Create a Writing Habit

Finding time to sit down and write can be hard. There are always other things to be done - washing, cooking, work projects, that next episode of Yellowstone to watch. I get it. I'm a single mum of four kids who require a lot of my time and attention, but writing must be prioritized in my daily routine, just like the housework, or exercising. 

But how do you create a writing habit?

In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear writes “A habit is a behavior that has been repeated enough times to become automatic.” and that “One of the best ways to build a new habit is to identify a current habit you already do each day and then stack your new behavior on top. This is called habit stacking.” 

I habit stack my writing in my morning routine this way:

1. Wake up

2. Meditate

3. Drink a glass of water and take my vitamins

4. Get the kids ready for school

5. Dress in my walking clothes

6. Walk the kids to school

7. Get home, shower

8. Make coffee

9. Drink coffee in front of the computer while I write

Obviously this routine wont work for everyone, and the weeks I don't have my kids changes it slightly. I try to write every day of the week as this keep me in flow. If I miss one day, I try to get back on track as quickly as possible.

Not feeling inspired? Sit down and write something. Anything! The amount of time you have been performing a habit is not as important as the number of times you have performed it. Words, even bad words, are better than nothing.

Stay on track with an accountability partner. We care deeply about what others think of us, and we do not want others to have a lesser opinion of us therefore we will put in the time and effort and motivate and support each other.

Where you are is a result of who you were, but where you go depends entirely on who you choose to be, from this moment on. Today is the best day to start writing.

"Always remember that who you’re becoming is far more important than what you’re doing, and yet it is what you’re doing that is determining who you’re becoming" - The Miracle morning 

Useful references:

Atomic Habits by James Clear

The Miracle Morning for Writers: How to Build a Writing Ritual That Increases Your Impact and Your Income

Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy

The ONE Thing by Gary Keller