3 Secrets Behind Building a Writing Habit That Sticks
A simple guide to writing great stories
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In 2021, I made a commitment to write a hundred articles in a hundred days.
I kept a routine — every day, I would head to the library, where I focused on just two things: reading + writing.
That habit stuck with me, and since then, I’ve had the opportunity to write for some of the world’s leading publications. Editors began reaching out, asking me to contribute to their magazines.
But when I started writing on Medium in 2022, I realized something crucial: if you want to succeed on Medium, you have to write for writers.
On Medium, every reader is a writer, always on the lookout for advice to improve their craft. Over time, I’ve received countless messages asking how I manage to write consistently without sacrificing quality.
With that in mind, I want to share some strategies for building a sustainable writing habit.
My hope is that these insights will inspire more people to finally create the content they’ve been meaning to put out into the world.
“Writing is a habit, not an art — it is an act of craftsmanship, not divinity.”
First, how to build any habit
The first step to building any habit is understanding that it’s a process.
You don’t just wake up one day with a new routine locked in place. It’s something you cultivate over time, like a plant that needs regular watering.
James Clear’s Atomic Habits offers a blueprint for making habits stick that goes beyond the basics.
If you haven’t read it, Atomic Habits is all about how to build good habits and break bad ones. It’s sold over 2,000,000 copies and has made a big difference for a lot of people.
One key lesson from the book is that habits aren’t built through grand gestures but through the accumulation of tiny, consistent actions.
I found this approach very transformative.
Here’s how you can apply these principles to build any habit:
Start with tiny, manageable actions.
Create daily rituals that become second nature.
Use visual reminders to keep your habit front and center.
Reward yourself for every small success.
Focusing on these principles allows you to transform any habit into a seamless part of your daily life.
These strategies are powerful tools for making lasting changes and achieving your goals, no matter how big or small.
Start each day by journaling
One of the best ways to ease into a writing habit is by starting your day with journaling. It’s like a warm-up exercise for your brain.
You don’t need to worry about grammar, spelling, or structure — just let your thoughts flow.
A few months back, I committed to journaling every single day for 90 days straight. Sounds simple, but it turned out to be a profound experience.
In a world where our attention is constantly pulled in a million directions, journaling may seem old-fashioned. Yet, it’s a practice that taps into something deeply essential.
It’s not just about jotting down random thoughts — it’s about building a habit that enhances your writing discipline.
Why it works:
Clarify your thoughts: Journaling helps untangle your thoughts and ideas, making it easier to dive into your main writing projects with a clear mind.
Track progress: It provides a record of your daily writing journey, allowing you to see how your ideas and skills evolve over time.
Cultivate discipline: The act of writing daily — even if it’s just for a few minutes — builds the consistency needed for a robust writing routine.
Fuel creativity: Regular journaling can spark new ideas and insights, which can then be channeled into your more formal writing.
Integrating journaling into your daily routine isn’t just an exercise in self-reflection; it’s a strategic move to build and maintain a sustainable writing habit.
Start with small, manageable entries each day, and watch how this practice fuels your overall writing productivity and creativity.
Have a word count + time
Once you’re warmed up, it’s time to get serious.
Setting a daily word count goal can be a powerful motivator.
It gives you something concrete to aim for, and that sense of accomplishment when you hit your goal can’t be overstated.
Make a simple pact in this format:
I will write [number of word] in [time scale].Why it works:
Creates accountability: A goal keeps you on track and gives you a clear endpoint.
Builds momentum: As you start hitting your daily targets, you’ll find that the words start flowing more easily.
How to do it:
Start with 300 words: If you’re new to this, aim for 300 words a day. It’s a small enough goal that it doesn’t feel overwhelming, but it’s enough to make progress.
Gradually increase: Once you’re comfortable with 300, bump it up. But remember, it’s about consistency, not hitting a massive word count every day.
Medium = Growth
Medium is like YouTube for writers.
I started writing on Medium in 2022, and ever since — I’ve been hooked.
The relationship Medium has fostered between us is truly remarkable.
Here’s the simple equation:
You read → learn → then write. It’s that straightforward.
On Medium, I focus on:
Self-development.
Productivity.
Writing.
These areas are where I’ve gained some hard-won expertise.
I only share what I’ve personally tried, realized, failed at, and learned the hard way — so you can make more thoughtful decisions.
I don’t often discuss the business side of things here, but for those who don’t know, I run a writing studio.
Before Medium, finding clients meant cold emails, LinkedIn, and endless networking.
But since I started writing here, things changed. People who liked my content began reaching out to me — asking if I could write for them.
This is the beauty of Medium — it blurs the line between personal passion and professional success.
I write about what matters to me, and in return, I attract clients who appreciate my work.
Writing on Medium is addictive.
Once you start, even imperfect content gets views, the feedback loop pulls you in.
Before Medium, I wrote for major publications and clients in my studio. Those publications were prestigious, but the process was slow — weeks just to get an article approved.
Now, writing almost daily on Medium has honed my writing habit to an impressive degree.
If it weren’t for this platform, I don’t know how I would’ve built such a strong writing routine.
Here’s my crystal-clear advice for beginners:
Medium is where you need to start. You won’t regret it.
Having spent over two years on this platform, I’ve gained deep insights and can guide others. I’ve recently launched 1:1 coaching sessions, based on feedback from my newsletter subscribers — 82% of whom wanted help with their writing.
Coaching has allowed me to dive deep, offering personalized advice that’s as fitting as a custom-tailored suit. If you’re serious about leveling up your writing, I’m here to help.
So, here’s the deal — I have the capacity to coach a few writers who are serious about leveling up their writing game.
How does it work?
Grab a spot with me here, share any writing struggles or goals, and let’s refine your craft together.
“A good writer is not someone who knows how to write- but how to rewrite.” — William Goldman
See you inside.
Thanks for reading! I hope you found this edition of my newsletter useful.
-Zohvib