How I Write 1000 Words Per Day (almost) - Chris Eller's Knowledge Garden

## Testimony [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=0s) - To become a good writer, it is necessary to write a lot for a very long time, and over the past year, a significant effort has been made to transition from a wannabe writer to someone who actually sits down and gets the writing done, resulting in the development of a pretty good writing routine that allows for writing close to 1,000 words per day most days [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=0s). - In order to provide evidence of the writing routine, daily words written were tracked starting in February of this year, and it is admitted that the track record is not perfect, with a goal of hitting 1,000 words per day, but it does not always happen, and some days writing just 100 words can be a struggle [(00:00:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=27s). - There are times when writing less is unavoidable, such as during finals or exams, when it is difficult to spare the time to write 1,000 words, and it is acknowledged that it is not possible to hit 1,000 words every single day, but in a normal schedule, it is possible to achieve this goal, and what matters is the consistency and effort over a long period of time [(00:00:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=52s). - The approaches that have helped to build a writing habit that is realistic and effective will be shared, with the goal of providing useful information and helping to establish a consistent writing routine [(00:01:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=89s). - It is emphasized that having a perfect track record is not realistic, and it is more important to focus on the long-term consistency and effort, rather than trying to achieve an unrealistic goal of writing 1,000 words every day without exception [(00:01:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=78s). ## Tip 1 - Track Word Count [(00:01:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=95s) - Tracking daily word count was helpful in increasing writing output, and this discovery was made accidentally when a writing log was started, which provided a clear record of progress [(00:01:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=95s). - Before tracking word count, a daily writing routine was already in place, involving waking up early, getting rid of grogginess, and starting to write, which gave a sense of accomplishment [(00:01:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=106s). - However, once daily word count was tracked, it became apparent that the actual amount written was significantly less than initially thought, likely only half as much, and this realization led to a new self-awareness and motivation to improve [(00:02:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=126s). - The act of writing down the word count and seeing the numbers on the screen made progress tangible and allowed for efforts to be made to increase it, rather than just relying on feelings or perceptions [(00:02:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=132s). - This new self-awareness and ability to track progress enabled the development of strategies to improve writing output, with the goal of increasing the daily word count [(00:02:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=138s). ## Quantity Isn't Everything [(00:02:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=143s) - Writing a large quantity of words daily is not the only measure of a great writer, as the quality and skill that goes into the writing is also important, and great writers are not made purely through sheer volume [(00:02:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=154s). - Setting an ambitious daily word count and failing to meet it does not necessarily mean failure, as the quality of the writing and the effort put into it is more important than the quantity, for example, a professional poet who writes only 100 words a day should not be seen as a failure [(00:02:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=173s). - Different styles of writing can have varying levels of difficulty, and the amount of words written daily can fluctuate depending on the style, with some styles requiring more practice and effort than others, such as writing YouTube scripts being easier than writing an ebook or article [(00:03:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=206s). - The time spent writing and the amount of words written is not the only measure of a successful writing session, as the practice, research, editing, and learning that takes place during that time is also valuable and important for improvement [(00:03:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=234s). - The goal of writing daily should not be solely focused on reaching a certain word count, but rather on making progress and improving writing skills, and not feeling bad if the daily word count goal is not met, as the practice and effort put into writing is what matters most [(00:04:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=253s). - Ultimately, the quantity of writing can be improved with practice and techniques, but it should not be seen as the sole measure of success, and writers should focus on the quality of their writing and the progress they make, rather than just the number of words written [(00:04:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=265s). ## Tip 2 - Write On Your Phone [(00:04:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=274s) - Writing on a phone is an effective way to produce a significant amount of content without realizing it, especially for individuals who frequently use public transport, such as buses or trains, and can be done using the notes app, like Google Keep [(00:04:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=274s). - Using this method, one can start writing on a new idea for a script, newsletter, or article, or plan ideas and structures for future projects when feeling tired or drained, which helps in the long run [(00:05:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=304s). - Although writing on a phone outside can be distracting and the initial output may seem like "garbage," having a first draft is still beneficial as it allows for editing and refinement to produce a finished piece of work [(00:05:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=331s). - To get started with writing on a phone, it is recommended to familiarize oneself with the notes app and try producing something while waiting or traveling, as it may feel unusual at first but can become a habit over time, similar to typing a long text [(00:05:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=353s). - However, individuals with motion sickness may face difficulties with writing on their phone while in transit [(00:06:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=364s). ## Tip 3 - Write Different Styles [(00:06:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=368s) - People are drawn to new things, which is why they often start new hobbies or watch self-help videos, and this desire for novelty can be exploited to help with writing, by incorporating different styles and formats into their work [(00:06:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=368s). - Writing in different styles, such as mini essays, video scripts, or newsletters, can keep the writing process fresh and fun, allowing individuals to choose what to write based on their current mood and interests [(00:06:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=412s). - Having a variety of writing styles to choose from can help prevent burnout and make writing a more enjoyable and sustainable activity, as it allows individuals to take a break from more intense or demanding projects and work on something lighter and more casual [(00:07:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=454s). - Incorporating different styles into writing, such as short stories, poems, or journal entries, can provide an opportunity to practice and learn new skills, even if the writing is unrelated to the individual's main goals [(00:08:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=483s). - By adding variety to their writing, individuals can create a more sustainable and enjoyable writing routine, which can lead to increased productivity and motivation, and ultimately help them achieve their writing goals [(00:08:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=496s). ## Tip 4 - Write What You Love [(00:08:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=508s) - Writing what you love allows you to feel a sense of energy and flow in your work, making it more enjoyable and self-sustaining, even if it's not technically perfect, and this is evident when the words pour out effortlessly [(00:08:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=508s). - When you write about something that is important and rewarding to you, it motivates you and puts you in a state where you love what you're doing, making the writing process more enjoyable and increasing productivity [(00:08:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=525s). - On the other hand, writing about something dictated by an external force can lead to a loss of independence, passion, and investment in the work, resulting in a lack of pride and satisfaction, as seen in school assignments where students are given strict titles and structures to follow [(00:09:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=549s). - Losing independence in writing can cause you to mentally check out and lose pride in your work, which is why some writers and YouTubers end up hating their job when they prioritize virality and clicks over their own values [(00:09:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=586s). - A reliable writing habit should be attractive and exciting, making you want to sit and write for hours, and this can be achieved by writing what you love, making the habit self-sustaining and rewarding [(00:10:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=603s). - To write more, it is essential to write what you love, as this creates a positive and motivating writing experience, allowing you to develop a consistent and enjoyable writing habit [(00:10:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=610s). ## Tip 5 - Plan Future Writing [(00:10:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=621s) - Planning future writing is a highly valued tip that can be applied by maintaining a table in a tool like [[Notion (productivity software) | Notion]] to store all made and planned videos, along with their scripts, allowing for easy access to ideas and eliminating writer's block [(00:10:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=621s). - When an idea for a video is written down, it is helpful to also note some of the main points that should be included, which can later serve as subheadings in the final project, making the writing process easier [(00:10:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=656s). - Having a stored list of ideas and main points provides a prompt to continue writing, allows for the rough structure of the whole project to be seen, and makes the process easier by simply filling in the blanks and expanding upon each topic [(00:11:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=692s). - It is essential to store ideas safely, as memory can be unreliable, and having a rough idea of what to talk about written down can be beneficial, making it easier to come back to the idea later and expand on it [(00:11:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=710s). - By putting in a small amount of effort to plan and store ideas, the writing process can become significantly more efficient, and the benefits of this tip can be realized in the long run, making it a valuable habit to develop [(00:11:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=715s). ## Tip 6 - Write in Public [(00:11:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=717s) - Writing in public can be a great source of extrinsic motivation for writing, as it involves putting one's work out in the world and letting people give feedback, which can be a great way to inspire and keep going, and with enough patience and time, it can lead to a community of people who enjoy reading one's work [(00:12:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=745s). - This approach can be rewarding and motivating, as it encourages writers to keep the quality of their writing high and to maintain a consistent flow of content, which can potentially lead to a successful blog, newsletter, or even a career in writing [(00:12:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=772s). - Writing in public can also be beneficial for those who see writing as a potential career or business opportunity, as it can help them get seen in the professional world of writing and potentially become the face of their business [(00:13:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=802s). - For those who want accountability but are hesitant to write in public, there are alternative options, such as online writing clubs, where writers can share their work and receive feedback from others in a less pressured environment [(00:13:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=837s). - For those who do want to write in public, there are many easy and accessible platforms to start with, including social media, [[Substack]], [[Medium (website) | Medium]], and [[LinkedIn]], which can help writers get started immediately and potentially reach a large audience [(00:14:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=877s). - Writing in public can be a valuable experience, as it allows writers to practice their skill, build confidence, and create something valuable, making it a potentially great move for those with similar aspirations [(00:14:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=896s). ## Newsletter [(00:15:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=903s) - The topic of writing in public leads to a mention of a newsletter, where subscribers can find insights on reading, learning, writing, and living well, along with other unique discussions [(00:15:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=903s). - The newsletter contains a variety of content, including mini essays, book reviews, and stories, with potential for more types of content in the future [(00:15:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=915s). - The newsletter is free to sign up for, and a link to subscribe is provided below, allowing interested individuals to access the exclusive content [(00:15:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=925s). ## Tip 7 - Quick First Draft to Beat Perfectionism [(00:15:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=927s) - Perfectionism can hinder the writing process, causing writers to spend hours staring at a blank screen with only a few sentences to show for it, and it prevents them from improving their writing skills because they are too scared to produce flawed work [(00:15:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=927s). - Writing is a process that allows writers to learn and grow from their mistakes, and it is through practice and making mistakes that they can find their voice and style, but perfectionism can stop this from happening [(00:15:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=950s). - The solution to beating perfectionism is to write a quick first draft, letting the words pour out onto the page without thinking too hard, and considering having some structure in mind to maintain a semi-logical flow in the writing [(00:16:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=978s). - Great writers like [[Ernest Hemingway]] and [[Stephen King]] recommend not overthinking the first draft because it is easier to refine the writing once a skeleton is in place, and it is near impossible to craft a perfect sentence right off the bat without knowing how it fits in with the rest of the text [(00:16:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=1014s). - Once the first draft is completed, writers can edit, adjust, and refine their work, and after a few rounds of editing, it can come together to form a beautiful piece of writing, which is often closer to being perfect than the original perfectionist attitude would achieve [(00:17:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=1039s). - Building trust in oneself to write freely and edit later is key to overcoming perfectionism, and with time and practice, writers can notice that their first drafts get better and better, allowing them to produce high-quality work [(00:17:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=1051s). - Experienced writers can benefit from writing quickly and then editing their work over the next few days to polish it up, making sure it sounds right and is a final product they can be proud of [(00:17:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=1062s). ## Tip 8 - Walk, Write, Walk Again [(00:18:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=1087s) - The discovery that taking regular walks can improve writing productivity was made after realizing that staying home and writing continuously can lead to fatigue and a decrease in attention span, which can hinder the writing process [(00:18:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=1087s). - Taking breaks to go for walks without distractions like phones or music can help to mentally refresh and clear brain fog, allowing for a fresh and intense writing experience upon returning home [(00:18:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=1132s). - Scientific evidence, such as a paper on the cognitive abilities of children, supports the idea that short walks can boost attention and overall brain performance, making it a useful technique for improving writing productivity [(00:19:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=1155s). - Giving oneself space to think while walking can help ideas come naturally, and this technique is a key part of the approach used to write a thousand words almost every day [(00:19:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=1172s). - The techniques discussed, including taking regular walks, are intended to help achieve the goal of writing a thousand words almost every day, and readers are encouraged to share their own techniques and strategies for improving writing productivity [(00:19:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk&t=1185s). ## Sources - [website](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDDPla0_kRk?si=8mw0EJqR9T9aJsGj)