Techniques for Dispelling Writer's Remorse: A Guide on Overcoming the Burden of Unproductivity
In the world of writing, it's common to experience feelings of fear and guilt when taking a day off. However, Meg, a successful freelance writer and eight-time NaNoWriMo winner, suggests that taking a break can actually help alleviate these feelings.
Meg is the creator of Novelty Revisions, a platform dedicated to helping writers put their ideas into words. Her work has been published in Teen Ink, Success Story, Lifehack, and USA TODAY College, among other publications.
Meg understands that creativity does not always have to be expressed through writing. She advises that if you're feeling creative but not wanting to write, it's perfectly okay to explore other creative outlets such as drawing or taking pictures.
However, if you do plan to take a day off from writing, Meg advises not to feel guilty. It's part of your plan and it's important to remember that it's not the end of the world if you don't write on a particular day. Life goes on, and your writing will be there when you're ready to return to it.
But what about those days when writing feels like dragging yourself through every word? Meg suggests that starting to write can be the hardest part, but the longer you write, the easier it gets.
Meg does not provide specific information about why writing, even when not feeling like it, is important. However, she does offer some practical strategies to manage writer's guilt:
- Protecting writing time firmly, treating it like a fixed appointment to maintain consistent progress and reduce guilt from procrastination.
- Breaking writing into manageable tasks to avoid overwhelm and build momentum.
- Acknowledging that creative blocks and guilt are symptoms, not causes, and addressing underlying factors such as stress, fatigue, or unrealistic standards.
- Pausing to listen to your body and mind rather than pushing harder when feeling stuck or guilty, as rest and self-care ultimately build productivity and trust in your creative process.
If guilt is obsessive, disproportionate, or debilitating, Meg suggests seeking professional support to restore balance and functionality.
Meg can be followed on Twitter for tweets about writing, food, and nerdy things. She encourages writers to remember that knowing they tried to write, even if the output is not satisfactory, can help alleviate guilt. By adopting these practical strategies and practicing self-compassion, writers can maintain productivity without being overwhelmed by guilt.
Meg's platform, Novelty Revisions, offers insight on educational and self-development topics, such as personal growth and lifestyle, advising that exploring non-writing creative outlets can alleviate feelings of guilt and help maintain productivity. Meg also emphasizes the importance of taking a break, viewing it as an essential part of a writer's self-care routine, contributing to overall personal growth and a balanced lifestyle.
