I have learned the hard way that consistency is key when it comes to writing. No matter what the writing goals, whether it's for journaling or to make a living from it, one needs to work on it every day, or close to it.

Here are some of my favorite tips for doing so:

Set a Daily Writing Goal

Start small and set a realistic goal that fits into your schedule. I try to make it very doable - like promising myself 250 words a day or working on my writing for 15 minutes.

The key is to make it achievable so you don’t feel overwhelmed.

Schedule Writing Time

Treat writing like an important appointment. It helps to pick the same time each day to get your writing done. It's the best way to develop the habit for it.

Get Rid of Distractions

Writing takes a lot of focus. I've learned that my environment makes a big difference. I can only listen to certain kinds of music, and I need to work in the same part of the house every time.

If that doesn't work, I find that I can be really productive in coffee shops.

Use Writing Prompts

When I feel stuck, I find writing prompts to be very helpful. Lately, I've been asking chat GPT. Here's a prompt:

"Can you give me 30 writing prompts that will improve my writing?"

Track Your Progress

Keep a log of your writing sessions to see your consistency over time. I find this exercise to be incredibly inspiring.

I find these strategies to be so helpful. I don't do them all at once, but rather look at them as tools at my disposal.