Progress, not Perfection

Your writing, especially a first draft, does not have to be perfect.
I know that feeling when you’re reading a polished, published book and you realize that you’re drafts are weak, ugly, bumbling things in comparison. You need to remember (and I do, too) that a first draft is worlds away from a published book that has been through many rounds of edits and review.
As you’re writing, keep this mantra in your head. Write it on a sticky note and stick it on your computer or pin it over your writing desk.

The goal of a first draft is to bring your story to life. It’s meant to be rough and raw. The first draft is your chance to turn your tiny spark of inspiration into a real, tangible story. Your imagery doesn’t have to be crystal-clear and vivid. Your action doesn’t have to be heart-stopping. Your prose don’t have to be evocative or world-changing.
Just write. Set aside your internal critic and just get your story out. That is a true first draft.
If you’re looking for motivation to get that first draft finished, there is still time to sign up for NaNoWriMo!
Here’s the website to join: https://nanowrimo.org