What writing online has taught me and 4 tips to getting any habit to stick
Back in November of 2020 I decided to start writing every single day.
I’m not one hundred percent why I decided to start, but there was something about the idea of the habit that I enjoyed.
I’ve always been drawn to the power of words.
Although, I wouldn’t say I’m a great writer by any standards, but with enough time and effort I can slap up something decent every now and then.
There were two main pulls for me wanting to write online.
The first was that it would help me develop my own voice.
I’ve always struggled with the realization that my opinions and thoughts are valid-that they should be acknowledged. Most importantly, it’s important not only for my own sake to have them, but for others. I need to have opinions.
Growing up, I retreated inwardly so much that avoided speaking up at all costs.
Did it hurt others? Eh, maybe.
Did it hurt me? Definitely.
Through writing more, I’ve been able to see how my thoughts have become more structured and I think more about what I care about. Writing allows me to reflect.
Writing allows me to go through the process of what I’m trying to say and break it down to get to the core. As a person who rambles when telling a story in person, this is a complete 180.
The second pull for me wanting to write was that it would help me create an online portfolio.
I’ve been following David Perell for a few months now and he’s big on everyone having an online presence. Not only with writing in particular, but with YouTube, Twitter, and various other mediums that allow others to find you.
By sharing my work online with the world, I’m giving people a chance to interact with me who may be interested in the same topics. I’m putting my mark on the world.
My writing habit started off by setting a goal of writing 1,000 words a day. There was no time limit, but I tried to keep it within an hour or so. I tended to hit the mark on the head and would end up with a loosely edited version. For the first three weeks or so I was only writing on a Google Doc and wouldn’t post anything online. What I was writing was part journal, part informational/ useful information for others and I didn’t know what I wanted to share online and what was too personal.
Eventually, I decided to just go for it and share my posts every day on my website because, well, no one will find me if I don’t put this stuff into the world.
Doing this forced me to change my goal.
The word count of 1,000 words a day was now arbitrary. Why would I try and write 1,000 words on something that didn’t deserve that many?
The new goal was to hit ‘Publish’ once a day.
There are days when I write 400 words and others where I write over 1,000 — depends on the article and how I’m feeling about it.
Some days it sucks.
Some days I have no clue what to write about.
Everything has peaks and valleys.
Having been writing for over two months and only missing 3 days (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Jan 14th), I can now see the benefits. I know how much I look forward to writing, so I do it.
Getting to that point requires discipline and focus to fight through the days that you want to stop.
It requires understanding the ‘why’ behind what you’re doing what you’re doing.
If you have a firm ‘why’ but something else is stopping you, maybe you need a new system in place.
The system that works for me
For those that are scatterbrained, setting a timer has been the biggest tool for getting me to focus. When the timer starts, I have 30–50 minutes dedicated to writing. The timer provides an external stimulus of racing against the clock — some motivation. On days where I’m lagging, it may take me a little bit to find something worth writing about, but eventually I get there. And then, I’m off.
For any habit that you’re trying to build set aside a time each day to do it. Get everything you need for it in order and then set a timer. Once the timer is on, you can check Instagram and Twitter all you want, but if the timer goes off and you’ve not completed your task, then move on.
4 Tips for making any habit stick
- Everyone has their own spice flavor.
Take a little bit from everyone and make your own blend. Don’t think you have to listen to exactly what you read online. Create a hodgepodge of what you like and what provides you value.
2. Think about what motivates you to get stuff done
Do you need a prize for completing something (candy, a walk, etc.)? Would a timer work for you?
3. Set yourself up for success
Make sure your environment promotes the habits you want to build and keep. If it doesn’t think about what you need to change in order for it to serve you in the best way possible.
4. Make it as easy as possible
If you’re trying to run, put your shoes in front of your door so you have no choice but to pay attention to them in order to leave your room. Set out your clothes. Do the prep work the night before or when you’re not tired. The less work you have to do when the time comes around for you to perform your habit, the more likely you’ll do it.
The takeaway:
Jump in and then figure it out.
Originally published at https://riseyear.co on January 20, 2021.
