How to Build a Writing Routine That Actually Sticks

Writing is an essential building block for navigating life. It stands as the second most important skill we learn, following the ability to speak. Without written language, we would struggle to record history, preserve cherished family recipes passed down through generations, document crucial information for patients in a doctor's office, or share groundbreaking research on cancer development in articles that reach a global audience.

For creatives like myself, writing serves as a vital outlet for expression, allowing us to articulate thoughts and emotions in ways that verbal communication often cannot.

However, I must admit that creating a routine around writing and trying to become a successful writer is challenging. I have the motivation, but not the allotted time to pursue this career I desperately want.

I often think about my "dreams" and am actively working on them, thanks to a little tweak in my time management skills.

Let me share how I've discovered an effective approach to prioritize my time and chase my dream of becoming a writer, all while managing a full-time job. This straightforward method has helped me establish a consistent writing routine that fosters real progress.

If you're looking to develop your own writing practice, this could be just what you need.

Why It's So Hard to Stick to a Writing Routine

Many writing routines fail due to a lack of discipline and motivation. Fortunately, the path I'm currently on is fueled by my creative spirit, motivation, and a strong sense of discipline. It's easy for people to assume that embarking on a writing career is simple, often thinking, "Oh, it's just writing," or "I can write about any random topic, and it will surely gain attention."

Sadly, that's not the case. The absence of genuine motivation to integrate writing into one's daily life is where many stumble.

This struggle isn't a personal flaw but rather a reflection of how we are conditioned by a system that often forces us into a robotic routine to meet our everyday needs. For example, I work full-time, eight hours a day, five days a week. One of my main challenges is time management, a crucial skill for anyone aiming to make progress in their writing career. Without a structured routine that emphasizes time management, one can easily fall into negative patterns such as stress, fatigue, low energy, and even depression.

For me, writing has been an escape from those darker times, alongside my journey of learning Japanese. I have a deep desire to ensure that writing never becomes the source of my previous struggles. So, what did I do? I implemented exactly what the title suggests.

"How to Build a Writing Routine that Actually Works"

Start Small, Like Really Small

Life often throws us curveballs, but that shouldn't deter us from pursuing our dreams.

One of the first and most important steps is to set goals. For me, the game changer was starting with even the smallest goals. Giving yourself the flexibility to create manageable objectives can provide a sense of peace.

Start small. I set a goal to write a short story every other day, approximately 500 words. This approach helps prevent burnout and allows me to practice my writing skills without feeling overwhelmed.

Goals are incredibly powerful. The consistency of working toward these small targets helps maintain my motivation and keeps me moving forward. I encourage anyone to begin with small steps and gradually build up momentum. Remember, it's crucial not to overwhelm yourself with too much too soon, especially when embarking on a new goal.

Create a Space That Makes You Want to Write

Your environment plays a vital role in how effectively you get work done, and I can't stress this enough.

Honestly, I do most of my work in the comfort of my own bedroom, but I've discovered that visiting a few of my favorite coffee shops on the weekends significantly boosts my productivity. Although I can't go to a coffee shop as often as I'd like, I still manage to complete my work.

The impact of your surroundings on your focus is undeniable. A clean workspace, combined with a great Jazz or Lo-Fi playlist, can set the perfect mood for writing. It's essential to create a nice workspace for yourself, one that reflects your passion and makes writing feel less like a chore and more like a safe haven.

Embrace your writing space; it should inspire you and nurture your creativity.

If you would like to check out my Lo-Fi or Jazz suggestions, I have attached a link.

Track Progress, Not Perfection

When building a routine, it's essential to recognize your efforts, not just the major outcomes.

Your efforts are the foundation for long-term success. By tracking your progress our daily actions, you create a sense of accountability and structure. Structure is a crucial template for achieving progress, which is why we focus on developing a routine.

Planning is key to crafting a successful routine, so jot down your ideas. You can't create a routine without some initial organization. I like to draft my thoughts in a Google Doc before I start writing articles or stories. This approach helps me visualize how I can best structure my work.

Additionally, I use a small planner I picked up from Daiso, a Japanese convenience store, to track my articles and content throughout the month. I schedule specific articles for particular days, which alleviates the pressure and stress that can arise from feeling overwhelmed.

Remember, tracking your progress is an integral part of the journey. It's perfectly normal to miss a day; there are times when I lack the motivation to write, and I often feel exhausted. I remind myself that taking a day off is acceptable. It's just part of the process. Embrace the journey and allow yourself the flexibility to recharge when needed.

Let Your Routine Evolve

Routines must adapt as life evolves.

Whether it's starting a new job, welcoming a baby into the family, or relocating to a new place, these changes require a great deal of flexibility to support your writing career. It's essential to regularly check in with myself to determine if my routine still aligns with my current lifestyle. I'll be honest, my routine has undergone significant changes over the past five months. Life can be unpredictable, and I've learned the importance of granting myself the grace to adjust and adapt. Flexibility is key in navigating these changes.

Building a writing routine requires patience, and it's perfectly fine to take your time. Embrace the deeper reasons behind your writing and reflect on your intended audience. Each time you sit down at your computer or pick up a pen, you are making a conscious choice to hold yourself accountable and to step into the role of the writer you aspire to be. Remember, it only takes one sentence to get started.

Comment on some ways you have built a routine to help aid in your writing career.