get our Law of Attraction Checklist for Writers and free access to our Private Resource Library for Writers, as well as a short email every weekday morning to help you manifest your writing dreams!
