Whether you're writing an essay, a research paper, or a short story, don't be in a hurry to begin writing. A well-thought-out, well-organized, and specific piece of writing of three paragraphs is always better than a disorganized and repetitive work three times as long. In an essay, you must answer the whole question; in a research paper, you must make sure every line backs up your thesis; in a story, you must make sure every character adds to the plot.

No matter what you're writing, start with a quick outline to make sure you cover all the bases. Even if your outline is only a quick, five-line sketch, knowing where you want your essay/paper/story to conclude before you start writing ensures that you stay focused and don't stray onto any unnecessary tangents.