Think Of Your Writing Journey As A Marathon, Not A Sprint.
Art For Art's Sake: Vol 2 Part 8
There were times when I pushed myself to write five to seven essays in a day. I knew this was mostly out of ego.
I can write up to three essays on a perfect writing day (which is not every day). Anything more than that is hazardous to my creative health. I would feel the effects of binge-writing for the next couple of days as I wouldn't write at all. And being unable to write because I forced myself towards writer's fatigue would trigger my emotional health, pushing it downhill.
In moments like these, I realised that maintaining a steady drip of writing at an unhurried pace would help me move forward more easily than having these creative writing bursts.
This is why whenever I think I could do more than what's already on my overflowing plate, I stop and remind myself that my writing journey is a marathon, not a sprint.
The point isn't crossing the finish line first. The point is to ensure I reach the finish line with myself intact enough to cross it.
Be it writing an essay or a chapter in my novel or book, slowly and gradually, I will reach the precious two words - The End.
To make sure I am jogging at a steady pace along my writing journey, I do the following -
Aim Low
My aim for every writing session is that I have done something to move the needle. Not all writing days will be good, but it's a win if I get at least 200-500 words down.
Be Present With The Task At Hand
When I sit down to write, I aim to be present with the scene or thought at hand. Researching, planning, editing, and wondering about the next scene happens outside my current writing session. I don't want my focus diverted from what's at hand.
DND The Rest Of The World
With my door shut and my phone on aeroplane mode, I enter my writing session in 'Do Not Disturb' mode. Nothing else matters other than what I am writing or working on at that moment.
Know Your Limit
My daily writing limit is 2-3 hours per day. I don't allow myself to go beyond that. Until, of course, I am struck by creative lightening, which rarely happens.
Give Yourself Grace And Kindness
Writing and Creativity are less like training young people to join the army and more like encouraging a baby to take their first steps. Whenever I write, I tell myself, "Let's see what we can come up with today." A gentle, positive push is enough to get the writing ball rolling.
Start And End Your Day On Relaxing Notes
Currently, I start my writing day by first chilling with my coffee cup at my writing desk. I am not thinking about what I must do, worrying about the day, or scrolling through my phone. I take my time drinking my coffee and grounding myself to my desk.
Then I read my current non-fiction read for an hour. This, I feel, primes my brain for words to be written.
Then I pick a song/music for which I feel in the mood, let it loop, and start writing.
Once done with my writing session, later in the evening, I would sit down with an episode of some show I am currently watching.
Following this routine, I have noticed that my writing has become an easy feat to achieve.
Get Your Ego Out Of The Way
This is easier said than done, but it is necessary to do it.
I can't worry about what the world wants me to write. I can only write what wants to come out of me. I can't worry about the other writers as well and compare myself with them. I can only compare myself to the writer I was yesterday. I can't worry if the grass is greener on the other side. I can only make sure my grass is watered and taken care of.
Writing is not a competition; it's a journey. We need to enjoy it at our own pace.
