When I tell people I’ve written over 500 articles while spending just an hour a day on writing, they usually respond with some combination of disbelief and curiosity.
The truth is, I’m not a superhuman with infinite motivation or some secret energy reserve. I just found a process that worked for me — and stuck to it.
I struggled a lot with writing consistently during the early days. When I saw writers publish an article almost daily, it made me wonder how it is even possible. However, once I figured out a proper system, I couldn’t believe how easy it was to write.
If you’re struggling to build a consistent writing habit or think you don’t have enough time, this article is for you. I’ll walk you through the simple 3-step process that made writing part of my daily routine. And yes, you can steal it.
Step 1: Ideas and Outlines
I used to sit down, stare at a blank screen, and wait for inspiration to strike. Spoiler alert: it rarely did. Writing felt like pulling teeth, and I’d waste more time thinking about what to write than actually writing.
I struggled to find writing ideas. But I didn’t let it stop me from writing; I wrote about whatever I wanted. I also got into the habit of listing ideas whenever I felt inspired. That helped me create an idea bank — a collection of ideas to write about.
Everything changed when I started outlining my articles before I wrote them.
Whenever an idea pops into my head — whether I’m commuting, walking, or just daydreaming — I jot down a quick outline on my phone. It doesn’t have to be detailed. I want to cover the main points, maybe a catchy headline if I’m feeling inspired.
For example, when I decided to write this article, my outline looked something like this:
- Intro: Writing 500 articles in 60 minutes a day
- Step 1: Talk about ideas and outlines before writing (mention staring at blank screens)
- Step 2: Write without editing (share the kitchen timer trick)
- Step 3: Edit later with fresh eyes (talk about letting drafts sit)
- Conclusion: Consistency is key
That’s it. Having a roadmap before I start writing makes the process smoother and faster. When it’s time to write, I’m not starting from zero — I’m simply filling in the blanks.
Step 2: Write Without Editing
This was a game-changer for me.
I used to write a few sentences, immediately delete half of them, rewrite, and repeat the cycle until frustration overturned. It was exhausting and incredibly slow. The problem? I was trying to write and edit at the same time.
Then, I read about the “kitchen timer” method. Here’s how it works: you set a timer for a specific time —usually between 30 to 60 minutes (in my case) — and write non-stop until the timer goes off. No backspacing, no second-guessing, no fixing typos. Just pure, unfiltered writing.
At first, it felt awkward. My inner critic screamed at me to fix that awkward phrase or delete that typo. But I ignored it and kept going. And something magical happened: I started writing faster, and my ideas flowed more freely.
By the time the timer buzzed, I’d usually have a full first draft. It wasn’t perfect (far from it), but it was done. And done is better than perfect.
I recommend anyone struggling to write consistently or find ideas to try freewriting. It gives you a taste of writing without editing and coming up with brilliant ideas.
Step 3: Edit Later With Fresh Eyes
Writing and editing are two different mindsets. Writing is about creativity and flow; editing is about precision and clarity. Trying to do both simultaneously is like driving with one foot on the gas and the other on the brake.
That’s why I always let my drafts sit before editing.
After my 60-minute writing session, I’d close the document and forget about it until later in the day (or the next day). When I came back to it, I had fresh eyes. I could easily spot awkward sentences, repetitive ideas, or unclear points.
Editing became a separate, focused task, usually taking less time than I expected. Sometimes, I’d even surprise myself: “Hey, this isn’t half bad!”
Some days, I write a draft for 30 minutes and use the remaining 30 minutes to edit the draft I wrote the previous day. This helps maintain the flow of my writing and editing processes.
The Power of Consistency
This 3-step process isn’t groundbreaking, but it works because it’s simple and sustainable. I wasn’t trying to write the perfect article in one go. I wasn’t aiming for hours of writing marathons. I just showed up for 60 minutes a day, followed my process, and let the results stack up over time.
Some days, the words flowed effortlessly. On other days, it felt like wading through mud. But I kept going. And that’s the real secret: consistency.
If you write for 60 minutes a day, that’s 365 hours a year. Even if you write just one article a week, that’s 52 articles in a year. Keep that up for a few years, and you’ll be amazed at how much you’ve accomplished.
So, whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your writing routine, give this 3-step process a try. It helped me write over 500 articles and might just help you, too.
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