Key Takeaways:
- If it’s not scheduled, it’s not happening. Treat personal goals like work deadlines.
- Start small, then build up. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just consistent.
- Use tools and accountability. Make it as easy as possible to stick to it.
Read More: Executive Positioning 101: How to Align Personal and Company Branding for a Strong Debut
Sometime last year, I made a promise to myself: I was going to write more. Blog posts, thought leadership articles, maybe even a newsletter. I had plans—big, big plans. I was ready to put my ideas out there, share insights from my work as a digital marketing and growth consultant, inspire the younger folks and just generally give my personal brand the attention it deserved.
Fast forward to the end of the year, and most of those plans? They remained plans.
It wasn’t for lack of ideas, though. Life just happened – as it always does. Between juggling clients across different time zones, pitching new business, and trying to have some sort of work-life balance, writing just kept getting pushed down the list. I told myself I’d do it when things “calmed down” and I had a bit more time. Spoiler alert: they never did. I never did.
When You Keep Pushing Things Off
My inspiration to write this post was the realisation that this isn’t just about writing—it happens with a lot of things. That online course you signed up for but never started. The side hustle you keep meaning to launch. Being deliberate about building your personal brand. The gym membership that’s basically a donation at this point….all of it.
You plan to start “next week,” but next week turns into next month, and suddenly, another year is gone.
For me, writing isn’t just about getting words on a page. It’s about sharing what I know, building credibility, opening up new opportunities and, hopefully, inspiring someone else. And yet, I wasn’t making time for it. Does that sound familiar?
So, How Am I Finally Fixing This?
This year, I’m switching things up. Instead of just saying I’ll write more, I’m putting actual steps in place to make sure I follow through.
1. Blocking Out Time Like It’s a Client Meeting
Those who know me well (professionally and personally) know my calendar and I are tight😂If an activity is not on my calendar, it’s not happening. So, I’m scheduling writing time just like I would for a work call. I’ve blocked 1-hour twice every week and it’s non-negotiable.
2. Writing in Small Bits
One of my biggest mistakes was thinking I needed to write long, polished pieces every time (ah, the life of a recovering perfectionist! 😂). Now, I’m okay with jotting down quick thoughts or short blog posts. Not every time long-form content, short can be amazing, too. Plus, some progress is better than none.
3. Using Voice Notes and AI to Make It Easier
Some days, typing feels like too much work. So now, I record voice notes when ideas hit and use AI to clean up rough drafts. The goal is to lower the effort, not the quality.
4. Getting an Accountability System
I’m telling people (like you, reading this) so I can’t quietly back out. I’m also considering a writing accountability buddy—someone to call me out if I start slacking.
5. Starting Small, Then Building Up
Instead of overwhelming myself with a rigid content plan, I’m starting with two posts a month. If that goes well, I’ll increase.
Conclusion? Just Do It.
It’s easy to let personal goals slide when work gets busy. But if something matters, you make time for it. Writing is one of those things for me.
If you’ve been putting something off—whether it’s writing, networking, or finally launching that idea—maybe this is your sign to stop waiting. You can make it happen by making a commitment to start small and stay consistent. Who knows? That just might take you even farther than you expected.
So, what’s that one thing you keep meaning to do but never get around to? It’s time to start. I’m rooting for you and for me, too.
Here’s to making it happen. 🥂