Create the new year you want by developing a new writing habit.
A new year fast approaches. What will you accomplish in your writing? Whether you are considering a list of resolutions or only have a foggy idea of what you hope the coming days will bring, creating good writing habits is a worthy goal. Each writer is different, therefore, each of us will have our own set of new habits to develop. For myself, the first rule of thumb is to play to my strengths. For instance, I am not a morning person. My brain gets moving around ten a.m. Attempting to write first thing after waking will never be a good habit for me to try to develop. Instead, I might decide to jot down ideas as they come, but seriously sit to write after ten each day. Yours could be to get twenty minutes of writing in after the kids are in bed. Just be sure to stay realistic.
General wisdom tells us a few things about forming new habits. Here are a few for you to consider:
1. Don’t try to do it all starting January 1. Pick one new habit and hold off on the others until the first is in place.
2. Give it a month. Some say three weeks, but a month should cement it.
3. Hold yourself accountable. You might consider partnering with another author. Reporting progress can be a great motivator.
4. Reward yourself. I love cookies. One of my rewards for writing the number of words I’ve set as a goal for myself each day is to enjoy a cookie. My sweet tooth is a great cheerleader when ideas are coming slowly.
5. Practice not judging yourself. Forming a new habit is a lifestyle change and won’t necessarily come easy. Be kind to yourself when you forget and simply decide to start again the next day.
I sincerely hope you have a fantastic 2020, no matter what goals you set. Remember, perfectionism is not a goal but a hindrance. Happy New Year!