Writing Without Resolutions

In the 1920s, a shampoo company was looking to boost its revenue. One of the salesmen suggested adding the word "Repeat" to the directions. It worked. People started using twice as much shampoo.

Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

We know it by heart. It's the subject of parodies and comic relief, and rightfully so. And I still repeat, even knowing that story. One simple direction works.

Write. Edit. Repeat.

It doesn't work as well, but it should. The basic steps are there. Write. Edit. Repeat. Until you get it right. By following those three simple steps as often as you bathe, you'll be amazed at how much writing you get done.

Now, sure Write. Edit. Repeat has its problems:

1. You only repeat shampooing once. Writing can be four, five, six (or more) drafts.
2. No one tells you you're washing your hair wrong. Writers, readers, and editors will have suggestions for you. Your mother will praise you, but that's also how she got you to wash your hair.
3. Try not washing your hair for a week and you'll reproach yourself. Try not writing for a week and you'll make excuses.

The point is, it's a simple formula -- three words that are three separate sentences. Say them often. Write them down. Stay motivated without New Year's Resolutions. Say them when you wake up in the morning and mumble them as you drift off at night. Attach them to your shampoo bottle so they stare at you in the shower.

And if need be, get someone else to give you the order. It worked for shampoo.

Have a Happy New Year, and may you meet your writing goals!

*originally published at johnbriggsbooks.com