by Lindsay Harrel, @LindsayHarrel

Have you ever compared yourself to other writers?

Even writing this question makes me laugh because I’m pretty sure most of us have been guilty of the comparison trap many times over. I know I have.

I look at other authors and I wonder how they are able to be so successful. Now, in many ways, this comparison is not a positive thing. It can make us doubt ourselves and our calling, and it can lead to discontentment.

But what if we could look at what makes an author successful and apply that to our own life? There are obviously some things we don’t have control over: the ups and downs of the writing market, how big of a contract we’re offered, etc.

However, what we do have control over are the habits we develop. Many of those habits are more obvious than others—for example, most of us are consistent about improving our craft by reading craft books, attending conferences or webinars, and reading helpful blogs. But what about the less obvious ones?

Here are five habits that successful writers make sure are part of their writing arsenal:

1. They make time where it doesn’t seem like there’s any to be had.

One of the biggest reasons many writers aren’t writing much (or at all) is a lack of time. It’s true—we live in a busy world, and whatever our responsibilities, most of us are trying to squeeze our writing dreams into very full lives. However, successful writers don’t let busyness hold them back. It might require getting up earlier or staying up later than you currently do.

It might mean saying no to things for a season—leading a Bible study at church, being the room mom for your child’s class, training for a half marathon—but a successful writer knows that without time to write, no progress can be made toward achieving their goals.

Once you’ve made the time, be sure to protect it. Set an appointment on your calendar and don’t let anything get between you and your writing.

2. They plan for success.

As with any goal, having time is not enough. You also should consider planning the details of your time. Go into your time knowing what you want to achieve. Do you want to write a scene? Which scene?

Also, figure out your optimum working conditions and do your best to make those a reality when you write. For example, do you work best in a coffee shop environment? Or do you need complete silence? Do you write best in 20-minute spurts, or do you need a full hour to accomplish something?

If you have the flexibility to create the best environment for creativity to flourish, make a plan and carry it out.

3. They use tools to help their productivity.

Successful writers know they may need a little help in making their writing time the most efficient it can be—and they find what works best for them.

There are many tools out there that can help increase your productivity. One of the most common types for writers is called an Internet blocker, and it allows you to turn off Internet notifications and block yourself from using social media for a time. Because even though many of us are introverts, we love us some Facebook and Twitter, am I right?

Other helpful productivity tools include apps like Evernote that help you take notes wherever you are, as well as organize those notes. Using a tool like this can really help you plan for success before you ever even sit down to write (see #2 again!).

4. They delegate.

It’s important to remember that while writing may feel like a solitary endeavor, to do it well, we need work-life balance—and that won’t happen for most of us without a little help. That’s why successful writers do their best to share the love when it comes to chores around the house. Assign tasks to your children and see if there are any additional ways your significant other or parents or other friends and family can help out.

If you don’t have a lot of help at home, try to think outside the box. Is there a neighbor kid you could hire to be a mother’s helper once or twice a week? Typically they don’t charge as much as a babysitter since you’re home, so it’s a much more affordable childcare option for many of us.    

5. They never give up.

This writing gig is not for the faint of heart. All of us have had to face rejections and a bit of heartache when readers don’t like our work. But out of all the habits of successful writers, I believe that perseverance is the most important one.

No matter what the writing world—or life—throws at them, the writers who want it the most won’t give up. They practice patience and persistence even when complications arise, and their writing is better for it.