Proactive: creating or controlling a situation by causing something to happen rather than responding to it after it has happened.

Taking a proactive approach means you think ahead and solve problems before they happen.

Have a goal and a why

We all have a reason and a goal with our writing, even if it’s just for ourselves. For some it’s about personal clarity. For others it’s to hit the best seller list on Amazon.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a small essay like this or a full-blown novel. A proactive writer knows that to get to the desired end result you have to write the words. Knowing your why will help you sit down and write.

Claim your writing time by scheduling your sessions

For writers, being proactive means you plan for the writing and make time and space for it to happen. Whether it’s daily or on some other cadence, you won’t skip it because you have plans and goals to meet.

It’s your appointment with yourself and when that block of time rolls around, you write.

Catch yourself in the act and drop distractions

You know that endless scrolling you do? It only takes a few minutes to slide online and into its circus of distractions. Learn to avoid those reactionary rabbit (habit) holes. You don’t have to give it up, just save it for after you’ve written. Create first, consume second.