As the new year approaches, the usual buzz of resolutions, goals and aspirations fills my mind. This year, like many before, I find myself contemplating writing more regularly. It’s a goal I’ve set multiple times, yet somehow, it always seems to slip through the cracks of my life.

Why writing?

Writing has always looked interesting to me, a way to express thoughts, share experiences, and connect with others. However, the challenge has always been the usual: finding the time and motivation to sit down and put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). Life's demands or distractions, and mostly low creative energy levels often derail my writing plans.

The struggle to maintain consistency

It's easy to start with enthusiasm, but sustaining that momentum is where the real challenge lies, at least for me. This year, I want to change that by doing some things differently to avoid falling into the same old traps.

• Less perfectionism: Accepting that not I don’t even need to aim at high quality, at least at the beginning. Most of the times, it’s more important to just get the words out. At heart I’m a perfectionist, but if I actually want to achieve the habit, I need to let go of that need.

• Finding joy in the process: To prevent viewing writing as a chore or obligation, I will be writing about topics that genuinely interest me in a specific moment, experimenting with different styles, or simply allowing myself to write freely without judgment or fear of what others might think of it.

• Setting realistic goals: Instead of aiming for regular posts in a specific medium, I’ll aim to monthly or by-monthly pieces in whatever format or place (blog, social media, paper diary), I don’t even need to publish them anywhere. This way, I can get to the habit easier without the pressure of constant output.

• Shamelessly using AI: Sometimes, the hardest part is just getting started. Using AI tools to help brainstorm ideas, draft outlines, or even generate initial content can be a game-changer. It’s not about replacing my voice but rather using technology to overcome the blank page syndrome.

• Publishing in many languages: Thanks to the latest improvements in AI translation, I can now write in any of the languages I’m comfortable with (English, Spanish, Catalan) and then translate the content and adapt it quickly. This can help me reach different audiences and keep the process fresh and engaging. It also allows me to express myself in ways that might be more comfortable or natural in one language over another.

Looking ahead

We'll see how this new approach works out. No matter the outcome, what matters to me is that I'm trying something new and learning from the experience.

Here’s to a year of writing, learning, and growing. Happy New Year! 🎉🖋️