How Self-Discipline and Routine Can Transform Your Writing

When I was a boy, my father was a shining example of how to work hard.

He was up early, dressed, and out in his woodshop making something usually by 5:30am. Then he’d have a shower, a cup of coffee, and some breakfast and head to an 8–12 hour shift at a paper mill.

By the time I was 21, I was doing something similar for the United States Air Force. Up at 5:30am to head to the field and get some exercise in, followed by a shower, a cup of coffee, and some breakfast and then headed into work for an 8–12 hour shift making sure the most powerful Air Force in the world could complete its mission.

The two driving factors that pushed both my father and I were self-discipline and routine.

In the labyrinthine quest for writing excellence, where procrastination lurks around every corner and writer’s block is the enemy, these are your secret weapons. Let’s talk about how this tag team can supercharge your writing, turning your literary pursuits into a roaring cascade of creativity and productivity.

The Magic of Self-Discipline

Imagine self-discipline not as a stern teacher, but as a tool to be used to make a job easier. It’s the force that nudges you to write even when that Netflix show you’ve been binging beckons you to watch, or when the phone buzzes a notification at you. Self-discipline is about making choices that align with your long-term goals (a.k.a. Launching that blog, finishing that novel, or creating that course) rather than succumbing to the whims of momentary pleasures or distractions.

Here’s the twist: self-discipline isn’t about self-denial. It’s about self-empowerment. It’s choosing to write a blog a day, not because you have to, but because you know each word is one step closer to your dream. It’s about setting a small, achievable goal, reaching it, and then doing a victory dance in the living room. This positive reinforcement turns the grind into a groove, transforming self-discipline from a chore into your cheerleader.

The Rhythm of Routine

Now, let’s talk about routine, the rhythm that drives that discipline. Routine may sound like the mundane cousin of our duo, but it’s actually the secret sauce to sustained creativity. By establishing a writing routine, you’re carving out a sacred space and time for your craft, a ritual that signals to your brain: “Let’s get it on, baby!”

Here’s the fun part: your routine doesn’t have to be extreme, extravagant, or mimic anyone else’s. It’s like a personal remix on Spotify that suits your life’s melody. Are you a night owl? Let the quiet of the night fuel your imagination. Early bird? Let those birds sing you to a happy spot and give life to your words. The key is consistency. Whether it’s 200 words before breakfast or a 15-minute brainstorming session after dinner, stick to it. Like your favorite coffee blend, your routine should be something you crave, not dread.

Supercharging Your Writing with the Dynamic Duo

When self-discipline and routine team up, they become the dynamic duo of your writing world. Here’s how they work their magic.

• Breaks Down the Great Wall of Procrastination: With self-discipline, you’re less likely to put off writing for another day. And with a routine in place, you know exactly when “later” is. It’s not a nebulous “sometime,” but a specific “at 7 PM, daily.”
• Transforms Mountains into Molehills: A big project becomes less daunting when it’s part of your daily habit. Writing becomes less of a Herculean task and more of a daily stroll in the park.
• Keeps the Muse Close: Routine invites the muse into your life regularly, instead of waiting for sporadic visits. You’ll find inspiration becomes a frequent guest, rather than a fleeting stranger.
• Polishes Your Skills: The more you write, the better you get. Self-discipline and routine ensure you’re consistently practicing, honing your craft, and discovering your unique voice.

Establishing These Miraculous Powers

You may be asking yourself how you get into this state of mind, or you find that you’ve struggled with it in the past. Here’s how you make it happen for repeatable, achievable results.

• Set Clear Goals: Define what success looks like. Finishing a chapter? Writing daily? Clarity is the first step to achievement.
• Start Small, Think Big: Begin with manageable goals that fit into your life. Then, as your self-discipline muscle flexes, gradually increase your ambition.
• Reward Yourself: Celebrate milestones with rewards that don’t undermine your goals. Finished a chapter? Treat yourself to a movie night or your favorite dessert.
• Track Your Progress: Keep a log or journal of your writing days and achievements. Seeing your progress in black and white is incredibly motivating.
• Find Your Tribe: Surround yourself with a community of writers. Share your goals, struggles, and victories. Sometimes, a little peer pressure is the best motivator.
• Be Kind to Yourself: Missed a day? Wrote a paragraph that sounds like gibberish? It’s okay. Self-discipline includes knowing when to be gentle with yourself. Reflect, reset, and resume.

Where Self-Discipline and Routine Lead

By marrying the art of self-discipline with the science of routine, you unlock a dimension of unlimited potential and creativity. This synergy between the two transforms the daunting into the doable, the imagined into the accomplished. Your writing journey becomes not just about the destination but the daily discoveries and delights along the way.

So, every day, find it in yourself to wake up and head to that woodshop just like my father did. Use the tools of self-discipline and routine to create something that transforms your mere words on a page to something that captivates, inspires, and resonates within the minds of your readers. Your story isn’t just waiting to be told; it’s eager to be lived, one disciplined, routine-filled day at a time. Welcome to your supercharged writing life.

Thanks for reading!

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