Discipline is not a dirty word
Discipline and routine isn’t sexy but it’s necessary. Books don’t write themselves. Unfortunately. But creating a daily writing habit really helped to finish my project.
With the help of the Monthly Writing Challenge, I developed a routine of writing or editing every day. Every single day. The Monthly Writing Challenge has a target of 500 words per day or 1 hour editing. (More about the Challenge in Tip#2). There’s an online spreadsheet to record your work efforts and a little bit of public accountability helps.
Now, daily writing and editing has become a habit.
For example, I wrote this blog post while at the hairdresser in order to get my 500 words down for the day. I’ve written in parks at lunchtime, at airports, dictated while walking and other weirdo behaviours to get my words in.
Generally, I’m a boringly structured person anyway (I’m an Upholder according to Gretchen Rubin’s framework) but having regular accountability has made the habit stick. Then the word counts and drafts follow.
What helps you stay on track?
Tomorrow – Tip#2 Finding my Tribe
Melanie Noell Bernard
This is awesome! Yay Writing Challenge! I have been so bad about being part of this lately what with holidays and other stuff, but I definitely need to get back into it. I miss everyone and their lovely support! :p DISCIPLINE! WOO!
madeleinedeste
It’s not cool but it’s necessary.