1. Write every day
As with any habit, developing a writing habit is best accomplished through regular practice. Include writing in your daily routine. What gets scheduled gets done, so create a daily writing schedule and stick to it.
2. Start small
“How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” The same goes with writing. Writing can sometimes be intimidating and overwhelming, which can lead to feelings of discouragement. Taking small steps is the key. You do not need to write long paragraphs. One sentence at a time is a good place to start.
3. Be kind to yourself
Give yourself permission to be imperfect on the page. Remember, “perfectionism is the enemy of progress.” Do not let perfection get in the way of your writing routine. Just write anything that comes to mind.
4. Set a word count goal
Maintaining your momentum and motivation will be easier if you set a goal. There is no standard for a word count goal, since it varies from one writer to another. There are those who target 500 words per day, and there are those who aim for 1,000 words. At the end of the day, it is not so much the number but the consistency that matters.
5. Find an accountability buddy
Finding someone to hold you accountable will help you keep going and stay on track. Tell your family and friends about your goals and update them on your progress. You can also share with a colleague or a fellow writer what you are doing. What is important is finding someone who can support you on your writing journey.
A daily writing habit may take a bit of time and effort to develop, but you will eventually establish one with the right systems in place. All you need to do is start and keep at it.
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