3 things that kept me sane writing 25,000+ words in the last 2 months
Did you just started taking writing seriously not too long ago? Me too.
I started writing to share my experiences and learnings after my burnout at crazy corporate jobs. I wanted to help people with my stories, but I didn’t have much time to write. I posted once every month in 2022.
This Spring, I quit my job in February, knowing I have a new one starting in May. For 3 months, I want to make writing more than a hobby. I want to use this time to write down all the ideas I have accumulated for the last 2 years.
I wanted to challenge myself to see how far I can go: how fast my writing skills can improve, how well I can brainstorm, and maybe, how many people can relate and find this helpful.
This has been an exciting journey. But to be very honest, it has not always been smooth sailing. With all the tips and tricks on Medium re: how to become a writer, it can be overwhelming at times.
Here are the things that keep me sane and motivated. I hope they can help you too:
1. I took breaks, regularly
Do you know those articles that says “Write everyday for the next 3 months if you want to become a writer”?
Yup, I have lost count of how many times I have seen them. Each with a different headlines, but essentially repeating the same information.
I call BS on this. It’s as unrealistic as these advices to wake up at 5 AM to become these-alpha-military-men productive.
Both reinforce a mindset to downplay your own physical and mental health. Both remain popular because they are unattainable.
We think we never had a shot anyway, just becauses we couldn’t wake up at 5. And before we knew it, we’re back to the corporate hustle culture.
None of that is true. From my experiences in corporate, writing, and even studying for exams, consistency with breaks can get you where you want.
I did try to write everyday for 2 weeks. At the end of it, opening my laptop and typing felt like a chore. I felt like I no longer had interest in writing.
It only took me a two-day break — literally a weekend — to sweep all of that away. I felt refreshed. Actually, I missed writing.
Those two days, I had my own space to reflect, and time to meet friends and learn about their lives recently. I was swamped with new ideas.
Those turned out to be the most productive days I had had in a while. So, remember:
- Just like we need rest-day when going to the gym
- Just like we need to take lunch breaks during work
- Just like we need to sleep after a long day
You need regular breaks when writing consistently. It could be a two-day break after 5 days writing, or 1-day break after every 2-day writing.
Try it out different routine to find what rhythm feels best for you.
2. I write for myself, at least once a week
When I first started writing regularly, I subconsciously gave more attention to what people want to read.
I started to check my stats more frequently. I spent way too much time coming up with a title. I wrote on topics people seem to be interested in.
Worse, I beat myself up when a post didn’t get many likes, or that I hadn’t made my own publication to somehow monetize my presence here.
I forgot: after all, I started writing because I loved writing. Before I did it for others, I was doing it for myself.
Caring too much what people wanted to see, I ignored what I wanted for myself:
- To write and take pride in my healing
- To reflect and share my view on this society
- To write notes to myself that sometimes are too personal — my journal
Realizing that, I decided to take an evening out of every week to write for myself. I write on my journal most of the time, and on this blog sometimes.
This helps me remind myself every week the reason I started. It becomes an anniversary to celebrate my own writing journey:
for how far I have come, and for the struggles I have overcome.
So, if you could, take some writing block just to dedicate to yourself. You deserve understanding and sympathy, as much as your audience.
Never forget that.
3. I make a nice-thing archive for my blog
I have my own album with all the screenshots of the messages that my readers/friends sent to me.
Some are short compliments. Some are long messages saying how my writing made them feel like they are not alone. I appreciate all these little things.
It’s easy for us to feel like we are alone and unappreciated in this world. I mean, after all, we are just one in the 7 billion.
Thing is, sometimes we read a random article on the Internet and find it helpful. Even then, we don’t necessarily make comments — do we?
I started writing not because I want to help the whole world. There are assholes whose lives I don’t wish to add values to any possible ways.
I started because I want to share and help my friends. Maybe I don’t know the answers, but that at least they know they are not alone.
If my writing could help, great. If not, it’s okay.
Not everyone has a burnout at the same time. As long as my stories help one person when the time calls for it, I’m happy.
To summarize, let’s give ourselves a pat on the back for how far we have come. The last 2 months:
I wrote over 25,000 words, gained more than 10 times my follower base — thank god not through the follow-for-follow approach.
I could see the obvious improvements in the way I write now versus 2 months ago: clearer, more succinct and easier to read.
And that is all I ever wanted. Here’s to completing what we wanted in the first place — Cheers.
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