Chapter 1: Embracing the Writing Journey

It’s 7:05 AM, and I’m sitting at my desk, ready to write. Two years ago, I embarked on my online writing journey, unaware that it could be a source of income. Even if it was, I didn’t believe I had the skills to succeed. My motivation stemmed from a desire to escape the repetitive thoughts swirling in my mind. Writing became my refuge from the monotony of my internal dialogues.

Now, 26 months later, I'm still at it.

1. Avoid Superficial Motivations

Desiring wealth is not a compelling reason to write online. If your primary goal is financial gain, writing may not be the right path for you. True writing requires a deeper purpose. Seek meaning that extends beyond monetary rewards. Writing can lead to:

• Wellbeing
• Focus
• Clarity
• Discipline

Focusing solely on potential earnings diminishes the value of the craft; it's shallow and uninspiring.

2. Commit to Daily Progress

Many of us become daunted by lofty ambitions, such as “becoming a New York Times bestseller in two years.” Let me save you the heartache: it’s unlikely. Instead, concentrate on incremental improvements. My mantra has become: prioritize small, manageable steps. Consider these minor actions that yield significant results:

• Finding your flow state five minutes faster
• Reviewing your last seven articles to identify resonant themes
• Eliminating unnecessary filler words like “that” and “very”

These tiny adjustments contribute to substantial progress.

3. Overcome Self-Sabotage

We often prefer the idea of untapped potential over taking real action. This mindset leads to a life filled with "what ifs," leaving you unaware of your true capabilities. Rather than remaining trapped in thought, challenge yourself. A useful technique is to imagine where you'll be in 50 years.

Step out of your comfort zone and see what you're capable of.

4. Connect with Aspiring Peers

Investigate the backgrounds of your favorite writers, and you'll discover that most have dedicated years to honing their craft. The common narrative is: put in hard work for seven years, then achieve notable success in the eighth. Those who claim otherwise are likely trying to sell you something.

Surround yourself with individuals who are pursuing similar goals. Learn from their journeys and give yourself the room to grow at your own pace. Understand that mastery takes time.

5. Find Joy in Routine

Writing every day can feel repetitive. My daily routine is quite similar:

1. Rise
2. Write
3. Work

While this may seem dull, it doesn't have to be. There are countless ways to infuse excitement into your writing process:

• Explore unfamiliar topics
• Watch a YouTube video and strive to craft a more engaging narrative
• Read works by your favorite authors and incorporate their styles into your writing

Consistency is key, and enjoying the process can transform the mundane into something extraordinary.

How do you cultivate relentless writing habits?

• Look beyond superficial reasons and dig deeper.
• Focus on daily improvements rather than overwhelming goals.
• Stop self-sabotaging and commit to the work.
• Gain perspective from your favorite authors.
• Embrace the fun within the routine.

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