Looking back, you will find that your simple habit of writing in short bursts has become full-blown so that writing has become your priority, that a day without writing makes you uneasy and restless to the point where you may have a writing addiction. Well, would you rather have a writing addiction or a procrastinating habit? Your pick.

Artists, especially writers, are notorious for putting off their art when they can do it within the present moment. Unless you work on a deadline, you will always be tempted to lounge and sip a margarita while watching hot bodies basking under the sun. As a hardworking writer, you deserve a break. It is given that once you develop a consistent time for writing, you will manage your time more efficiently and set a good enough time when you can relax.

Still not convinced or don’t know how to begin? Consider these suggestions:

1. Start the habit. Now. Just begin. No excuses. If you don’t start now and tell yourself that you will begin tomorrow, then that’s procrastination talking. Again, commitment plays an integral part. Consider that if you start now, it’s a minor step in overcoming procrastination. Do this consistently for twenty or thirty days, and you will go with the flow that you do it because you want to.

2. Set a particular schedule when you can write with minimal distraction. You can do it in the morning, during lunch break, after office hours, or before going to bed. You can even do it after driving the kids to school. Whatever time works for you, stick to it and guard that schedule with the ferocity of a pit bull.

3. Let others know that you are writing. Sometimes you cannot do this alone. Inform others that you are committing yourself to this craft, and by letting others know and understand what you are up to, you get that much-needed moral support from friends, families, relatives, co-workers, and even other writers. If you do tell them, be sure that you are committed enough to deliver what you promised. Show them what you will be working on and give them updates if they ask. 

4. The first twenty to thirty days might feel like a drag, but at least you’ve started. The keyword here is focus. Perhaps you’ve heard of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), where writers from different parts of the globe participate in writing a 50,000-word novel in just a month? Imagine the focus that these writers put themselves into. For most of them, a month of writing a novel will yield a not so perfect piece, but at least they’ve written something and have overcome the challenge. Focus on your writing alone. Do not get distracted with other preoccupations that you can give attention to after your writing time.

5. Ask yourself: What motivates me? Why do you want to write in the first place? Is it for fame, fortune, respect? Whatever motivation you have in the deepest recesses of your heart, use it to inspire you. Do not let it evolve into unrealistic expectations that might break you in the end. Keep yourself in touch with reality.

6. Reward yourself. Do it once you have achieved your writing goal for the day. Reward yourself often at the beginning of your writing journey, because that is the most challenging period. After you have settled into the rhythms of your new habit, reward yourself less often. Going to the spa or hanging out with friends as a reward will do you good. But try to plan your rewards. A simple chocolate bar or a walk in the park can have the same feel-good effect. Whichever way you want to reward yourself, you deserve it.