Updated January 2022
Since starting my blog in 2018, I’ve adjusted my writing habits. Initially, my goal was to post articles consistently. But as my writing business started to grow, I had to change my writing habits again. So, in addition to being consistent in my writing, I worked on developing habits that helped me become a productive writer. Here are ten writing habits I use.
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1. Maintain a schedule
As a solopreneur, it always seems like I have a million things going on. In addition to managing my client’s work, I have to keep up with family events, doctor appointments, the house, and a blog. The only way I get through it all, including my writing, is to create a schedule. So I learned to develop a strict plan that’s flexible enough to move things around when necessary. Here’s more information on how to fit writing into your life.
How to Bend Time to Fit Writing into Your Busy Life
2. Keep track of time
One of the things I learned long before becoming a writer is that we all have the same 24 hours in a day. However, from my days of working in a corporate environment, I know that every day can, and probably will, be different. With this in mind, I knew there would be days when I wouldn’t be able to write because my son might be sick, or a friend would need my help, or my husband might want to drive to the beach for the day. So I learned to focus on the most important things on those days, and I plan my writing assignments accordingly.
3. Divide writing and non-writing tasks
As part of my daily writing schedule, I divide my writing tasks into writing and non-writing. My writing tasks include client assignments and writing blog posts, articles, and books. My non-writing tasks are those things I need to complete to support my writing tasks. Like the research, I need to do before I start writing.
During my writing sessions, I focus on one task at a time. I resist the temptation to multitask. I avoid working on writing and non-writing tasks simultaneously, like researching while writing my book.
4. Develop a writing routine with process goals
Once I started adding writing projects to my schedule, I learned to add process goals to my writing routine. Process goals are the specific physical or mental steps I need to complete my writing projects. For example, when writing my second book, Time to Reset, I mapped out the steps and processes I needed to take to finish the book. Likewise, when I start writing a book, I list every necessary step to complete the book. In addition, my writing routine is flexible and allows for non-writing days. Here’s more information on writing routines.
How to Reach Your Goals with a Powerful Writing Routine
5. Treat writing like a business
In my early blogging days, I wasn’t worried about making money. But once I got the hang of blogging, I started to treat it like a business. In addition to having a self-hosting service for my website, I dedicate time to plan out my posts, schedule them, and review my progress by using a blog editorial calendar.
6. Manage distractions
Productive writers protect their writing time by managing distractions. Since I work from home, I like to schedule my book writing time early in the morning. Throughout the day, I work on client assignments and attend meetings. To avoid interruptions like email and social media, I use content blocking apps like Rescue Time to eliminate alerts and pop-up messages while I write. In addition, I close all social media accounts and websites. If my husband and son are home, I let them know I’m writing and when I will be available.
7. Be prepared to write anywhere
Besides managing distractions, I learned how to transition to a creative mindset to write anywhere. Like a basketball player can compete in gyms worldwide, a productive writer learns to adapt to different environments such as coffee shops, cafes’ and commuter trains. But mental endurance takes time. Dean Hebert, M. Ed., a certified mental-game coach and a former marathoner, adds, “Mental skills, like physical strength, develop over time and with consistency.”
With this in mind, I learned to write in different locations other than my usual writing space at home. As a result, I have a backpack that includes everything I need to write anywhere – my laptop, notebook, pens, portable battery charger, Wi-Fi hotspot, hand sanitizer, and my favorite water bottle.
8. Use writing sprints
Whether I’m trying to increase my word count (see also ‘How to Write More: 10 Quick Ways to Boost Your Word Count‘) or get a piece of content finished, I use writing sprints. Writing sprints help me to write within a pre-defined length of time. I set a timer for 30, 45, or 60 minutes and write nonstop until the alarm rings. I don’t answer the phone, surf the web, answer email, or edit during a writing sprint. I write. I give myself 15-minute breaks, and I repeat as often as necessary until I accomplish my writing goal for the day.
9. Focus on the positive
I know what it feels like to question myself and wonder if writing is any good. So, to deal with potential negative thoughts, I write positive affirmations to myself as part of my journal writing practice. First, I jot down a positive statement about myself as a writer and why my work is important. Then, I post the message to see it during my writing session and throughout the day.
In addition, I like to listen to positive messages throughout each day. Inspirational podcasts, sermons, and other blog sites help me. Sometimes I write down inspiring remarks to my journal (see also our article on junk journals) or vision board.
10. Celebrate small wins
It’s important to celebrate small wins as a writer. For example, I like to celebrate whether I publish a blog post or finish writing a chapter in my book. Each win helps me keep moving forward to what else I can accomplish.
