[reposting a relevent comment I wrote here: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=834920 http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=834920] For those trying to start a

[reposting a relevent comment I wrote here: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=834920 http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=834920] For those trying to start a writing habit: here are some tips that have helped me over the last month, to the point that it's starting to feel automatic: 1. Set realistic goals. Mine is "500 words per day, no excuses." It takes 1-2 hrs. 2. Start when it's easy. I started my 500 word per day rule over a week-long vacation. This builds the confidence that you can achieve your goal in a reasonable amount of time. 3. Have a routine for getting started. I have a special writing playlist and play the same song every time I start writing. Over time your brain forms associations and will automatically go into the appropriate mode. 4. If you're having trouble getting started, try imagining how good you will feel once you've hit your daily goal. While you're doing that, count from 10 to 1 as if you're about to launch the space shuttle. Then start. 5. Focus on daily progress. Your feedback loop should be "I won at writing 500 words today," not "I'm now 10.5% done instead of 10.3% done." The writing itself is never going to become truly automatic or habitual. What will become a habit is expecting that you'll make progress every day, and knowing that you're capable of succeeding today.