Would you look at that
I've hit the three digits mark in my number of posts.
After writing a couple of times in the spring of 2020 and then taking an almost two-year hiatus, I’m back with avenges.
When I decided to come back to Medium and write consistently, I wasn’t playing around.
I have posted something every single day of 2022. I’m not sure how many others can say the same thing.
Granted, some posts are better than others. Still, I’m glad I have been able to keep this level of consistency as we enter Q2 of the year.
I’ve learned a few things along the way.
It’s Tough To Post Something Every Day (No Shit)
It’s difficult to come up with content every day.
It’s even harder to write a good post that’s 500–1000 words.
There are days when you don’t feel like writing. There are times when you feel like what you have written is complete garbage.
There have been many occasions this year where I would write something but didn’t want to hit the publish button.
I didn't think it was good enough.
Looking back now, I couldn’t be happier to have published all I have written.
There were many times, usually on a Friday or Saturday night, when I wanted to be out with my friends partying. Instead, I was on my couch completely sober typing away on my keyboard.
Then I would hear all the funny stories I missed out on.
It’s tough to stay consistent when those around you are distracting you.
How To Be Consistent And Do What Most People Don’t
Have a schedule.
Have a certain time of the day or at night when you can set an hour or two aside and lock-in.
Turn off your phone and be alone.
Write for the entirety of that hour at an intense level.
If you don’t make a schedule and try to “squeeze it in,” I’m telling you right now it won’t work.
If you’re not going to make a schedule, don’t even start writing. It will only end in disappointment.
The next thing you need to do is to prioritize your writing. This is similar to making it a part of your schedule.
For example, if a friend calls you during your scheduled writing time, don’t answer. If you forgot and made plans to see a movie during your writing time, you’re not going.
That’s if you’re serious.
If you don’t care then do as you wish.
How To Come Up With Ideas Even When You Have None
If I see, hear, or read something that I can use as material, I write it down.
I have a long-running note on my iPhone that has all kinds of ideas on it that I can write about.
When an idea comes to you, you need to write it down immediately. Don’t wait until later that night or after you go to the bathroom.
By that point, you will forget it.
Write down your ideas immediately.
Then when you’re sitting in front of your computer with no clue what to write about, you’ll have an entire list to refer to.
It will save you a lot of time and stress. This might be the most important thing I’ve learned.
Even recording one thing a day will help you have material saved when you need it.
The Bottom Line
It doesn't matter how you want to do it, just make sure to post consistently.
Maybe you would prefer to write five posts two times a week and take the rest of the week off.
If that works for you, then go for it.
If you would prefer to write every day as I do, that works as well.
The important thing is once you make a decision to post every day, stick with it!
I’ve been writing every day of 2022, and it’s not easy.
I can tell you that it feels good to have made it this far.
We still have some time to go, but I’m confident I’ll be able to keep it up for the whole year.
When you do anything consistently, you can only get better.
