How can I develop a successful writing habit? That was a question I used to ask myself when I first started writing more than fifteen years ago. When I began my writing journey, I didn’t have any set schedule devoted to my writing. I just wrote when I could. While that is still the case, in part, today I have been able to manage a more regular schedule over the past several years.
When I first started writing, I used my time when I was riding the train to work for writing. And, maybe if I was lucky, I squeezed time at home after the kids went to bed. But today I have a much more set schedule. I discussed in a podcast titled, How to Start Writing, my outline for a successful writing schedule. I’ve mentioned in previous blogs and podcasts that I try to write about 1500 good words a day. In order to accomplish that goal I must actually put pencil to paper and do it. In order to be successful, I needed to carve out quiet time for myself which meant that I needed a schedule.
So, what does that schedule look like? I write in the early morning before my day gets started. I sit and have a cup of coffee with my breakfast and then I write as much as I can before my workday starts. I also devote my lunch hour to writing. And then, based on availability, I carve out some time in the evening. It is not a case of if I write, but when. My time is important to me so I make sure it happens. During the course of any given weekday, I’m able to dedicate between two and three hours to writing. On the weekends, when possible based on my family’s busy schedule, I dedicate between three and four hours on both Saturday and Sunday. So, between both weekend days I’m able to squeeze in six to eight hours. That is a schedule that I have maintained for years.
It takes work and dedication to keep up the constant effort, but after a while, it becomes routine— it simply becomes part of your day. Kind of like waking up and taking a shower and brushing your teeth. It’s something that you simply do during the course of a day. If you don’t carve out time for yourself, then who will? Before you know it, that time will simply slip away. Gone like yesterday. You’ll never get that lost time back.
One of the things I’ve found that works for me, because I have a busy family and my kids constantly pull me in one direction or another, is to include the family in my schedule. Make them aware of my plans to write. I have found that my schedule has become part of their schedule because I enforce it. If I don’t make plans and dedicate time for myself, nobody else is going to do it for me. So, with that in mind, just like I schedule time to fix things around the house or do grocery shopping or spend time with my children doing homework or watch them at their sporting events, I also make time for myself. I’m worth it, aren’t I? My writing is worth it, right? You’re worth it, too. Make time for yourself. You may be surprised and see a change for the better.
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