Committing to and keeping a regular writing habit is not something that comes easily to me.
At the start of this year, I began to challenge myself to put my thoughts down, letter-to-the-editor and blog style, in response to the state of play in teaching and learning, both locally in Australia and around the world.
I enjoy writing, and I’ve enjoyed the conversations that have been sparked by sharing my writing with others, both online, and directly with colleagues and friends. This sharing has resulted in the privilege of having some of my pieces published, and taking on regular freelance work developing opinion pieces for an educational leadership periodical.
This is exciting. And daunting.
At a late afternoon picnic last month, a friend was passionately espousing the merits of audio books and, in particular, James Clear’s Atomic Habits. She talked about the power of 1% improvements across all aspects of your life, and how implementing these simple, small improvements could be a game changer for kicking professional and personal goals.
By that evening, I’d downloaded an audio book app on my phone, bought Clear’s book, and with the help of an interstate solo road trip the following weekend, I’d polished off Atomic Habits within the week.
There’s much to be gleaned from James Clear’s advice. But something hit me between the eyes (or, at least between the ears) about making regular writing a habit.
That I should just write.
Often.
And that I shouldn’t be concerned about ensuring everything I write is a brilliantly crafted thought piece.
But that the simple habit of putting words down on paper – on screen – was what was needed.
That I should just begin.
Hence, this blog.
Here goes…
Adam Majsay 