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You’ve heard you should get up early to write.
Research shows your brain is most creative in the morning. Your conscious mind sleeps. Your unconscious mind doesn’t. It’s always churning ideas – which may be why you have dreams. So why not take advantage of this natural cycle?
When you write 500 words before breakfast, you’ll have a writer’s high all day. Since one accomplishment leads to another, it makes sense to start early.
Do this every day and you can write a book in months, not years. You’ll have to edit it, of course. But you can’t until you get some words on the page.
Now you know why you should get up early to write. How can you make the most of that time?
Here’s a simple three-step system.
Set a Goal
Without a goal, you can’t expect consistent results.
How should you set a daily writing goal? Before you go to bed:
- Write it down. Writing it down commits you – far more than thinking will.
- Make it specific. A goal is like a destination on a map. You can state the address line in one sentence. There might be a dozen ways to get there. But there’s only one destination. Knowing where to go will help you decide how to get there.
- Stick to one main idea. Your writing will be stronger if it’s focused. You can explore other ideas later. Stick to one idea and go deep with it.
When you write 500 words before breakfast, you’ll have a writer’s high all day. Click To Tweet
Have 3 Clear Points
How do you make people believe you?
Support your main idea with three clear points.
Points are proof. It’s not enough to say it. You’ve got to show that it works in the world.
Back your main idea with facts, stories, and data. When you write an article, a book, or a blog post, it’s like building a house. Your main idea is the foundation. The stories, facts, and data are the structure. If it is solid, your reader will buy it.
Before you share an illustration, ask yourself, “Do I believe this?” If you don’t, your reader won’t either.
Follow the Rule of Three. Give your reader three proofs and you’ll win him over. Any less won’t seem like enough. Any more can seem like browbeating. It’s like your favorite dish, seasoned just right. It’s perfect, memorable, and delightful.
Points are proof. It’s not enough to say. You’ve got to show it works. Click To Tweet
Don’t Edit Until You’re Done
Go with the flow. Lose track of time. Don’t stop until you get enough. That’s what you should do when you draft a blog post, a book chapter, or a poem.
When your well is dry, stop.
Take a break.
Then edit to your heart’s delight.
What if you like to edit each sentence as you write it? That’s like driving a block, pulling aside to check your oil, measure the air in your tires, and clean your windshield. You’ll get there, but it will take you ten times longer than if you wait until you need more gas.
When you break your writing into stages, like the acts of a play, you’ll make something great. No one cares how you got there. All they see is the final presentation. Make that good, and you’ll find using the tools differently won’t hurt at all.
Make Your Writing Time Count Tomorrow Morning
Your time is precious. If you want to become a high output writer, follow these three steps.
- Set a goal for your writing.
- Support it with three clear points.
- Don’t edit until you’ve finished writing.
Do this, and you’ll turn out great work day after day. You’ll establish yourself as an authority. And soon you’ll have an audience that hangs on your every word.
What are you waiting for? Get started now.
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