Chapter 1: Embracing the Challenge

Experiencing a writing standstill is a rare occurrence for me. Typically, I have a plethora of ideas ready to be transformed into words. I focus on the act of writing itself, without dwelling on whether my audience will appreciate it—those considerations come later during the editing process. At times, I may judge my work as unworthy of publication or simply not ready for sharing.

Writing on platforms like Medium provides a valuable chance to share my thoughts openly. I aspire to identify myself as a writer, and I recognize that consistent writing is essential. To monetize my writing, effective self-promotion is key. However, with numerous commitments, I often neglect this priority. Despite this, after a year of consistent writing, I have amassed a commendable portfolio.

This accumulation allows me to revisit and enhance previous pieces based on my evolving insights. While this process is rewarding, I must ensure that I follow through.

I’ve faced challenges in tapping into my creative writing lately. For the past two years, two novels have occupied my thoughts. Although both are in progress, they remain unfinished—a recurring theme in my life.

I excel at initiating tasks and maintaining momentum until they are nearly complete. Yet, when it’s time to seek feedback or finalize the work, I often hit a wall. This is why I appreciate publishing on Medium; it encourages me to share even imperfect pieces, helping me grow more comfortable in this area.

Last month, I anticipated a quieter period for my paid work, envisioning a chance to declutter my life and publish more frequently. I also aimed to focus on personal development through podcasting and social media initiatives. Fortunately, I secured enough paid projects to make this month financially fruitful, which is fantastic. However, it meant that my non-paid ambitions had to take a backseat.

Recently, I’ve been less rigid in scheduling my days, allowing for downtime when possible. I realized that I often over-schedule myself, leading to frustration when tasks go unfinished. To counter this, I’ve made a conscious effort to ease my calendar constraints.

Striking a balance between being overbooked and staying adaptable is crucial, alongside clarity regarding my goals. My morning journaling routine has become a staple in my schedule, allowing me to reflect on my intentions for the day. This daily practice alleviates the pressure of future tasks.

Once I outline my daily objectives, I can allocate time accordingly. As the day unfolds, I can adjust my plans if necessary. I’ve discovered that writing becomes more likely when I schedule it. Today, I allocated 45 minutes to write and am pleased with the word count I achieved. While I don’t obsess over word counts, I do view them as a measure of success.

Now, I’m taking a fifteen-minute break before diving into some editing. This feels rewarding, and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished today. I don’t feel overwhelmed or pressured; I’ve intentionally included downtime, which enhances my productivity during active periods.

Although I began the day without a clear topic, simply writing about my experiences has generated content. Sometimes, that initial act of writing is all it takes. Tomorrow, I’ll explore the possibility of developing new ideas to write about.

Chapter 2: Moving Forward with Purpose