Tip 8: Shake it up (to stop your routine becoming a rut)

Introduce novelty into your writing routine to stop it becoming a boring old burden.

Everyone wants a writing routine. But the problem is that routines can sometimes become, well a bit too routine-like if you don’t factor in the ‘pleasure principle’.

Doing the same thing over and over can be productive but it can also be boring and monotonous - which is how routines often break down.

Introducing novelty is how you prevent your routine becoming a rut.

Shake it up

The key with shaking things up is to break your routine to introduce novelty and ideally a spot of fun. You might find that weekends offer more opportunity to experiment. The ‘working’ week is all about structure and getting things done, so come Saturday you can inject some energy and fresh approaches. 

💥​ Swap your environment: Get away from your desk and write from somewhere different. Go outside, sit on the sofa, write in bed, in a cafe, the options are endless. 

💥​ Go on an artist’s date: Take Julia Cameron’s advice and go on a date with yourself. Leave you work-in-progress behind and look at some art, listen to a talk, read a book, go for a walk and watch the sun rise or sun set. Be intentional and plan it - this is a deliberate break to recharge, not an in-the-moment procrastination and distraction.

💥​ Be spontaneous: If you’re used to a daily planned session, embrace spontaneity today. Squeeze in a writing session when you wouldn’t normally – just five minutes is fine! 

We can’t wait to hear what you try – tell us in the comments below! And if you find our tips useful, please share.

Keep writing

Chris and Bec :)

Written: How to Keep Writing and Build a Habit that Lasts is available now from Amazon UK and Amazon US.