The 3 Mindset Shifts That Can Turn You Into a Writer
Habits separate writers from wishful thinkers
You say you want to be a writer, but do you want to write?
I’ve always remembered these words spoken by a well-known Canadian author during a creative writing workshop I took with her years ago.
It was a light bulb moment, and one that has been reinforced to me over the years, especially after becoming an author myself. Many people express the desire to be a writer, but few do.
Somewhere between the desire to write and the act of writing there is a seemingly impassable void.
But there is no getting around the fact that you can’t become an author unless you actually write. That is, devoting yourself to the practice of writing.
You have to make a habit out of things you want to do. Adopting some simple mindsets can get you on your way.
Make the decision
Decisions are the real drivers of your destiny. Commit to the habit of writing by finding your why. Do you have a story you want to tell? Do you want to write a book? Do you want to create a body of work? The point is once you commit to it you’ll make time for it—just like anything else you value. In the same way that Cheryl Strayed committed to writing Wild after losing her mother, every author you admire made a choice: to write, no matter what.
Start small and build from there
The idea of creating a writing habit might be intimidating, but setting limits can help you take off. Start with just 20 minutes. Set a timer and give yourself those 20 minutes to write. No expectations, no pressure. Once that becomes a habit, try stretching it to 30 minutes. Then 45. Over time, these small, intentional bites can grow into a writing routine that feels natural and sustainable. Bestselling author James Clear started writing Atomic Habits with just one sentence a day. Now it’s one of the most successful books on habit formation. Start small and build the habit.
Let go of perfectionism
Done is better than perfect, or even good. Ernest Hemingway once said, “The first draft of anything is shit.” And he was right. Write badly, write messily—just write. Don’t pay attention to the fluctuations of your moods or emotions. Write even when you have a bad day. Write when you’re excited. Write when you’re angry. Write through your emotions. It is through consistency that you will learn and progress.
You can apply the same mindsets to any goals or desires you have – make the decision, start small and resist perfectionism.
You just need to start. So here’s your challenge: write one sentence today. Then another tomorrow. Writing isn’t a dream—it’s a habit.
If you’re ready to start making real progress on your writing, I can help. I work with writers who are serious about turning their ideas into a manuscript, helping them build consistency, confidence, and clarity in their storytelling.
🚀 Book a free Clarity Call with me to discuss your writing goals and how you can move forward with intention. Let’s get you from wanting to write to actually writing.
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