How To Quickly Create a Better Writing Routine

Make this your new default

A new writing routine can be transformational.

From writing programs like Ship30for30 to Write of Passage and loads of others in between, thousands are finding more freedom with a regular writing routine.

It’s easy to sign up for a program or course, but no doubt, you’ll face hurdles.

It’s quiet dedication that turns those unmet aspirations into achievements.

A few months ago, I re-started my Medium writing habit. I had been active on this platform in the past, but through a lot of stops and starts, hadn’t been as active in quite some time.

My work has started to pay off — I’ve had 3 good months of views and payouts more than what I usually making before (though that’s not something I really focus on).

I wanted to get in a good rhythm again, and I’m slowly inching my way.

To get there, it requires strategic decision-making, acknowledging that not all habits offer equal value.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to cultivating an effective writing routine:

Step 1: Discovery through experimentation

The first part is just understanding the foundation and the groundwork. How much time do you have to work with? Does it feel better to write in the morning, mid-morning, lunch or the evening?

These are all questions that the gurus have a lot of answers for, but it’s something simple you’ll have to figure out yourself.

It’s more likely to stick because you chose the time, not some guru telling you to.

• Determine the timing and frequency of your writing sessions.
• Explore different perspectives on daily writing, emphasizing the importance of consistent idea generation.
• Test different schedules, such as early mornings or late nights, for three days each.
• Evaluate and experiment with various approaches to discover what suits you best.
• Personally, I don’t write daily but consistently brainstorm article ideas, usually 10 ideas per day, noting them down in a dedicated Notion file for future exploration.

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Step 2: Set a low bar to start

This step is really important for me. I try to do some bit of writing work most weekdays, even when I’m under the weather or a little fatigued.

5 minutes a day will help you keep the habit. It’s creating the routine.

• Begin with a minimal commitment, like ten words, one page, or 5 minutes.
• Adjust your expectations and avoid premature declarations of failure (a few days doesn’t mean you’re on top of the world or that everything is for naught).
• Embrace experimentation, and if a method proves ineffective, return to step one to explore other options.

Step 3: Track your progress

• Establish a tracking system for your writing habit. For example, some people like to mark an “X” on a calendar for each day they write. I have an ever-cascading Notion page with article ideas for each day of the week. (Use this ideas template to get started).
• Implement the Seinfeld Strategy by maintaining a streak, celebrating the consistency of your efforts.

Step 4: Read daily

It’s important to also read regularly, especially if you want to write regularly. You’re consuming what you’re hoping to put out. This doesn’t mean passively reading, but taking notes to help you comprehend what is happening in the text.

• Incorporate daily reading, even if it’s just a chapter or two, exposing yourself to diverse writing styles while steering clear of social media distractions.
• Even reading without taking notes for a few minutes per day will fill your head with ideas, and you’ll probably grab the pen and paper quickly.

Step 5: Utilize note-taking tools or apps

This is important for quick capture. I use Google Keep on my phone and then use Notion to organize my personal information. This is my central place for my writing.

• Integrate a notebook or digital app, like Google Keep, into your workflow for quick notes.
• Ensure seamless organization by transferring these notes to a central app (like Notion or Google Drive) which is a great place for safekeeping.

Step 6: Persevere with flexible expectations

It’s hard to know when the breakthrough will come.

Unfortunately, it comes early for some and then they have a lot of attention or momentum. As long as you’re chugging towards your goals, avoid comparison. It, too, can be a trap — hindering the progress that you really are making.

• Recognize that the pivotal day in developing a writing habit isn’t necessarily the first but might be around Day 5, 10, or 30.
• Assess the effectiveness of your chosen habit after the initial days, remaining open to adjustments.
• While persistence is crucial, know when to reassess and perhaps even pivot, striking a balance between perseverance and adaptability.

A last note on the point above — I noticed a lot of my note-taking content was taking off, and so I wrote more about it.

However, I’m trying to balance that with other topics that I’m interested in and want to write more about, even if it isn’t always the most “successful.”

What else would you add to make writing your new default for the upcoming year?

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