How to Create a Writing Habit 👉 The 3-Step Process

[@janiworthen]

I did it! With my goal of just 100 words last night, I actually finished the scene I’ve been stuck on for months! Thank you, Tim.

[@feruspriest]

Knowing what you're writing next: Separating the act of producing and planning has been pivotal. I used to sit down without any planning and just pump out 1k words. Took me 1-2 hours. I finished a 70k manuscript that way, but it was painful, poorly constructed, and ultimately only an endeavor in learning what not to do.

[@andreabknight]

It takes me 1.5 hours to write 1000 words 😆 I have cut down to writing once per week for an hour (700 words) and this is working really well as I can be consistent. Now takes me a month to write a scene, but I am writing better scenes using this, plus other SG methodology.

[@therealmaizing5328]

I'm pleased if I make *any* progress on my WIP. Every once in awhile, I get hit by inspiration and the words just pour out, but I'm happy if I get a single sentence written.

[@celinatinsley2686]

I've been having trouble with motivation for months in every area of my life. This strategy might help me finally overcome this slump. 🎉

[@MsLesset]

I could have written these exact words... Initially I signed up with an accountability group but that didn't make any difference

[@alisongood9572]

Shared this to a bunch of my best writers' Facebook groups.

[@SarahMcAshan]

Hm, regarding the Celebration, that dovetails with Mel Robbins' High Five Habit, where she says you should give yourself a high five in the mirror every morning. Interesting. Good work as always, Tim. (OG Guild member here!)

[@grimscriven]

She must go through a lot of mirrors. 😳

[@RghHgr]

Thank you so much for this heads up! Fun fact: after about 1 minute into the video, I contemplated, "Oh, let's convert the switching-on of the coffee machine into my anchor. And for the celebration, I would like the license to have a cookie with the first cup". 👍

[@FlufferNutterSandwich]

I thought the same thing. Giving myself a verbal/physical pat on the back doesn't work for me, but if I say, 100 words on a page before I can have coffee, it becomes a tangible reward.

[@johnkowalsky]

Great advice, Tim! I've used the concept of "small wins" for other areas of life (including jiu-jitsu), but never thought to apply it to my writing habit... I'd always shot for the big 1,000+ word goal (which failed more often than not).

[@stephensmith3089]

Hey Tim, I've been listening to you and Shawn since 2015 when you first started your podcast. I have to say this is probably the best and most practical advice you've ever had. Blessings!

[@DavePuckett]

I love this video. You give actionable advice that's doable even for a notorious procrastinator like myself. Thanks Tim. I'm so glad I subscribed to your channel.

[@laylaserizawa4538]

Subscribed immediately! First of, really like your content, and secondly, when you said “you are probably not flossing” I was LITERALLY flossing 😂 To add to the relevancy of what you said, I only picked up flossing consistently a few years back and I used my teeth brushing habit to piggy back the new habit over, and it worked! I just never thought to apply it to writing, brilliant!

[@StoryGrid]

ThTs amazing. Love it. - Tim

[@wellsfiction711]

Really inspiring advice. Plus my dentist will enjoy this. Thanks!

[@RghHgr]

Mine as well! *grin*

[@cpryan127]

Yep, I needed to hear this one again. Thanks, Tim.

[@sarahirwin6631]

This is the best video on this ever!!!

[@janiworthen]

I like this idea of 100 words. Thank you, Tim. I’ll try it.

[@timbushell8640]

BJ's book is awesome... And worth a read. The Anchor, 'Tiny' habit and the celebration process is very good.

[@timbushell8640]

Expand the tracking of BJ's tiny habit growth steps with the “Seinfeld Strategy” calendar marking and you have a full and robust system.

[@2ClutchGamers]

I tend to plan for 3 weeks and then write 20 pages in about 12 hours

[@RohiShetty]

Thanks a ton, Tim! This is totally total! Many smiles and much metta.

[@szymonkubala1594]

BLINK ALREADY!

[@MK-fi6mh]

Respect

[@МаринаКарпенко-ы8ю]

😍❤👍✍💪🤩

[@kristinabliss]

I really don't have any habits to anchor to. No routine whatsoever.

[@StoryGrid]

If you're a human that is functioning in society at all then there is no way that's true and you're just making up more excuses for why you can't ever succeed. - Tim

[@daina3628]

Nope, I have ADHD, can't form habbits. I don't have a single one. Not even brushing my teeth.

[@kristinabliss]

same

[@kristinabliss]

Maybe a custom alarm with a recording of the activity prompt such as saying "Daina, you want to write your story. You can do it a little every day. Now it is time to spend 30 minutes focusing on writing your story. You can do this. Do it now!"

[@sarahirwin6631]

I have adhd too. It’s not an excuse to not form habits or go after your goals. That’s so defeatist. We just need some different strategies and also not let all or nothing thinking discouraging us from trying. And it can be a long process. But you do have habits. I bet you scroll on your phone everyday. I bet you drink a beverage everyday. I bet you go to the bathroom when you wake up. Literally all of these are habits and anchor points.

[@sweetxjc]

You probably have a habit. Maybe it’s going on your phone before bed. Waking up to get to class at a certain time. When you eat during a break. Even if it’s a habit or routine you don’t personally enforce you most likely have one. It just might not be healthy

[@amakaamadi4815]

Thank God for AI. Writing got even easier Nice video!!

[@edwardasuquo3963]

Does this guy ever blink? The eye glare...gosh! Lol

[@therealmaizing5328]

LOL... I spotted him blinking just after reading your post. The video has multiple cuts. The blink came just before one of them. I'm guessing most of his blinks got cut.

[@krisnafrsb]

Just what I needed