Updated February 2022

 

Writing is hard.  Despite your best efforts, you can never find enough time to get your content out the door. You dream about the day when you have a writing routine that helps you write and publish content consistently.  If this sounds familiar, it may be time for you to fix your broken writing routine immediately.

 

 

But what if I told you I know how you feel?  Despite writing content for work, I struggled to write every book I started between 1997 and 2017. Ten years!  However, in six months, I became a published author by making a few changes in my writing routine.

 

I will share some tips to help you fix your writing routine. By adding these tips to your writing routine, you’ll find a flow and a process that works for you.

 

 

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase using the links.

 

Take small steps to make big changes 

Lean Six Sigma is an effective method used to solve problems. For example, I learned to use Lean Six Sigma tools while working as a communicator in manufacturing. Since it was clear my writing routine wasn’t working, I turned to Six Sigma to help me solve the problem.

 

I decided to use the Kaizen approach, which uses small steps to improve a process, a habit, or a product. While I believe in the DMAIC tool, where you create a plan to define, measure, analyze, improve and control a process, I decided to make my version called AIM, which allows me to analyze, improve and manage.

 

I recorded my answers on sticky notes, which I put on a large piece of paper taped to the wall. Once I reviewed my notes, I discovered a few reoccurring themes. Whether writing an article or a book, I realized that time and place were issues affecting my writing.

 

To improve, I turned to Dr. Robert Maurer’s book, One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way. Dr. Maurer believes that by taking small steps to correct a problem, we only need to take small actions to achieve our goal.

 

I agree and embrace this approach. So, I asked myself, ‘What small steps will I take to fix my problems in managing when and where I write?’ The small steps I decide to take serve as actions to fix my problems.

 

Finally, to help me manage my writing routine, I kept my actions visible to stay focused.

 

Action step:  Analyze your current writing routine to determine what works and what doesn’t work. Be honest with yourself. Determine what small actions you will take to improve.

Say goodbye to excuses

If you want to be a writer, you must constantly improve.
Jerry Jenkins

 

As a certified Six-Sigma communicator who tells clients, ‘Change does not have to be hard. You can do this,’ it was time to take my advice and change my thinking about writing.

 

With the research compiled to start my small actions list, I examined my unfinished writing projects to see any worth saving. A book I wanted to write was the only thing worth pursuing. But before I started researching, outlining, or writing, I had to deal with my problem with finding the right time and a place to write.

 

My list of reasons I could not write included too much work, too many projects; family obligations like taking my son to swim practice; carpool duty; and not writing in my favorite spot. The list was long.

 

But my reasons were excuses. It was as if I expected time and opportunity to tap me on the shoulder. But it never happened.

 

Not finding the right time and place to write were excuses I needed to kiss goodbye.

 

Action step: Make a list of why you struggle with your writing projects. Pick out the excuses. Determine what small actions you will take moving forward. Add the information to your vision board.

 

See yourself in the future

Change starts in one’s mind.

 

Real change requires both head and hands. In addition to doing things differently, we must also think differently. For me, this meant prioritizing my writing.

 

I practiced mind imagery to complete my book, where I saw myself writing and finishing my first book. Used by professional athletes like Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan, mind imagery allows you to see yourself completing a task like swinging a golf club, making the winning shot, or, in my case, picking up a copy of my first book.

 

How often did I do this? Every day until I finished the book.

 

I envisioned myself writing everywhere through imagery – in my kitchen, at airports, in train stations, in the carpool line (before school let out). And it worked – soon, I was able to write consistently.

If you want to see a change in your actions, you must first change your thinking.
Karen Brown Tyson

 

Action step: Identify one to two writing projects you want to complete. Use mind imagery to envision yourself finishing your next writing project.

Divide writing projects into manageable tasks

Armed with a new way of thinking, I ditched my old writer mindset.

 

I got rid of all romantic fantasies about locking myself in a room for an entire weekend and emerging with a 50,000-word manuscript ready for publication.

 

I am not saying writing 50,000 in two days can’t happen. I’m just saying I no longer think about writing a book this way.

 

Writing a book can be a big challenge. I realized writing a book overwhelmed me to the point I would give up.

 

I divided my book writing project into manageable tasks and created a writing map with my new mindset.

 

 

One thing to remember: the writing map is only a guide. I still created a detailed outline and marketing plan for my book.

 

Action step: Create a writing map. Identify the steps you will take to complete your writing assignment. Post your writing map where it is visible.

Find the right time and place to write

Have you ever struggled to find the right time and place to write? I did.

 

I had no problem writing content anywhere and everywhere for work. Writing presentations at the airport before a flight? No problem. Writing a press release before bed after an 18-hour day? No problem. Writing one chapter of my book during a five-day business trip? Not happening.

 

It was easy to put other people’s projects and priorities ahead of mine. I had to learn it was okay to take care of the world as long as I cared for myself.

 

Does this describe your writing life? If so, it’s time to get a grip on when and where you write.

 

Step 1 — Determine the most important things you must have each time you write. My must-have items are a laptop, notebook and pen, and headphones. If you need coffee, add it to your list.

 

Step 2 – Whether you write at home or want to write while traveling, figure out how you will manage potential distractions. For example, I write at the kitchen table when everyone is out of the house at home. However, when I write in public places like coffee shops, airports, or train stations, I use my headphones to minimize noise and distractions.

 

Step 3 — Identify your ideal time to write. Pick a time when you are most creative. For example, I like to write between 5 and 10 a.m. using my laptop. However, if I’m traveling and don’t have time to write until later afternoon, I use a notebook to capture my thoughts.

 

Imagine sitting down to write again, but you are eager to get to work this time.

Instead of dreading the sight of your computer, you look forward to writing.

You took the necessary steps to find time to write.

You’ve got your new writing routine. Now all you have to do is follow it.

The world is waiting to read your next masterpiece.