The One Thing You Need to Do to Become a Better Writer and That I Wish I Have Done Earlier

Start Today. For years I have been telling people that I wanted to learn to write better, but I was neither writing nor getting feedback.

Multiple times I have told myself: “not today”. I have procrastinated putting my thoughts on paper. Every day I felt too busy to do anything other than work.

Luckily, there is plenty of time to make mistakes and change by learning from them.

If you want to write, start writing today

We learn by doing: to learn writing, you should write.

I have been writing consistently for 30 days. I have learnt a lot. I have become efficient, and I am now one step closer to writing and publishing every day. Slowly I am conditioning myself to get more enjoyment from publishing than likes.

This change takes time, but we can all get there one step after another.

#1. Start small and simple

Some people don’t like the idea of the essay’s format floating on Twitter. While I understand them, I also think that for the learner, it’s simpler to:

• write ~250 words rather than a thread (threads are more complex)
• get feedback if the essay is already on Twitter rather than on another website (reduce friction)

#2. Schedule and time yourself

Time is a resource. Manage it.

Scheduling will ensure you create time for the habit, but timing will ensure you don’t spend too much time.

#3. Have some friends for accountability

In January, I tried to do this independently, but there was not as much feedback, and I was on my own. Joining a cohort might not be for everyone, but having people willing to give you feedback is the best way to learn.

Start writing today. Start simple. Create the time. Make sure someone keeps you accountable and walks with you through the most challenging step: getting started.

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