8 Tips To Build A Writing Habit That Sticks (For Good!)

For many aspiring writers, the hardest part of writing isn’t coming up with ideas – it’s sticking to a routine. Developing a writing habit isn’t just about discipline; it’s about creating a system that makes writing feel natural, enjoyable and sustainable.

Whether you dream of writing a novel, growing your blog, or building your writing career, consistency is the key to reaching your goals.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through practical tips for developing a writing habit that sticks, including strategies for setting realistic goals, creating the right environment and overcoming common obstacles that trap so many of us!

Why Is A Writing Habit Important?

Put simply, a writing habit will make or break your writing goals. 

Writing regularly improves your skills, develops your voice, and is the only way to make steady progress on your projects.

As Colin Powell said, ‘If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.’

The difference between you and successful writers is not an inherent talent; it’s whether or not you have developed a consistent writing practice. A writing habit keeps you accountable, combats procrastination, and helps you build momentum. It transforms writing from something you ‘try to find time for’ into a natural part of your daily routine.

Top Tips To Create A Writing Habit

1. Start Small, Stay Consistent

One of the biggest mistakes new writers make is setting goals that are too ambitious. Writing 2,000 words a day sounds great, but it’s hard to maintain if you’re just starting out. Instead, begin with small, manageable goals – like writing for 10 minutes a day or aiming for 100 words.

The key is consistency. Writing a little every day is far more effective than writing a lot once in a while. Over time, these small wins add up, and your confidence will grow as you see progress.

2. Set Clear Goals

Clear goals give your writing habit direction and purpose. Ask yourself:

• What do I want to achieve? (e.g., finish a short story, write a blog post, or complete a chapter of a novel)

• How much time can I realistically dedicate to writing each day or week?

• What’s my deadline?

For example, instead of saying, ‘I want to write more’, try setting a specific goal like, ‘I’ll write 500 words a day for the next month.” Specific, measurable goals keep you motivated and give you something tangible to work toward.

3. Create a Dedicated Writing Space

Your environment plays a huge role in your ability to focus and write consistently. A cluttered desk or noisy room can be a distraction, while a calm, organised space signals to your brain that it’s time to write.

Whether it’s a dedicated desk, a spot in your local café, or a quiet corner in your home, choose a space that’s comfortable and free of distractions. Make it somewhere you enjoy spending time, with everything you need – pens, notebooks, or a laptop – close at hand.

4. Establish a Routine

Routines make habits stick. Write at the same time each day, whatever time you notice you work best at whether it’s early in the morning, during your lunch break, or in the evening. Over time, your brain will associate that time with writing, making it easier to start.

Incorporate small rituals to transition into your writing session. For example, you might brew a cup of coffee (personally for me I make my favourite roasted almond milk latte), light a candle, or listen to a specific playlist. These rituals act as mental cues, helping you shift into ‘writing mode’. 

5. Embrace the Process, Not Perfection

Perfectionism is a writer’s worst enemy. Waiting for inspiration or obsessing over every word often leads to procrastination often in the form of hours spent scrolling on your phone!

So much of developing habits is about mindset. Don’t always focus on the outcome of your writing session because it can put too much pressure on your work. Remember, first drafts are supposed to be messy!

As Anne Lamott advises in Bird by Bird, ‘Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts.’ Give yourself permission to write badly – the magic happens in the revision process.

6. Find Accountability

Like any goal, accountability makes a huge difference in your chances of success. If the benefits of building a daily writing habit don’t motivate you, there’s nothing like the potential embarrassment of saying you did nothing to progress your goal that gets you writing! 

In fact, one study found that an accountability partner increases your odds by 95%! So, share your goals with a friend, join a writing group, or participate in online challenges like NaNoWriMo, you’ll be shocked at how much more you commit to your writing goal. 

7. Overcome Writer’s Block

Every writer faces days when the words just won’t come. When this happens, try not to panic. Instead:

• Freewrite for a few minutes to get ideas flowing.

• Change your environment – go for a walk or move to a different writing spot.

• Revisit your outline or brainstorm ideas to refocus.

• Accept that on some days, for whatever reason, you won’t have a good writing day. Don’t get emotional about it or take it as a sign that you’re a ‘bad writer’, just let it go and forget about it the next day. 

8. Don’t Forget To Track Your Progress

Use a journal, calendar, or app to log your daily writing sessions. Seeing how much you’ve accomplished over time can boost your confidence and keep you motivated to continue. 

This is great on days where you feel like you’re getting nowhere and you can remind yourself of all of the tasks, days and minutes you’ve put into your craft. 

Consider setting milestones and rewarding yourself when you reach them. For example, treat yourself to your favourite takeaway after completing a week of writing or celebrate finishing a chapter with your favourite activity.

It’s Time To Build Some Good Habits!

Developing a writing habit takes time and patience, but the rewards are worth it. By starting small, setting clear goals, and creating a routine that works for you, writing will soon feel like second nature.

Remember, it’s not about being perfect – it’s about showing up.

In no time, you’ll find less and less resistance to sitting down to write and you’ll even ask yourself, ‘why did I try to avoid this so much?!’

Remember, it’s not about being perfect – it’s about showing up.

So start writing today and before you know it, writing will become a habit that you don’t even have to think about.