We’ve been talking about writing habits for the last few days. Today’s tip is for all perfectionists out there… and when I say that, I’m also talking squarely to myself.

Here’s Writing Habit #4: Write anyway!

We writers dream of writing in a beach cabana with the wind softly tussling our hair. Or we dream of a quiet house with no distractions so we can bring our creative genius to life.

But that vision doesn’t usually align with reality. We are irritable, we have interruptions, the weather is bad, we have stressors, or other issues. We just have to get it done anyway. We can’t wait for the perfect situation to actually get our work done.

E.B. White, the author of Stuart Little and other classics, said this:

“. . . the members of my household never pay the slightest attention to my being a writing man — they make all the noise and fuss they want to. If I get sick of it, I have places I can go. A writer who waits for ideal conditions under which to work will die without putting a word on paper.”

Think of the incredible gifts that E.B. White has given us with his words. If he didn’t need perfect conditions, you and I don’t either. That’s why God made headphones, correct? You can always put on a pair, crank up some focus music, and keep on writing.

The point is: write anyway. Life isn’t perfect. There will always be distractions. But the work must get done. If you’re waiting for conditions to be perfect… well, you’re going to be waiting a long time!

Today’s Challenge: In the next 24 hours, whatever distractions arise, make sure to get your writing done anyway.

* * *

Today’s podcast episode also includes an interview with one of our Daily Writer Club members, M. J. James!

M. J. is the author of Rest and Renew: A 30-Day Journey to Connect with God. She lives in Golden Isles, Georgia, with her family. You can find out more about how she helps people recover from and avoid burnout on her website, https://TheBurnedOutBusinessMom.com.