Writing success doesn’t happen by accident. It’s easy to look at bestsellers and wonder what magic pill they’re taking, but the truth is they are successful because they’ve put in the work to make their dreams reality. Now it’s your turn! Big accomplishments happen by taking small steps each day and forming habits that lead to increased productivity. Work hard and good things will happen. Here are a few small changes you can make to your daily routine to foster your productivity and creativity.
1. Stick to a routine.
Everyone works better at different times of day. Some people are early birds and write best before the sun’s up. Some people are night owls who don’t feel the creativity start flowing until the rest of the world is snoring. Figure out what routine works best for you and follow it every day. Training yourself to write at a specific time will help you make writing a priority.
2. Take time to visualize.
That’s success-speak for daydream. Think about your goals and how good it’s going to feel when you achieve them. How amazing will it feel to write THE END? Or when your first story is published? Dream about those goals that are right around the corner and about the giant goals you have for your career. Reminding yourself of why you’re writing and what you hope to accomplish will make the tough days feel worthwhile.
3. Eat breakfast.
Mornings can be hectic, but take a moment to eat a bowl of oatmeal or some fruit. Try to incorporate carbs and protein so you’ll have plenty of energy to start your day. If you’re not used to eating breakfast, try it for a week and see how you feel. I promise that a bagel and peanut butter will give you much more energy than a cup of coffee—and you’ll see your productivity increase, too.
4. Create a mantra.
It may sound corny, but a mantra can be a nice reminder when things get difficult. Sit down and put some thought into your mantra. Think of a short saying that will boost your mood and confidence. You don’t have to tell anyone, and you don’t have to chant it to yourself—although you’re welcome to! Try writing your mantra inside your notebook or making it your screensaver.
5. Exercise.
Whether you prefer a light walk, a strength training session, or some time on a rock wall, regular exercise keeps your mind and body performing at top speed. You’ll be amazed at the creativity that starts flowing with the adrenaline.
6. Declutter your work space.
Clear off your desk. Clean out your laptop. Organize your supply closet. Keep your writing space neat and free of clutter, and your mind will feel that way, too. If you want to go all in, devote some time to decluttering and simplifying all your possessions—it’s a great stress reliever.
7. Get plenty of sleep.
Sleep is one of the first things to go when life gets hectic, but it’s crucial to our body’s performance. Without enough sleep, everything suffers. Nodding off in the middle of a scene isn’t helping that manuscript get finished. Set a specific time to go to bed each night, and make sure you’re covered up with the lights (and Netflix) off.
A Routine for Writing Success
Everyone has a different key to success. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to becoming a successful writer. After all, even the term “successful writer” means something different to everyone! The most important thing is to take care of yourself and to feel at the end of each day that you’ve done everything possible to attain your goals.
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