Why You Should Write Every Day and How to Get Started

Everyone has heard that writing can be therapeutic, right?

But did you know that studies show a writing routine can reduce stress, ease anxiety, and even help manage depression?

One of the main benefits of writing is that it helps us release negative emotions. When we keep our thoughts and feelings bottled up inside, they can start to fester and cause problems. But when we write them down, we can take a step back and see them for what they are: thoughts and emotions. This new perspective can help us deal with them in a more constructive way.

When we write about our emotions and experiences, we're able to make connections that we might not otherwise see. This helps us make sense of our lives and the world around us, which can be a huge relief when feeling down.

When we are anxious or stressed, we tend to make impulsive decisions that we later regret. If we take the time to write out our thoughts, pencil to paper, it slows down our thought process and allows us to see things more clearly. This leads to better decision-making, which can help reduce stress in the long run.

Have You Tried a Journaling Class?

Taking a journaling class could be a great way to start your own journey of self-discovery or deepen what you've already started. In fact, I'm taking one in November.

Here's why.

• A journaling class is a perfect place to start if you've never journaled before. You'll learn the journaling basics, including what to write about and how to get started.
• A class can teach you new techniques and approaches even if you've been journaling for a while.
• A journaling class will help you deepen your understanding of yourself--your thoughts, your feelings, your fears, your dreams, and your goals. The more you understand yourself, the easier it will be to make decisions that align with who you are and what you want in life.
• A journaling class will provide structure and accountability to help you stay on track. You'll be less likely to skip a day (or two... or three) when you know there's someone else counting on you to show up.

Setting Writing Goals: Why to Bother and How to Get Started

If you're anything like me, you start each new year with a long list of goals and resolutions. Some are personal, some are professional, and others are creative. But for many of us, those lofty plans fizzle out sometime around February. Why does this happen? And how can we set goals that actually stick?

When it comes to creative endeavors like writing, goal-setting is essential. Having a specific goal in mind helps to focus your efforts and keep you on track. It's easy to get sidetracked when you're writing; there are always other things you need to do, after all. But if you have a clear goal to work towards, it's much easier to stay focused and make progress.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself when setting writing goals:

• What do I want to achieve?
• Why do I want to achieve it?
• How will I know when I've achieved it?
• What steps do I need to take to achieve it?
• By when do I want to achieve it?

Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Be specific. Instead of setting a goal like "write more," try something like "write 500 words every day."
• Be realistic. If you're just starting, don't commit to writing a novel in a month. Start small and build up gradually.
• Make it measurable. Besides setting a word count goal, you could also set a goal for the number of days or weeks per month that you write. For example, "I will write 3 days per week for January."
• Set a deadline. Giving yourself a timeline for your goal will help to keep you accountable and motivated.
• Find an accountability partner. Share your goals with a friend or family member and ask them to check in with you regularly about your progress.
• Keep it fun! Writing should be enjoyable, so don't make your goals too draconian. If you find yourself dreading your daily word count, it's time to reassess.

How to Make Time for Writing Every Day

Life always seems to find a way of getting in the way of our best-laid plans. But there is a way to make time for writing every day, even when it feels like there's no time to spare.

• Get up earlier. This may not be possible for everyone, but even 30 minutes earlier than usual will make a difference. Use this time to jot down some ideas, do some free writing, or work on a specific project. Getting started is often the most challenging part. Once you've written something—anything—you'll be more likely to keep going.
• Set aside some "me" time. We all have things we need to do every day, but that doesn't mean we can't take some time for ourselves as well. Whether it's an hour in the evening after the kids are in bed or 30 minutes while they're at school, carve out some time in your day that's just for you. You can use this time to brainstorm ideas, work on a project, or just do some freewriting. Dedicated time will help you focus and make the most of your writing time.
• Make use of your waiting times. We all have moments when we're waiting on something (the bus, in line at the grocery store, etc.). Rather than letting these moments go to waste, use them to get some writing done! Keep a notebook or laptop with you so you can jot down ideas or work on a project whenever you have a few free minutes. You may not be able to write extensively during these times, but every little bit helps!

A study shows that 70% of people believe they don't have enough time to write. But we can make time for writing daily by making small changes to our daily routines. We just need to get creative about it.

Find What Works for You and Then Stick With It

The most important thing is to find what works for you and stick with it. That might mean writing for half an hour every morning or writing for an hour three times a week. It doesn't matter how much or how little you write as long as you're consistent. The key is to make writing a habit so it becomes second nature.

I encourage you to try daily writing, even if it's just five or ten minutes. You may find that the benefits are more profound than you ever imagined.

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Dana brings more than 30 years of business, arts, and entertainment experience to his challenging and dynamic Executive Coaching and Training work.