If you’ve used writing as a tool in setting your aspirational goals for this year, then the start of this second month is a great chance to check in on how your processes are developing.
Ideally, you’re writing at least a little something every day: a shopping or to-do list, maybe a few lines of gratitude in your calendar, or even a full paragraph in a journal. If writing is a part of your business (and let’s be honest, when isn’t it?), maybe your daily writing is especially task- or goal-oriented. Or maybe, like most of us, you haven’t met your most ideal every day goal that you set. Maybe it’s most days or some days or even just once a week or month so far.
Whatever the speed or frequency of your writing, you might be feeling like you’re losing steam or need some help. Here’s some basic starter support–
How to write everyday: There’s no easy life hack here. You just have to do it. But you can make it easy on yourself by having your necessary tools near to hand: keep a notebook by your bed, a pad in your bag, and your notes app on your home screen. When a potentially useful thought occurs, write it down; if you have time just then, give it five or ten minutes to see what else comes out with it. If you don’t, make that time before the end of the day (my favorite time is while I’m waiting for my coffee or tea to brew). It doesn’t have to be much to be something to start with.
What to write: Lists. Half-baked thoughts. Scribbles. Potential website content components. Imagined conversations with that investor you want to pitch. A random idea for a weird short story you’ll never write but might gift to someone who will. A social media post. Shower thoughts that occurred on your commute. Ultimately, this is about developing the muscle memory and habit of writing; it doesn’t matter so much what you’re writing as that you’re engaged in the process.
How to do something with it: I’ve got a whole series on stewing your mess into delectable shareables. For now, I’ll just say that step one is putting it down and walking away for a bit; it’s awfully hard for most of us to find what’s worth keeping when we’ve just dumped a bunch of potential text out of our heads. Let it sit, come back to it with a fresh eye–and, hopefully, a clear purpose that will help you mine for goodies.
Something Polished 