I don’t care if you’re a journalist, an author, a poet, a blogger, or simply a wannabe (don’t worry, we all start as wannabes), you should write every single day. Every single day. In fact, writing every day is so important that I’d go so far as to say every one should write every day, even if they have no interest in being writers.
The daily writing recommendation makes sense if you write professionally or aspire to, even if you think it’s damn near impossible. Life is busy and it’s hard to keep up with things like that, especially when so many “important” tasks seem to take precedence over writing. This suggestion might seem especially pointless if you aren’t a writer, but I promise I have a reason.
I write every day, which is easy for me to do now, seeing as it’s my job, but there was definitely a time when writing every day was something I really struggled to do. It was sad, too, because I love to write, but life has a way of worming its way into your work, and more urgent things than your daily journal entry make you feel compelled to put it off for that undefined “later,” which generally results in you never getting around to it, or only doing it once in a blue moon, instead of regularly.
There are a lot of benefits to writing daily, though, and if you feel inspired to write as a career, then you’ll be glad to know that your daily scribblings are contributing to your future success in ways you may not have even dreamed of, for example:
1. Writing improves your vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills.
When you write, you improve your communication skills. Communication skills are important for everyone, and you can never get enough practice. It also expands your vocabulary and makes it easier for you to express yourself, whether you’re casually talking to a friend or making an important business presentation. Trust me, there is never going to be a time where you think, “Damn, I wish I wasn’t so well-versed in communication!”
2. Writing builds confidence.
When you write, you refine a useful and worthwhile skill that many people admire. It also improves your self-confidence to know that you are a practiced writer. The more you write, the better you become at it, and the better you become at it, the more you feel capable of writing. It’s a kind of snowball effect.
So, if you’re sitting there with a blank stack of paper, a pen, and dreams of being the next J.K. Rowling, then take a deep breath, relax, and start with something smaller. I’m not saying you should give up on your big dreams – never, ever give up on that – but starting with some little articles and blog posts here and there will give you more confidence in your writing, and will help you feel more prepared for tackling a big project, like the next great classic.
3. Being a good writer is a valuable skill, regardless of where you work
Even if you go into business doing something other than writing in the future, it won’t hurt to have a strong writing foundation. In fact, the ability to write clearly, concisely, and coherently (The Three C’s, perhaps? I should make a rule!) will always be a plus, because employers will know that if they ever have need of that skill, they already have an employee on board who can give them exactly what they need.
4. The best way to perfect a skill is to practice it.
Above all, if you want to be a good writer, you’re going to have to write. A lot. Like, all the damn time. My favorite method, personally, is my journal. I was terrible with journals until recently, but I’ve been really good about my nightly entries, and I’ve seen an improvement in my writing simply from that small change in my life.
In this life, success in writing is as much luck as it is skill, but since you can’t really control your luck (well, I dunno, maybe you can…), you should at least make sure your skill is as sharp and refined as possible. Writing constantly – whether it’s for a client or for your own personal reasons – is the best way to ensure that when you finally do bump into an agent, and they ask for a sample of your writing, that you’re ready to face that challenge and take the next step.
And now that I’m done preaching to you about how important writing is, I’ll go ahead and remind you that if you miss a day or two, it’s really no big deal. Life happens – the most important thing is that every time you fall off that schedule horse, you hop right back on and keep riding off toward the sunset. Or something like that.
Writing is hard work, but it’s so worthwhile, and while the road might at first be a little bumpy and confusing, you’ll soon find yourself falling into a groove with writing, enjoying yourself and looking forward to what you’ll produce next. Consistency is key, so whatever you do, just keep writing 
