Write… every day?

You’ve probably heard that you need to write a little every day. For a long time, I took that advice to heart. But as time passed and I got to know myself better as a writer, I realized that tip didn’t translate literally to me.

Writing every day just wasn’t productive in the way I wanted it to be. Instead, I learned that I needed something else: I needed to tap into my creativity every day.

Using my creative side could be everything from writing to analyzing a newspaper column, critiquing a movie or song, or just plain brainstorming. It could also mean looking at artwork that inspires me.

By tapping into the creative outlet, I managed to fill both the need for creative thinking and develop skills that I unconsciously bring into my writing, and all without actually writing.

I think the idea you need to write every day clashed with the balance of what my life looked like many times. By taking it so literally, I actually lost inspiration and progress by not thinking outside the box.

I still think it’s essential to use your skills every day, but I found out I developed better by using every creative outlet instead of just sticking to one.

So, although I don't live by the saying that you need to write every day, I hold fast to the belief you should exercise your creativity every day—however you want to explore that wonderful side of yourself.