Section 1.1: Embrace Writing as an Experiment

Starting a new endeavor often ignites feelings of inadequacy. It's common to compare your work to others on Medium, which can heighten self-doubt. However, this is a normal part of the creative process. Instead of succumbing to fear, view your writing as an experiment where you can test your ideas without the weight of expectation.

Section 1.2: Schedule Your Writing Time

Finding time to write alongside a full-time job can be challenging. Without designated writing periods, you may feel pressured and frustrated, leading to diminished motivation. Organize your week into manageable 60-minute blocks, taking into account work, family, and other responsibilities. Be realistic about your availability; for instance, early mornings work for me, but everyone has different schedules.

Section 1.3: Capture Your Ideas Promptly

Ideas can arise at any moment, often during mundane tasks like showering or exercising. Relying on memory alone can lead to lost gems. I made this mistake and regretted it. Instead, jot down your ideas immediately in your phone's notes app to ensure you have them ready for your next writing session.

Section 1.4: Create a Writing Framework

Facing a blank page can be intimidating. The overwhelming freedom of writing anything can paralyze you. It's essential to establish a basic structure to guide your writing. Online writing expert Nicolas Cole suggests "prepping the page." Before you start, outline the main sections of your article, such as:

• Introduction
• Key Point #1
• Key Point #2
• Key Point #3
• Conclusion

This outline serves as a roadmap for your piece.

Section 1.5: Accept That Your First Draft Will Be Rough

It can be tough to accept, but your initial draft will likely be far from perfect. The first words you write will likely face immediate judgment. However, acknowledging that a rough draft is a crucial step in the writing process— as Ann Handley points out in Everybody Writes—can liberate you from the shackles of perfectionism. Every accomplished writer has produced imperfect drafts; the key difference lies in their editing prowess. Save your critiques for the editing stage and focus on getting that draft down.

Section 1.6: Differentiate Between Writing and Editing

While it may seem obvious, I initially conflated writing and editing. Writing requires freeing yourself from self-criticism, especially during the drafting phase, which is all about flow and focus. Editing, on the other hand, needs a more intentional approach. Give your writing some time to breathe; I’ve found that stepping away for a day or two before editing allows me to return with fresh eyes.

Section 1.7: End Writing Sessions on a High Note

When I'm in the flow, I often want to keep writing until every thought is expressed. However, finishing a session feeling drained can diminish my enthusiasm for the next. It's wiser to conclude on a high note, jotting down ideas for the next section and stopping there. This way, you can preserve excitement for your next writing session.

Section 1.8: Set Clear Goals Before You Write

Being efficient is vital when balancing writing with a full-time job. Avoid the mistake I made of wasting the first half-hour of each session determining what to focus on. Instead, take five minutes the day before to set specific, manageable goals for your next writing session. Let your captured ideas inspire these goals, using your excitement to boost your productivity.

Section 1.9: Practice Shortform Writing

As a new writer, receiving feedback is essential for improvement. Shortform writing (150 words or less) provides quicker audience responses and accelerates your learning. Initially, I spent an entire week perfecting a lengthy article, only to realize I could write three Shortform pieces in the same timeframe, giving me more opportunities for feedback.

Section 1.10: Early Rising Isn't a Guarantee for Productivity

Waking up at 5 AM to write seemed like a surefire way to achieve success. However, I quickly learned that without the right habits and systems in place, time can slip away. As James Clear states in Atomic Habits: "You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems." Clear goals, captured ideas, and enthusiasm are important, but minimizing distractions like emails and social media is equally crucial for productivity. If your schedule allows, consider early mornings, but remember it’s not a magic solution.