The Story
Are you starting to wonder why you decided to be a writer in the first place?
Having a rough day, week or month?
Ready to leave all your storytelling dreams behind?
Asking these particular question are you a sure sign you may be feeling burned out, stuck or discouraged.
We have all been there ! Luckily, there are three solutions for when you feel like giving up on writing.
The Problem
You want to quit writing!
Solution #1 Quit
Stop being a writer. Nobody is forcing you to do it. You are the one holding yourself hostage. No one is coming to your rescue. No one is going to pay your ransom. It’s only you, your life and the choices you have chosen.
You can move onto something else at any point. You can choose a different path. There is no shame in walking away from writing. If the writer's life doesn’t align with you, move on! You will probably be happier and less stressed out. IT’S OKAY! You will survive. You may even find a particular path that uniquely suits you BETTER!
BUT IF the thought of giving up on your aspirations sends shock waves down your spine, then you have two alternatives.
Solution #2 Carry On
The ups-and-downs are all a part of the writing process and IT IS A PROCESS. Maybe you expected it to be easier? Reframe your expectations. Maybe you expected to write faster? You are doing the best you can, let that be good enough. Maybe you thought you would get a different outcome? If you didn’t get the outcome you wanted, find another way. Find what works for you!
I encourage you to accept yourself where you are RIGHT NOW. Stop comparing yourself to others and their journey. Comparison is the thief of joy! I double-dare you to take one baby step toward your writing dreams TODAY even if you don’t feel like it.
Choose your goal over your temporary feelings. You can pull through these fleeting emotions. You are stronger than you think. You are not powerless. Show up! Take back your power by taking action. Action creates the good feelings you are lacking right now.
Trick your brain! Do Mel Robbins’ 5 Second Rule. She suggests you COUNTDOWN 5-4-3-2-1 and GO! Launch yourself like a rocket. Move so fast you don’t have time to talk yourself out of it. Five seconds is all it takes!
"The moment you have an instinct to act on a goal you must 5-4-3-2-1 and physically move or your brain will stop you."
- MEL ROBBINS, MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER & AUTHOR
This concept has completely changed my life and if you don’t know who Mel Robbins is I highly recommend you get a copy of her book The 5 Second Rule and check out her TedTalk (26+ million views)
Only got 5 minutes to learn about the 5 second Rule, watch the video below.
“ Grab the idea. Believe in it. And do it. Don’t stop and think. Don’t talk yourself out of it. " - p. 32-32 The Five Second Rule
Still can’t snap out of it? Let me offer up one last suggestion.
Solution #3 Rest & Return
Sometimes you simply need to step away, rejuvenate and come back refreshed. Rest is an essential part of creativity. But if you are someone who struggles to relax because you feel guilty or view rest as laziness, let me give you permission to take a break. I wave my magic wand and declare that the world will not implode if you pause, even if you have convinced yourself otherwise.
Rest: cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength
I don't know about you, but I often find myself buzzing about like a firefly chasing after my ideas, hoping to keep that light lit for as long as possible but it always goes out. It's inevitable. We aren't machines. We are humans! When that spark reaches it's vanishing point, it’s time to create favorable conditions, incubate and recalibrate. So that you can fly another day, fully recharged and soaring towards the blue, open sky.
Ask yourself: WHAT DO I NEED RIGHT NOW? Listen and answer.
Give yourself permission to rest. Relish in stillness.
Find your center when you feel off centered.
“The concept of making one’s self-care a priority remains controversial to this very day...The practice of Extreme Self-care forces us to make choices and decisions that honor and reflect the true nature of our soul. While the whole notion of this might seem selfish or self-centered, doing so actually allows us to make our greatest contribution to the world.” - Cheryl Richardson
Self-care is the reserve from which you extract your powerful energy. If you take care of yourself, you’ll have enough energy to carry on and soar. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t have enough energy to brush your teeth, let alone be creative.
Once you rest, don’t forget to return to the work at hand. Keep the space between creating and retreating close yet not too far off, otherwise you might lose momentum. Consider R&R a pit stop on your epic writing journey. Stretch your legs, eat a healthy meal, drink water, walk in the sun, take a nap but get back behind the wheel when you feel refreshed and ready!
At the end of the day only you know what is best for YOU!
I hope this inspires you and helps you find your way! Please share with any writer that could use some encouragement today.
