It takes 21 days to build a habit. I am not sure how scientific this claim is. But I can tell you that doing something continuously every day is difficult. Life gets in the way for most part. Other times you lose motivation.
But I think the drive to keep going can keep you on track. Sometimes, it could be an accountability partner who checks in on you. Sometimes it could be will power. I remember reading a book on willpower and it said that willpower is finite. And if you try and do too many things at the same time then you will not succeed. But instead focus it on one thing and you experience wonders.
So having written a post everyday for the last 21 days, I can safely say that writing everyday required me to put in the work. That work is not without effort. But it is rewarding.
Firstly, taking up a challenge is a good thing in life. Just gives you the kick that you need ever so often. Secondly, crossing off a nice little digital x on the calendar is a satisfying feeling. Thirdly, being able to focus your thoughts and then articulate it onto the screen helps you breathe better.
Especially if you have a constant chatter going on within. If I were to be critical, then I can say that aside from achieving a high Flesch reading score (avg – 75, considered easy to read) on every article, I don’t think these free flowing articles have been very coherent. The idea until now was only to focus on writing, build the discipline of posting everyday and at least put in the effort worth 500 words.
Going forward though, I am going to be more deliberate and intentional. I am also going to be more reflective and ruthless at the same time. The editor in me has been giving myself a free pass. I have allowed myself to take many liberties to achieve this milestone. But I am going to shift gears now. It is time to hone the craft. Time to up the game.
I have also shied away from being topical. State of Affairs used to be my weekly commentary on many important things of the week. But these ramblings and musings have led me astray. Maybe I am being a harsh critic of my work, but I think it is the right thing to do. In an absence of a credible editor, pushing yourself is the only way to excellence.
Excellence demands sacrifice. It demands devotion. And it commands concentration. So with the dedication to become better at this craft, I am going to pursue the path of mastery. Now that I have touched the mark of 21st day, I am going to focus on doing an excellent post a day. If that means carving out time for research, editing and revision then so be it.