Section 1.1: Start Small for Big Results

Many of the writers I've mentored tend to set overly ambitious goals. Despite their past failures, they often forget their limitations when crafting new plans. They'll declare that from tomorrow, they will wake up at 5 AM and write for three hours, even though their previous writing streak barely lasted four days.

Instead, I recommend starting with a more manageable goal: wake up at 7 AM and write for just 30 minutes. Surprisingly, most of them reject this idea because it seems too simple and insufficient. However, the key is not to focus on tomorrow's output but on sustaining this practice for 12 months.

The secret that seems to elude many is the importance of establishing a sustainable pace. Start so small that failure becomes nearly impossible. No one has ever failed because they aimed too low; many have failed by reaching too high too soon.

Personally, I began by dedicating 30 minutes to writing each day, targeting one article per week. After three months, I felt comfortable enough to increase my output to three articles weekly. Now, I write five articles every week.

Starting small doesn’t equate to aiming low; your productivity will naturally expand.

Section 1.2: Develop a Writing System

Relying solely on enthusiasm is a shaky foundation for your writing journey. Motivation might feel strong today, but it will inevitably wane when you need it most. Therefore, it's essential to establish a system.

As creatures of habit, 90% of our decisions are made automatically, often without conscious thought. For instance, you likely don't remember deciding how to take your coffee or which route to take to work. We make those choices once, and they become routine.

To become a consistent writer, you need to rely on your routines rather than fleeting motivation. Here’s how to set up a functional writing routine:

1. Identify Your Golden Hour: Schedule your writing time. You don’t have to write every day, but it should be a regular part of your week. Writing is a demanding creative endeavor, so choose a time when you feel most alert and inspired. For me, that's early morning; find what works best for you.
2. Establish Triggers: Link your writing to specific times, locations, or preceding actions to create an automatic response. Think of Pavlov's dog, who salivated at the sound of a bell; use similar triggers for your writing.
3. Habit Stacking: Combine multiple habits into a single routine to create momentum. For example, my morning routine consists of: shower, coffee, pray, and then write. Once this pattern is established, it becomes second nature.
4. Incorporate Rewards: While triggers and habit stacking set the stage for your writing, adding a reward afterward can provide motivation. This could be anything you enjoy—a short YouTube break, a walk, or a chat with a loved one. Personally, I like to read my favorite book after finishing a writing session.
5. Cultivate Your Environment: You don’t need an idyllic cabin in the woods, but writing in the same spot consistently can help condition your mind for creativity. Identify what enhances or disrupts your writing process—be it music, a tidy desk, or a closed door—and create a space that inspires you.

A well-structured routine is a writer’s ally.

Section 2.1: Reflect and Recharge

Writers often fall into the trap of self-criticism. Regardless of progress, it’s easy to fixate on how far we have to go. Comparing ourselves to others can be demoralizing and stifle our motivation.

As Ray Bradbury once said, “You fail only if you stop writing.”

An often-overlooked method for rejuvenating your energy is to focus on your past achievements rather than your future obstacles. Celebrate every small victory, whether it’s the number of writing sessions completed or articles published. Concentrating on what you can control can renew your motivation.

In my case, I used to track my follower growth daily. When I felt disheartened, I would look back to a random past date and calculate my progress. This always uplifted my spirits. For added fun, I projected my growth over the next three months, reinforcing the idea that persistent effort would lead to success.

Recognize your advancements to reignite your motivation.

Section 2.2: Conquering Internal Barriers

If you encounter setbacks, there is often only one source: you.

When I first began writing, I believed my greatest challenges would stem from a blank page, mastering growth strategies, or crafting the perfect phrase. I was surprised to discover that my real adversaries were internal struggles: procrastination, perfectionism, and insecurity.

This is a conflict you must win. Analyze your reactions and test various strategies. Each individual is unique, but here are a few techniques that have proven effective for me:

1. Distinguish Writing from Editing: Write freely without self-criticism. Allow your ideas to flow, then evaluate and edit later.
2. Aim to Write Poorly: Lower your standards initially. Your primary objective should be to write and publish, regardless of quality. Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and improvement comes with practice and persistence.
3. Embrace the Fact That No One Cares: The fear of judgment often paralyzes writers. We worry about how others might perceive our work, but the truth is, most people are too focused on their own lives to scrutinize your writing.

To make significant progress, commit to writing consistently for one year and implement these strategies. If you do, good things are bound to happen.

In my journey, I gained 6,000 followers in seven months and now earn $800 a month. If you’re interested in my writing secrets, consider joining over 1,296 writers in my free course.