How I learned to write consistently

Author

Tom Scourfield
November 10, 2024

Currently writing this while staring at 47 open browser tabs about "perfect writing routines"...

(Just kidding. Kind of. Okay not really. Don't judge me.)

I just finished Oliver Burkeman's "Meditations for Mortals" and something hit me like a truck: We're all trying to build perfect systems before doing the actual work (at least I was).

Here's the thing about writing: Most advice makes it sound like you need:

  • The perfect morning routine

  • The perfect writing software

  • The perfect system

  • A PhD in time management

  • And probably a vision board

Yet there’s one (important) thing missing from that list: writing.

So here's what happened after:

  • Reading way too many productivity books

  • Trying every "perfect" system out there

  • Finally finding what works

The Truth About Systems

Burkeman puts it perfectly: Think kayaks vs yachts.

We're all trying to build the perfect yacht before getting wet.

But you just need a kayak (aka 20 minutes of actual writing).

Here's what actually works:

  1. Pick a time

  2. Show up

  3. Write something (anything)

  4. Come back tomorrow

"But what about planning? What about perfection? What about—"

Nope.

You're not writing because you're scared of shipping bad work. That's it.

The Real Framework

  • Set a timer (20 mins)

  • Write. Just write.

  • No editing

  • No perfectionism

  • Tell your inner critic to shush

Remember: Seinfeld didn't become Seinfeld by perfecting his productivity system.

He just showed up. Every. Damn. Day.

Your Next Step: 

Pick your 20-minute slot for tomorrow. That's it. Don't plan the perfect routine. Don't buy new tools. Just pick your slot.

Sometimes, the best system is not a system at all.

Just you, showing up, doing the work.

If you’re a high-growth founder reading this while nodding along, but you know even 20 minutes a day to write is ambitious, maybe it’s time to hire some help. If you’ve been thinking of ways to leverage your experience and build an audience to scale your company, then let’s talk. 🚀

Until next week

Tom ✌️