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02 Dec 08:47

How to Build a Daily Writing Habit

by Shawn Blanc

a daily writing habit

When it comes building a daily writing habit — or any sort of endeavor for that matter — one of the biggest challenges is to keep showing up every day.

For the better part of the past ten years, I have been writing pretty much every day. My daily writing routine has ebbed and flowed over the years, that’s for sure. These days, my ideal writing time is first thing in the morning before anyone else in the house is awake. The iPad, Magic Keyboard, a quiet house, and a cup of coffee make an excellent combination.

For the past 10 years, I have been able to make a full-time living and build a business that provides for several other amazing people. All of it is thanks to writing.

There are many more benefits to writing beyond building an audience.

For me, it started because I wanted to write. I felt compelled. I still do, in fact. Even though it definitely sucks at times — okay, most times — I often joke that the only thing worse than writing is not writing. Sigh.

In addition to writing every day for the courses, articles, and newsletters that we produce, I also usually write in my Day One journal app every day.

Writing helps with your overall creativity.

Writing brings clarity to your ideas, your thoughts, even the decisions you need to make.

If you are wanting to build an audience…

If you simply want to write and share something regularly for your newsletter or on your blog…

Or if you want to write in order to get stuff out of your head so you can see it more clearly…

…then build a writing habit.


The video above is taken from our course, Learn Ulysses.

How to Build Your Writing Habit and Write Every Day

This article is based on one of the lessons in our popular Learn Ulysses writing course. In it, I’ll show you exactly how to build a writing habit and start writing every day.

I’ve got a few steps for you that will have the greatest impact in your endeavors to build a writing habit. If you do one of these, it’s going to help significantly. If you combine them together, then that’s when you’re really going to be off to the races.

Let’s dive in…

1. Pick a Time (Seriously, Do It)

If you listen to nothing else, listen to this:

Set a time for when you are going to have your next writing session.

If you are waiting for a time to strike when you feel it, or if you’re waiting for a chance when you’ve got some unexpected free time, then it’s probably never going to happen.

Do this:

  • Look at your calendar.
  • Find a 15-minute window in the next day or two.
  • Block that off as your writing time.

Congrats! You’ve just picked a time for when you’ll show up to do some writing. Now, don’t change your mind. Don’t reschedule it. Don’t wimp out on yourself.

2. Decide Where You’re Going to Write

Step two is this:

Set the place.

This is next level. This is ninja productivity here.

If you’ve scheduled your writing time on your calendar, then the next step is to decide where you’re going to be when it’s time to write.

It can be your kitchen table. It may be your local coffee shop (if possible), maybe your home office. Even your car! It doesn’t really matter where, only that you know.

By deciding the when and the where, you are removing ambiguity.

Clarity helps with follow-through.

3. Have a Plan: What will you be writing about?

Do not — I repeat — do not go into your writing time with dual focus.

Dual Focus slows you down and pulls your attention elsewhere.

Dual Focus when writing is those times you sit down to write an article, but you don’t yet know what to write about. So first you have to focus on coming up with a topic or idea before you can move on to focus on the writing itself. This wastes your writing time.

Thus, step three is to have a plan for what you will be writing about. That way you can get right to work.

If you’ve ever set aside time to write, and you sat down at the keyboard, and just stared… looking at that stupid cursor… wondering what to write about, wondering where to even start… it sucks, right? It feels discouraging and frustrating.

But if you have a plan and you know what you’re going to write about, then you can just get to work. It makes your daily writing time far more productive.

Putting it all together: Build a daily writing habit by knowing when, where, and what

If you combine the when, the where, and the what, then watch out. You’re off to the races. You will be unstoppable. You will be writing every day.

You can do all of that — everything I’ve shared so far — you can do all of it right now in about 60 seconds.

In just 60 seconds, doing even just these three things on repeat, that’s how you build your writing habit. That’s how you build the creative habit.

Bonus Tips for Building Your Writing Habit

Okay. If you’ve got the when, where, and what figured out, then here are a few bonus tips that I’ve incorporated into my own writing habit over the years.

Have Start-Up Routine

The first bonus tip is to have a “start-up” routine for your writing time.

When you wake up in the morning, do you have a basic routine in the morning? Even a default routine?

Routines help you go through regular motions without having to think about it.

You do it day in and day out, and you don’t have to think about it. You can just do that activity mindlessly.

Consider how powerful it would be if you had a routine before you began your difficult writing time — a routine you could just get into without having to think about it.

A “start-up routine” primes your mind to do that difficult creative work.

For me, I have a few simple things that I do.

I’ll put on headphones, and I have some musical, instrumental music that I listen to. It’s the same music every single time, over and over and over. Every day, it’s the same music. The music has become pavlovian. It primes me. I open up the same app — Ulysses of course — so that I’m also comfortable in my writing app. I know right where I am.

And so just a few little things with my routine — sitting down, the music, the app… and I am ready to go.

My start-up writing routine does a few things.

For one, it tells my brain, “It’s time to write. Here we go.” And it helps me get into the writing flow much faster.

Additionally, I’m removing all the novelty from the writing process. I don’t have a whole bunch of expectations or over-eager excitement about my writing time. It is a daily habit that I have. And by removing all the novelty from the process, there’s nothing left to distract me from doing the creative work itself.

Start Small In Order to focus on Consistency

Set a low bar for success — especially at the beginning.

This goes for any habit that you’re starting. You want to start small at the beginning because the thing that matters most is consistency.

It is better to do 15 minutes every day than to do two hours all at once, once a week. Because consistent effort over time will bring about massive results.

Keep Yourself Accountable

The final bonus tip for building your creative habit is this: Be accountable.

So many of us are great at keeping commitments we make to other people, but we are poor at keeping the commitments we make to ourselves.

And so, with some sort of accountability, you are far more likely to follow through on the commitment you’ve made to yourself.

The first type of accountability is public accountability. Tell people what you’re doing. Announce it on Twitter or Facebook or whatever. Announce it on your blog, “Here’s what I’m doing.” Share your work and the process of what you are working on.

I try to do this as much as possible by sharing my work and telling people what I’m working on. Even telling people that I publish an email newsletter every Friday. All of that is a form of public accountability for me.

Secondly, there is personal accountability. I use a habit tracker to monitor my regular writing progress and to mark off and keep track of each day that I write.

TL;DR;BDSTTB

Too long; didn’t read; but did scroll to the bottom…?

Let’s recap. The three pillars for building a writing habit where you write every day are:

  1. Set a time.
  2. Pick a place.
  3. Have a plan.

Additionally, if you also have a start-up routine, set a low bar for success, and do something to keep yourself accountable, then you’ll have all the pieces in place to follow through.

Doing one of these things — any one of these things — is going to help you so much. If you do more than one, if you combine a few of them, it’s going to have a massive impact, and soon you will have an unstoppable writing habit.


Speaking of writing… My all-time favorite writing app is Ulysses. I have written millions of words in this app. Including this article right here.

As a professional Ulysses nerd, I’d love to show you some of the things I love most about this app.


Free, Mini-Masterclass: Using Ulysses

Ulysses is our pick for the best writing and notes app out there. And we want to help you get the most out of this app that we ourselves use every single day.

In this mini-masterclass, you’ll discover ideas and examples for better organization, faster idea capture, and even how to use Ulysses for improving your productivity.

Ulysses Webinar

Discover how to use Ulysses for:

  • How to set up Ulysses for better organization (instead of having all your stuff in one big pile of mess).
  • Ways to capture your ideas, and then turn those ideas into something publishable and usable.
  • Experiments and hacks in productivity.

The full replay of this live event is available [here](https://thesweetsetup.com/ulysses-mini-masterclass-video-replay/).

WATCH NOW

21 May 06:59

20 Amazing Places In Asia You Must Visit At Least Once in Your Life Time

by Florence Carmen Bukasa
Taj Mahal India Asia

When you think about going on holiday, Asia may not be the first place you think of. Yet, it has many beautiful places you must visit! Here is an amazing list of 20 places in Asia you should absolutely visit at least once!

1. Tiger’s Nest Temple, Bhutan

Tigers Nest

Also known as Taktsang, it is a sacred monastery built on a rocky cliff 3,000 feet above the Paro valley. Legend has it, some 1,300 years ago, Guru Rinpoche materialized on the back of a flying tigress and converted the Bhutanese to Buddhism at this place.

This is a must-visit place because of the unique location and view that will leave you mesmerized. The background story of this place makes it even more unique and worth seeing.

2. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap

Siem Reap is the capital of the province Siem Reap in Cambodia. One of their most famous sites to visit is the Angkor Wat temple. Besides that, they have many more temples, museums, the Old Market and the Cambodian Cultural Village.

With plenty of touristic attractions, it still doesn’t feel overcrowded. You will be able to take in the culture and habits of locals.

3. Bokeo Nature Reserve, Laos

Bokeo

Located in the Bokeo province in Laos, this nature reserve was created to protect the black-cheeked gibbon. To view the gibbons or experience the beauty of the forest, you can use the Gibbon Experience. You can also join the Waterfall Gibbon Experience, which includes three hours of trekking along the Nam Nga River.

This amazing experience is nowhere else to be found. You get to see beautiful nature and the black-cheeked gibbon, which was thought to be extinct!

4. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia. It is an amazing place to visit because of the variaty of things to do and see. The architecture ranges from cultural to modern. The most touristic sites are China Town, the Petronas Twin Towers, the Buta Caves and Central Market.

This city has such a wide variety of sites, everyone should see it for themselves. It has the beauty of old, traditonal buildings next to the modern towers.

5. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Halong bay

As one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this bay is a must-visit. There exists over 3,000 islands and it is inhabited by about 1,600 people living in floating villages. To make the most out of your visit, you should take a cruise and experience life from the water.

The beauty of the nature will leave you in awe. This is for sure a must-visit place.

6. Danxia Landform, China

Danxia China

These beautiful landscapes are unique to China. Formed out of red sandstone and strong forces, these landscapes were added to the World Heritage List in 2010. This is one of the places you must see for yourselves!

7. Rainbow Family Village, Taiwan

Rainbow Family Village

A little while ago, an old man began to paint. This man’s name was Huang Yung-Fu, also known as Grandpa Rainbow. He lives in a military dependents’ village and one day decided to make this place more colorful. It is a beautiful place with a unique story. You will love to see all the colors and it will move you deep inside your heart. Definitely a must-see!

8. Taj Mahal, India

Taj Mahal

In 1632 an Emperor started with the construction of a mosque to commemorate his favorite wife. It was finished in 1648 and it is the jewel of the muslim community in India. It has beautiful gardens, symbolizing paradise, or a heaven on earth.

If you have not yet seen this beautiful white marble mosque, be sure to visit it when you can!

9. Great Wall of China, China

Great Wall China

This massive structure was originally built as a defense wall. With a length of  3945 miles, it is the longest wall on earth. Many parts of the Wall have been damaged and are no longer accessible. To see the Great Wall yourself, you best go to Qinhuangdao or Beijing.

10. Shinjuku Gyoen, Japan

Shinjuku Gyoen Park

This beautiful park is located in Tokyo. It was originally completed in 1772, but the current layout was formed in 1906. The garden is 58.3 hectares in area, and it has over 20,000 trees. The greenhouse has over 1,700 different tropical and subtropical plant species on display.

11. Yolyn Am, Mongolia

Yolyn Am

Also known as the Valley of Eagels, the deep, narrow gorge is unique for it’s thick ice field. It is located in the Gobi Dessert. Because it is so deep and narrow, it is like an oasis in the desert, always remaining cool.

12. The War Memorial of Korea, South Korea

War Memorial Korea

This former site of the army headquarters has six indoor exhibitions and over 13,000 memorabilia outside. In the combat experience room you can experience different situations that soldiers went through during the Korean war.

13. Bali, Indonesia

Bali

Sun, a deep blue sea and long beaches. Bali could be the tropical paradise for you!

Besides the beach, you can also visit caves, dive or visit temples. With a great climate and different places to discover, this is an amazing island to visit.

14. Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong

If you want to visit a city for shopping, you must go to Hong Kong. For designer fashion, visit the Landmark Mall, also known as Central. There are plenty of street markets for different interests too. You can simply shop till you drop!

15. Daehan Dawon, South Korea

Daehan Dawon

Boseong is the home of green tea plantation in South Korea. Deanna Dawon is a tourist plantation which provides 40% of the country’s green tea. Relax with the beautiful scenery of these tea fields.

16. The Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Mekong Delta

The Mekong River provides ways for the locals to sell their crops. You can find pretty much all the tropical fruits you can think of. Floating along the river, the view is beautiful and tropical. You can get off the river at different locations, to visit the city or temples. The friendly locals will welcome you with open arms.

17. Patong, Thailand

Patong

Patong is the place to go for a great nightlife. At night there are over a hunderd restaurants, bars and discos. The main goal; have a good time!

18. Phewa Lake, Nepal

Phewa Lake

Phewa Lake is the second largest lake in Nepal. It is near the Tal Barahi Temple and Baidam, also known as the Lakeside. From here you can also take a tour to Pokhara, the most touristic city in Nepal.

19. Banaue, Philippines

Banaue

Banaue is a small town in the Philippines. It is well known for the rice terraces. The rice terraces were handmade many years ago and are now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You may see it many times in pictures or video, but you cannot grasp the amazing beauty until you see it for yourself!

20. Shwedagon Pagoda, Maynmar

Shwedagon Pagoda

The Shwedagon Pagoda is the biggest, most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Maynmar. It is 325 feet tall, covered in gold and has over 7,000 gems. It is said to be over 2,500 years old, but there are no existing construction papers. This magnificent building is a must-see in Asia!

Featured photo credit: Pervaiz Vohra via wallpapersnewhd.com

The post 20 Amazing Places In Asia You Must Visit At Least Once in Your Life Time appeared first on Lifehack.

06 Mar 07:54

New Years Resolution: Eat More Fiber And Lose Fat Faster

by shannonclark

blackberry pancakes

Looking to get more fiber in your fat loss diet plan? If you want to lose weight, and you probably do this new year, fiber is a critical element. It’ll not only add more bulk to your plate, allowing you to eat more food overall, but it’ll help to stabilize blood glucose levels, combating hunger in the process.

Research shows, those who consume a higher fiber diet when aiming to lose weight almost always experience less hunger on their plan than those who don’t. Hunger is a bad outcome of any diet plan, it could lead to cheating, quitting a diet altogether or even an eating disorder.

As you start your diet, it’s time you start thinking about how you can increase your fiber intake up higher to prevent hunger. Here are a few simple steps to get you started.

1. Add Flaxseeds To Your Oatmeal

flaxseeds

First, consider adding flaxseeds to your morning bowl of oatmeal. Oatmeal is a great way to boost your dietary fiber intake itself and the flaxseeds take this one step further.

They’ll also add in some healthy omega 3 fats, which will promote better heart health, a stronger immune system, and help defend against a variety of different disease.

If you grind the flaxseeds up, you’ll hardly notice them in the bowl of oatmeal at all.

2. Toss Bran Buds Into Your Protein Shake

 

bran in protein shake

Next, also consider adding some bran buds into your morning or afternoon protein shake. These will soften up in the liquid so again, you hardly notice them in there. Your body will definitely appreciate the beneficial nutrition that they provide you.

Just watch that you check the sodium level on any bran buds you purchase as some can contain quite high levels and put you at risk for other health problems.

3. Use Blackberries In Pancakes

blackberry pancakes

The next great way to get more fiber into your day is to mix in some blackberries with your morning protein pancakes.

Blackberries are one of the highest fiber containing fruits, so will help get your intake up in a hurry.

In addition to that, they’re also a great source of antioxidants as well, so will help to fend off free radical damage, keeping you as healthy as possible.

If blackberries aren't your favorite, feel free to sub in any other berry instead if you prefer.

4. Stir-Fry For Dinner

Mango_Vegetarian_Stir_Fry

The next great way to boost your nutrient and fiber intake is by doing a big stir-fry for dinner. Few other dishes call for as many vegetables as this and since vegetables are fiber loaded, this is perfect.

Prepare it with a lean source of protein such as chicken, fish, or shrimp and serve it over some brown rice if you have the room for the carbohydrates in your meal plan.

5. Swap Brown Rice For Barley

barley soup

Finally, if you are really struggling to get more fiber into your day, one simple fix is to swap out the brown rice in your main course meal for some barley instead.

While brown rice is definitely a healthy carbohydrate source, it isn’t nearly as high in dietary fiber as barley is, which will help to lower your cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Most people completely overlook barley as a grain to be eating, but it’s a fantastic choice for anyone seeking more fiber in their diet.  Check out other grain options and swap them into your diet plan for fast fiber fixes.

Keep these quick tips in mind as you go about your diet. If you are not getting in enough fiber on a day to day basis, use any of these strategies to boost your intake and make sure that you are meeting your daily requirements.

The post New Years Resolution: Eat More Fiber And Lose Fat Faster appeared first on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement.

09 Aug 14:43

Homosexuality Doesn’t Spread Via Social Networks

by Neuroskeptic

Worries over the possibility that gay people are seeking to promote or spread their orientation are common.

Sometimes these fears are expressed openly, and take the form of conspiracy theories. Then again, they can be unspoken reservations.

But what’s the truth? A new study reassures us that Same-Sex Sexual Attraction Does Not Spread in Adolescent Social Networks.

The data come from the Add Health study, a project that included around 15,000 adolescents from across the USA. Neuroskeptic readers may remember Add Health from the “black women less beautiful” controversy two years ago.

The adolescents studied were 15-16 years old at baseline (1995) and aged 16-17 in the second phase (1996). As well as answering questions about their sexual desires and behaviours, they gave a list of their closest friends – who were often also participants in the study.

In order to estimate possible social influences on sexuality, self-reported same-sex attraction in the second phase was analyzed in terms of various predictors from phase one, including the participant’s own previous characteristics, and, crucially, those of their friends.

The key finding was that having friends who reported same-sex attraction wasn’t a predictor of later having such an attraction yourself. Friends did seem to exert an effect on desire for a sexual relationship, and on actually having sex – your friends’ scores on those were associated with your own later scores – but there was no effect for sexual orientation. Gay siblings didn’t have any influence either. As can be seen in this graph:

Although this measure of same-sex sexual attraction was purely self-report and fairly crude, it correlated strongly with whether participants went on to identify as gay, lesbian or straight a number of years later.

Nor did people who experienced same-sex attraction tend to have friends who did – there was no ‘clustering’ by that variable, although clustering was seen for other things such as having intercourse:

So, there we have it. Homosexuality is not contagious. Not in 1990s high schools, anyway.

However, the odds seem low that the conspiracists will believe this.

What will their objections be? Perhaps they’ll focus on the Add Health study… (tinfoil hat on) which in fact grew out of a 1991 teen sexuality research project that was rightly quashed by conservatives, because it acknowledged the existence of teen sexuality. But the study re-emerged in 1994 – under Bill Clinton.

It was funded by many federal government agencies and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, an elitist ‘public health’ organisation who are also notorious for supporting restrictions on those harmless pleasures, tobacco and alcohol. So it’s quite clear that Add Health represents a neo-Puritanical attempt to promote sexual permissiveness (tinfoil hat off).

ResearchBlogging.orgBrakefield TA, Mednick SC, Wilson HW, De Neve JE, Christakis NA, & Fowler JH (2013). Same-Sex Sexual Attraction Does Not Spread in Adolescent Social Networks. Archives of sexual behavior PMID: 23842784

The post Homosexuality Doesn’t Spread Via Social Networks appeared first on Neuroskeptic.