After I completed 30 days of writing every day for 30 minutes, I wrote about my experience at The Write Life. I made a promise to myself to write every day until the end of the year. Then I plan to write every day of 2017.
I just completed my 60th day of writing for 30 minutes every day!
As I’ve mentioned before, the mood to write rarely strikes me. When I think about my perfect writing conditions, I picture myself alone in my basement office at about 8 pm. I have a few candles lit and I’m wrapped in a soft blanket. I have a hot cup of tea next to me and perhaps a few cookies or crackers to nibble on. I’m contemplating each word to make sure that I’m creating a masterpiece. I ponder what I will write next. I spend a lot of time re-reading what I’ve written.
Even though this sounds romantic and wonderful, I’ve done it many times and it’s not that great. I get almost nothing accomplished. I sit for an hour or two and have less than 500 words to show for it.
Compare that to how I’ve actually been writing for the last 60 days:
Most of the time, I’m located in my kitchen at the breakfast bar. I write while sitting on a somewhat uncomfortable wooden stool. I write while I sip lukewarm coffee, not wanting to get up and microwave it for the third time that morning. The light is bright and glaring because my writing happens between 7 – 9 am. My daughter is prominently involved, asking for snacks, milk, toys, and to watch Frozen for the 100th time. My Google document is filled with squiggly red lines because I don’t bother correcting grammar or spelling until I finish writing the first draft. I barely think about what I’m writing, I just let myself write.
After 60 days, I’m still feeling the benefits of this daily practice. My productivity has continued to increase and so has my confidence level.
My stats after 30 days:
- Published nine new posts on my blog and drafted another 21 posts.
- Planned out my content until March 2017.
- Completed 30+ pages of an ebook on becoming a virtual assistant.
My stats after 60 days:
- Published nine new posts on my blog and drafted another 14 posts.
- Planned out my content until June 2017.
- Completed another 14 pages of an ebook on becoming a virtual assistant. The ebook is now in the editing and publishing stages.
Total so far:
- Published 18 new posts; drafted another 35
- Planned content to June 2017
- Completed 44 pages of an ebook
In addition to my first ever guest post being published on The Write Life, I’ve also sent out an additional three guest post submissions. One is scheduled to go live in November.
It could be a coincidence that I’ve gotten more client requests and referrals than usual in these last 60 day, but I don’t think so. Sticking to one goal and completing it each day has supercharged my productivity in all areas. I’m much more interested in growing my business and working with new people. I’m motivated to tackle projects that have nothing to do with writing, like using the electric hedge trimmer to spruce up the bushes in front of my house.
Feeling like I’m accomplishing something each day keeps me in a positive space. I’m finally embracing the “done is better than perfect” model. Because the thing is, even when I agonized over my work, it still wasn’t perfect. It’s much better to feel like something is done and hit publish than to keep it in drafts purgatory for the next year.
In addition, I’ve had at least 15 people tell me that I inspired them to start writing every day. A kind commenter took some of my words, printed them out, and put them on his refrigerator to motivate him to write. That means so much to me!
I plan on continuing my writing streak for the rest of the year, checking in every 30 days. When the new year starts, it’s my goal to write every day of 2017.
Care to join me?
Angela J. Ford says
Ah you’re amazing! I’ve been so demoted when it comes to writing and I used to write every day! I am going to take up the challenge and see how far I can go!
Erin Sturm says
Thank you! Now it’s become a streak I don’t want to break. Good luck!
ivannar89 says
This is so inspiring, but I have the HARDEST time being diligent with new routines. I blame it on being a nurse; it’s so hard to develop routines and stay consistent with a rotating shift schedule.
Erin Sturm says
It would definitely be hard to develop routines with a rotating shift schedule. Maybe you could set it up a few routines – if your shift is these hours, you’ll write at this time. If it’s these other hours, you’ll write at this time? Good luck!
mishvo says
God I love this idea. Just need to make it happen already in my life!
Erin Sturm says
Good luck!!