Strategies for Overcoming Writer's Guilt
Meg, a freelance writer and an eight-time NaNoWriMo winner, has made a name for herself in the literary world. Her work has been published in various prestigious publications, including Teen Ink, Success Story, Lifehack, and USA TODAY College. Beyond her writing, Meg is the founder of Novelty Revisions, a platform dedicated to helping writers put their ideas into words.
Meg's writings often revolve around topics related to writing, food, and nerdy things. She understands that sitting down and starting to write can be the hardest part of the process. However, she emphasises that it's possible to catch up on writing that was missed in a previous day.
In her approach to managing guilt, Meg encourages writers to identify the source of their guilt, whether it arises from comparisons, pressure, or habit. She suggests treating guilt as information guiding you towards meaningful action, rather than as punishment. Understanding that guilt can serve as a helpful signal to nudge you towards what you value, she advises listening to it carefully to distinguish healthy motivation from excessive self-criticism.
Meg advocates for shifting focus from perfectionism and all-or-nothing thinking to valuing small, steady progress over time. This approach reduces guilt and prevents discouragement. She also emphasises the importance of embracing flexibility by allowing "good enough" effort and building buffer time into your schedule to reduce feelings of being rushed or overwhelmed.
In the realm of writing specifically, Meg suggests preparing in small increments, such as leaving notes for your next writing session, and using short, intentional writing blocks to accumulate progress steadily. This approach turns guilt into productive momentum.
Taking a day off from writing can help alleviate the fear of breaking a writing streak. Knowing you have tried to write, even if you don't complete your goal, can help alleviate feelings of guilt. Returning to writing after a day off can help maintain a regular writing routine. Meg emphasises that not writing for a day does not necessarily mean the end of the world or the start of catastrophic consequences.
Meg also acknowledges that there will be days when writing feels like a struggle. In such instances, she advises allowing oneself breaks from writing to avoid burnout. Creative energy can be channeled into different activities, such as art or photography, without writing.
In conclusion, Meg's approach to writing redefines guilt as a motivational tool rather than a source of self-judgment, fostering a healthier mindset that supports writing productivity. By following her practical steps, writers can manage guilt effectively and maintain a productive writing routine.
Meg applies her practical approach to overcoming guilt not only in her writing but also in her personal lifestyle, striving for the balance between work and home-and-garden activities. On weekends, she enjoys gardening and redecorating her home to create a comfortable and inspiring environment that complements her lifestyle as a writer.
