How to make writing addictive
The key is simple: define your wins.
I see normal people—just like you and me—become successful writers. And they’re always:
- Writing successful sales letters and ads.
- Getting thousands or even millions of views on their videos.
- Thrive in their media and personal branding business.
- Gain tons of subscribers and fans who love their work.
While, for me, the simple act of opening a Google Doc feels as impossible as a turtle with arthritis trying to run a marathon.
Don’t get me wrong, I want to be an excellent communicator, promote my work, and make writing the base of my career. Even though I know how much I love to write, when it comes down to doing the real work, I find myself procrastinating.
But everything changed when I encountered something that flipped the script—a video called "How to Make Coding Addictive."
I’ve heard similar advice a million times:
- Have goals.
- Build a routine.
- Create a nice desktop setup.
But let’s not forget: we're human, and like any other animal, we need positive reinforcement.
So I Started Defining my wins
Whenever I sit down, I think of the smallest goal I can accomplish in less than 20 minutes.
- Don't plan a task so complex that it takes longer than 20m to complete, simplify it until you can get a win in 20m or less.
This small win will hit me with a small dopamine hit, that'll motivate me to accomplish the next task, and the next, and the next.
For instance:
- Open a document and draft a 5-point outline on a topic.
- Watch a video script and break down its structure.
- Spend just 10 minutes rewriting a paragraph in my own words.
Following the rule of 20 minutes, you'll always start small and then build unstoppable momentum (just as unstoppable as goku ssj1 versus frieza in the namek saga).
“Inspiration is perishable, act on it immediately.” - Naval
When I hesitate or pause, the spark dies. When inspired to write a blog post or publish a tweet storm, I need to act right away—or else I will never come back to it.
Remember, you’re not getting any younger; and there’s no better time than now.
Be impatient with taking action, but patient with results.
I want to finish with a Noboilerplate’s quote on his video called “The Cult of Done”
"It will not be perfect. It will never be. Even after it's done. Failure shows you tried. And you know what do, next time.”