I Started Writing Daily A Year Ago And This Happened

When you're a writer or on your way to being one, you want all the tips you can get. Writing quotas, editing techniques, etc. You want to know how the Greats do it and adopt it.

One of the most common tips among writers, from bloggers to novelists, is to write every day. Each and every day.

You've probably read this tip several times and heard why it is beneficial. Well, I'm not here today to tell you to do it. First, because I'm not your mother, I can't tell you what to do.

Although it wouldn't hurt to tidy up your room and take a shower or two.

I am not an expert writer nor do I pretend to be. I just started constant blogging a little over a year ago. That in writers time is equal to 15 minutes.

However, I was in your position. I also heard that I had to write every day and I did. Where did that lead me? Let's find out.

Discipline

The main reason they tell you to write daily is a matter of habit and discipline. This is like an exercise, like doing chin-ups, you must try constantly until it is effortless.

Writing every day builds the habit and helps you try new styles and genres.

Writer's Block

This is the great enemy of every content creator. How to overcome a creative block?

Writer's Block happens when ideas just don't come through. The muse of inspiration does not knock on the door. The juices of creativity don't flow.

Here's the thing:

When you're used to writing every day, no matter what, come hell or high water, you don't depend on inspiration. Discipline is the only engine that will propel you when the motivation is not there.

Steady improvement

If you do something over and over, no matter what it is, you will get better at it. So it's obvious to assume that if you write all the time, you will become a better writer.

You can take it to the next level. Try writing new things, push yourself to new limits, explore unknown waters. Write a Haiku, then a TV script, then a monologue.

It is part of the exercise and will help you improve in different styles. Maybe you will find a hidden talent.

Unexpected benefits

As I already mentioned, I started doing this looking to be a better writer. Today I can say that most of the objectives were met. It doesn't mean I'm an elite writer yet, but I'm better than a year ago.

However, on the way, I came across several results that I didn't expect. Improvements that have little to do with my skills, but with my well-being.

Writing daily became a habit, a way of venting. Although I write every day, I don't publish everything. Many times I write something knowing that I will never publish it. I only write it because I want to.

This exercise has helped me release tension, regulate my emotions, and made me much more introspective. Even if I quit blogging tomorrow, I won't stop writing daily.

Of course, feeling better helps me write better. The full circle closes.

So where am I now?

I am currently a more disciplined writer. I depend less on spontaneous attacks of inspiration and haven't had a creative block in months.

Some time ago I had the opportunity to attend a talk from a comedy writer that I greatly admire. He said:

"You learn to write with your ass."

You have to put your ass on the chair and sit down to write every day. If you want to write better, you must write.

And seriously, take a shower.

Read every story from Mindsmatter (and thousands of other writers on Medium) As a Medium member, a portion of your membership fee goes to writers you read, and you get fullaccess to every story on Medium

____________________________________________________

We made something a little great! The Anxiety Workbook, get yours by clicking here.

____________________________________________________

Want To Support Us?

You can like this story, tell a friend about it, buy us a coffee on Ko-fi, check us out on Medium, or all of the above! It all helps!

____________________________________________________

Want Even More?

Grab the latest updates from Mindsmatter. Exclusive stories, mental health resources, and more!

Click here to join the newsletter!