How To Build a Daily Writing Habit—Even When You’re Busy

I know as authors we plan to write every day, but life often has plans of its own. Writing gets put to the back burner again and we continue with the ‘more important’ things. But, if you want to be a writer, you need to write! Developing a daily writing habit matters—especially for busy people who can tend to let writing go for later.

This post will help you to develop a consistent writing habit with actionable steps and mindset shifts.

Why a Daily Writing Habit Is Worth Your Time

Let me make it clear: when I say “daily” don’t think this will be an everyday thing. Like I said, life can get in the way, and this is something you aim to do every day.

Writing on a consistent basis (aim for at least once a week depending on your schedule) provides you with many benefits like learning your unique voice, improving your skills, exploring new techniques, and gives you confidence to keep going.

So, aim to write everyday (with a generous amount of wiggle room because life can be unpredictable). Just five or so minutes can be enough to build a solid daily writing habit.

Shift Your Mindset: Small Habits Make Big Impact

The biggest mistake you can make when trying to write consistently is trying to do too much. You know what is realistic, what you’re capable of, and what you want to do. Something is always better than nothing.

Developing habits is a whole science, and I am definitely not an expert, but I want to share some tips that helped me create better habits.

Time-Saving Tips to Build a Daily Writing Habit

• Keep habits short, simple, and easy so you’ll stick to them
• Know it’s okay to take longer breaks from writing if you need to
• Make your writing time special
• Write during “found time” (e.g., commute, lunch break, early morning)
• Use voice-to-text or notes apps
• Stack with existing habits (e.g., write after coffee or before bed)

Make Writing Easy to Start

To help yourself stick to a daily writing routine you should try to make writing easy to start.

• Prepare a writing space or app in advance
• Keep a list of writing prompts or ideas handy
• Set a low-effort goal: 50 words or 5 minutes

Stay Accountable Without Adding Stress

Holding yourself accountable is one thing, but you don’t want to stress yourself out trying to stick to this habit. Keep track of your writing habits using an app, journal, or calendar to motivate yourself.

If you feel yourself stressing out over sticking to the habit, you may be trying to do too much at once. Start small, then gently increase from there.

What to Write When You Have No Time or Energy

Journaling, stream-of-consciousness journaling, and one-sentence stories are all great ways to get some writing in when you’re busy. If you don’t have a lot of time or energy, they can be excellent options.

Build Your Writing Habit at Your Own Pace

Build a long-lasting writing habit by starting small, staying consistent, and removing friction. It’s better to write imperfectly daily than to try doing perfect writing once in a blue moon.

What do you view as your biggest writing hurdle? Leave a comment, I’d love to hear!

Sign up for my mailing list and receive exclusive content, printables, and more!

Enjoy this blog? Share it!