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Note: Below, is a reprint of an email sent to newsletter subscribers.
September 18th, 2023:
The myth of the “inspired writer” is just that—a myth.
What if I told you that writing every day could be as ordinary as brushing your teeth?
And no, you don’t need a lightning strike of inspiration to write daily. You think you do. But you don’t.
It’s a lie. A myth. A fairy tale.
Consistency is your weapon of “mass creation” and creativity.
(See the p.s. for more on that).
Ever notice how some people seem to effortlessly crank out words, day after day? They’re not magical unicorns blessed by the writing gods. No, they’ve cracked the code to making writing a non-negotiable habit.
And guess what?
You can, too.
Don’t let inconsistency be your downfall.
Try these 7 proven ways to keep you writing every day. Buckle up.
1. Word Count Goals: Your Silent Drill Sergeant
Set a word count. Daily. And stick to it. This gives you a tangible target, something you can see, feel, and touch. Start small, maybe 200 words. Then ramp it up. When you hit that target, celebrate like you just won the lottery—because in a way, you have.
2. The Pomodoro Technique: Your Time Magician
Split your writing time into focused intervals, say 20 minutes of work and a 5-minute break. The Pomodoro Technique makes the process manageable and less intimidating. No more staring at a blank page for hours. Clock in, write, clock out. Simple.
3. Writing Rituals: Your Sacred Ground
Have a ritual. Light a candle. Play your favorite playlist. Do whatever gets you in the “zone.” The more you ritualize, the more your brain associates these cues with writing. It’s like telling your brain, “Hey, it’s showtime!”
4. Accountability Partners: Your Personal Cheering Squad
Get someone to hold you accountable. A friend, a mentor, or a group. Share your daily word counts, your highs, and lows. When you’re accountable to someone else, you’re more likely to stick to your commitments. Plus, who doesn’t love a good pat on the back?
5. Write Crappy First Drafts: Your Permission Slip
Give yourself permission to write terribly. First drafts are supposed to be messy. They’re the sandbox where your ideas play. Refinement comes later. So, write freely, without judgment. Your crappy first draft is your secret weapon.
6. Time Blocking: Your Bulletproof Vest
Block out time on your calendar specifically for writing. Guard it like you would a treasure chest. This dedicated time becomes your sanctuary, where creativity flows, and distractions die. Your calendar doesn’t lie; if it’s not on there, it’s not happening.
7. Be Kind to Yourself: Your Emotional Lifeline
Look, some days you’re not going to hit your word count, and that’s okay. Cut yourself some slack. The point is to keep trying, to keep showing up. Your resilience here is what turns writing from a chore into a lifestyle.
Think about it:
Is today just another day of wishful thinking?
Or is it Day One of your life towards true creativity.
Don’t wait for the “perfect moment.”
It doesn’t exist.
Start now.
Talk soon,
p.s. For months, I’ve been doing what’s known as “morning pages”—a form of free-flow journaling—in Ulysses.
At 6am I’ll wake up, have a shower, make a coffee, and quickly slip to my office while my wife and son are ”z-z-z-z-z-z.”
6:30—7am is my journalling time. (I’m a morning person though).
It’s been a game-changer for my creativity. My ideas are soaring like never before. Give it a try.
Lack inspiration? Write about “one thing” on your mind, or what you did the day before in the form of a story.
Don’t edit. Free flow for 20 minutes. Edit later.
I don’t know how it works—but you’ll unlock some kind of “divine creativity” in just weeks from now if you do.