Fitness experts Brian Sharkey and Steven Gaskill suggest that the way to get fit is to get addicted to exercise. When I looked at their strategies for doing this, it hit me that essentially the same could be used to get addicted to writing--that is, to get into the habit of writing. Here they are, with brief notes on adapting them to writing. Sharkey and Gaskill say choose an activity that:
1.Is not competitive. [When you write, don't compare your work to that of others--it's often the cause of insecurity and then writer's block.]
2. You can do for one hour a day. [Block out one hour a day, or even half an hour a day and make it as much a part of your schedule as brushing your teeth. You will be amazed by what you can accomplish over a relatively short period of time as long as you are consistent.]
3. Is easy for your to do without much mental effort. [Break your writing down into small enough chunks so that you are not intimidated. A book breaks down into chapters, chapters break down into key points, for example.]
4. You can do alone or at least don't have to rely on others to do it. [Sometimes collaboration works well, but if you choose to do it, be sure that the other person really is as committed as you are. Do a small trial project together before starting a large one.]
5. You believe it has some physical, mental or spiritual value. [Write what you are passionate about, not what you think might be part of a trend. To stick with it, you need to feel strongly about it.]
6. You believe your performance will improve if you persist. [As you write, also read books on writing and take part in some classes if you have time, and keep applying what you learn to what you're writing.]
7. You can do it without self-critizing. [When you're writing a longer project, don't keep going back and reworking what you've done. Finish it, then go back over it.]
