How I’m Using the 2/1 Method For Creating Content
A simple formula for consistency
Writing over my career has been a roller coaster — peaks of amazing elation, lows of nothing happening, with every twist and turn in between.
In the past, my writing habits looked like this:
- I’d gather a bunch of ideas.
- I’d write about these ideas in a short burst or sprint.
- Then, I’d go without writing for months.
I lacked consistency.
That said, I do believe it’s okay *not* to write every day, but it really depends on your goals.
On the flip side, it’s also very easy to not write at all.
Instead, think of it this way: The frequency of your writing should align with what you’re creating.
Writing is like a train — where are you trying to go and how will you make consistent progress to get there?
For instance, if you’re writing a novel, it makes sense to outline, write a lot, publish the book, take a break, and start again with the next project.
In my case, as I’m trying to get back to a regular writing routine, it’s more sensible to write every day or at least several times a week.
Consistency and volume matter on platforms like Medium, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Quora.
Compare that to a novel: it takes more sustained effort over time, but not regular publishing.
And that’s another good point:
There’s a difference between writing daily and publishing daily.
Today’s tools allow us to publish as often as we want.
I’m not currently publishing daily on Medium or within a newsletter, but I might do so in the future. I’d have to change my format and/or my expectations. Righ now, I’m only focused on the 2/1 method.
The 2/1 Method For Creating Content
One thing that has helped me write consistently is what I call the “2/1 method” or rhythm.
It’s a simple formula. Here’s how it works:
- Write 2 posts per week on Medium (800–1000 words each).
- Write and send 1 weekly newsletter on Substack (1000+ words).
I was inspired by Substacker Ethan Strauss who uses a similar rhythm but for sports and media content.
In his post “All Hail the Model,” he says:
“What is The Model? It’s pretty simple: Two written posts and two podcasts within the week. I narrate my written posts as well, but that endeavor is less creatively demanding, so it’s easier to summarize the job as “2 posts, 2 pods.” If I make it to Sunday night having completed this task, then I have succeeded (though I prefer to meet the goal by Friday).”
Instead of podcasts, I opted for 2 posts on Medium and 1 weekly newsletter on Substack.
That’s the 2/1.
Anything writing — courses, checklists, other articles — beyond that formula is a bonus.
Writing these three pieces isn’t my full-time job. I have to do that, too, which also involves a lot of writing. In another life, I’ve also written books and done an SEO course, but those don’t count toward this goal.
Why Medium? It has a clean writing interface, many publications to promote your work, and various writing categories.
Why Substack? I feel more connected to the Substack community and enjoy reading content there. It’s home to many of my favorite writers.
The 2/1 rhythm might break for various reasons, such as travel, family issues, or work demands. But if I had to prioritize, I’d focus on the weekly newsletter over the two Medium articles.
This system isn’t perfect; in fact, it’s quite limited. It doesn’t take promotion on Twitter or LinkedIn or other social channels, all of which are unfocused for me.
I’ve had more success on LinkedIn than Twitter; I just can’t quite crack it after all these years.
My Favorite Thing about the 2/1 Method
The best thing about this way of doing things is how focused it is. I know if I can check off those 3 priorities for the week, then I feel pretty good. I can build each of those into distinct pieces, and check them off my list. Anything else is a bonus.
Turn that mess in your head into well-organized writing. Here’s how.
