Chapter 1: Introduction to the Challenge

Believe it or not, I committed to writing daily for 66 consecutive days on Medium while also tweeting three times a day. This endeavor was part of the #66write challenge initiated by Eve Arnold, aimed at motivating novice writers to cultivate a consistent writing habit and engage with their craft online.

What did I discover during this period?

To my astonishment, I actually completed the challenge. In a sea of online challenges, this one resonated with me deeply 66 days ago. Sometimes, everything aligns perfectly, and you find yourself in the right mindset to achieve remarkable things.

I learned that designating a specific time for writing was incredibly beneficial. Mornings turned out to be my most productive time, so I established a routine of waking up, brewing coffee, and dedicating about an hour each morning to writing. The tranquility of the early hours, coupled with a warm cup of coffee, allowed my thoughts to flow effortlessly into coherent ideas and sentences.

For me, reflecting on my personal experiences made writing come naturally. Alongside the writing challenge, I also experimented with other lifestyle changes, such as altering my diet to alleviate symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and trying a no-shampoo regimen to see if it improved my hair’s health. My writing primarily revolved around my reflections on these dietary and hair care experiments. Writing about real-life experiences lends a unique authenticity and focus that is often lacking in more generic topics.

Key Takeaways: - If something resonates with you, embrace the challenge and pursue it! - Establish a regular schedule to hone your skills. - Write from personal experiences and the lessons you’ve learned.

Outcomes After diligently writing for 66 days on Medium, my fan base grew from 0 to 108 followers. On Twitter, my follower count skyrocketed from 314 to 935.

However, the most significant change has been in my confidence. I’ve become more comfortable hitting the "publish" button on both my articles and tweets. It's enlightening to see how certain thoughts resonate with others while some may not. Each experience offers valuable lessons.

Looking Ahead I intend to reflect on what aspects of the #66write challenge were effective and build upon those insights. My goal is to develop my ideas further and delve deeper into my writing. I’m thrilled that I pushed myself to complete this challenge and remained steadfast throughout.

A heartfelt shout-out to everyone who participated in the #66write challenge, especially Dave Sharpe, who provided encouragement over the past two months!

Chapter 2: Embracing the Journey

Section 2.1: The Power of Consistency

Establishing a regular writing routine not only fosters creativity but also helps in maintaining focus and discipline.

Subsection 2.1.1: Creating the Right Environment