I have been having a difficult time being consistent in my writing lately. It is hard just to manage posting twice per week not to mention continuing that book that is now on hold. What I found to be most difficult was that I was on a roll a few months back. Then with the increase of my workload, there came a decrease in my writing consistency. That’s why I accepted the $100MBA writing challenge.
I am a regular listener of Omar Zenhom’s podcast, “The $100 MBA”. It is filled with great insight in a very short time. On one of his episodes, he challenged his listeners to accept the 21-day writing challenge. At first I was hesitant. After all, two posts per week was difficult enough, how would I survive 5? That’s when I realized that was the exact reason why I had to do it.
I need to build my consistency muscle when it comes to writing. The 21-day challenge is short enough to be doable but long enough to start developing the habit. Plus, the 2 days off per week would allow me to invest time in other areas as well.
[tweetthis]“One way to keep momentum going is to have constantly greater goals.” – Michael Korda[/tweetthis]
I believe in the power of momentum. It is the building up to start the momentum that is difficult but once you get going, it becomes easier to keep going. I figured that if I can succeed in accomplishing this challenge, my momentum will help me get back on track with writing and finishing my book.
Omar emphasizes that in completing this challenge, your traffic should grow. While it would be a bonus, it is not the main reason for me to join.
Conditions of the 21-day Writing Challenge:
- Post once per day, 5 days per week.
- Continue posting 5 days per week for 21 days, totaling 15 posts.
- Each post must be a minimum of 500 words.
- Posts must be written and not dictated. Writing the posts myself will help build the habit.
- Make a list of topics that you want to write about.
- Plan your posts before you start writing.
- Encourage others to join.
One of the reasons I enjoy this particular challenge is the freedom to choose my own topics. Sometimes, writing prompts dictate what you should write about. Of course, the idea there is to help spark your creativity juice but ideas for posts is not what I am struggling with. Topics for my writing challenge include leadership and personal development posts to follow the theme of this blog. Of course, I will continue the #5MinMotivation weekly posts that has gained a lot of subscribers to my email list.
I hope you join this journey with me. Is there an area in your life that you are struggling with to stay consistent? If it is not a writing challenge, what other challenge can you make for yourself?