"Finding Sustainable Momentum" kept me at the edge of my seat because that's exactly what I've been working on for myself over the past couple weeks. I learned a lot from this post, like how to think about work sprints properly and to recognize that creative work doesn't have to be called work if we enjoy it.
Noah! I'm so glad the post was helpful to you, and you connected with exactly what I think about all the time. "Sustainable writing practice" is a mantra that runs in the back of my head constantly, and striking the right balance between momentum and rest is so important. And I love how you call out that creative work is meant to be *enjoyable* 🙌
Great read. You are a busy busy girl. Funny thing is, I never get burned out on writing. It is just relaying my thoughts to people. That is an easy thing to do for me. I have been writing in a journal since I was a child. It just comes naturally to write here in my online journals. It is always nice when someone likes what I write. I really like what you wrote here. It just reminds me of how lucky I get with never burning out on my passion for writing. It is an addiction for me. I love for people to read my thoughts. It is a natural high for me. Well you made me think this morning. Great thoughts you left in my mind. Thank you for being you.
The question isn’t “How do I write more all the time?” but instead “How do I make my writing time more productive in sustainable ways?”
I really resonated with this 👆. I too have a cognitively demanding day job and other commitments. When I don't get to write as much as I want, I feel restless and guilty. But I love how you've framed it. Life happens and what we can do make the time we have more purposeful? 💛
You hit on so many things I wrestle with, Smriti! “Cognitively demanding day job” is exactly right. Sometimes I wonder why I just can’t write another word in the evening…and that’s exactly it. Also the restlessness and guilt—so silly, yet so hard to shake sometimes. Focusing on purpose, patience, and progress is how we get unstuck and moving forward. Thanks for sharing 🙌
You’re so right! It’s silly but definitely hard to get over. The feeling stays with you. But I’m trying to focus on the fact that I enjoy writing. If I’m tired after work and can’t write a word, that’s ok. I’ll find a better time to do it. (Now I hope my brain actually believes these words I’m typing).
Thanks, Kyle! The contest results come out in a few weeks. I’m keeping my expectations low and just focusing on lessons learned and what I gained from the process itself 🙌
Some really great advice here. I try to give myself deadlines and I often end up negotiating with myself, but I have a big project I want to finish in the next couple of months, so I will have to use the advice here to do a sprint or two, I think. Thanks!
all great advice. I was spending so much time on substack commenting liking writing just trying to grow and it was 12 to 14 hours a day and I did it for about 2 months and I had the time for it, but I wasn't taking care of myself like I know I should. And then I realize there was a better way and still have the same outcomes and take care of myself in the process. Great inside and tips thank you so much 🙏
Thanks for including actionable tips in this post. I really like the focus on sustainability. I am a person recovering from hustle and burnout. I'm very in tune with my body (now) and the things that feel frenzied and lead to burnout. And I also have a self-imposed deadline. Balance is the goal.
So glad you found the post useful, Emy! I completely agree about sustainabilty—it’s my biggest theme, and how I personally get through the moments/periods of struggle in my writing journey. I reflexively remind myself that’s the goal. Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙌
"Finding Sustainable Momentum" kept me at the edge of my seat because that's exactly what I've been working on for myself over the past couple weeks. I learned a lot from this post, like how to think about work sprints properly and to recognize that creative work doesn't have to be called work if we enjoy it.
Noah! I'm so glad the post was helpful to you, and you connected with exactly what I think about all the time. "Sustainable writing practice" is a mantra that runs in the back of my head constantly, and striking the right balance between momentum and rest is so important. And I love how you call out that creative work is meant to be *enjoyable* 🙌
Great read. You are a busy busy girl. Funny thing is, I never get burned out on writing. It is just relaying my thoughts to people. That is an easy thing to do for me. I have been writing in a journal since I was a child. It just comes naturally to write here in my online journals. It is always nice when someone likes what I write. I really like what you wrote here. It just reminds me of how lucky I get with never burning out on my passion for writing. It is an addiction for me. I love for people to read my thoughts. It is a natural high for me. Well you made me think this morning. Great thoughts you left in my mind. Thank you for being you.
Thanks, Jenny, and awesome to hear you how such a positive connection with writing :)
The question isn’t “How do I write more all the time?” but instead “How do I make my writing time more productive in sustainable ways?”
I really resonated with this 👆. I too have a cognitively demanding day job and other commitments. When I don't get to write as much as I want, I feel restless and guilty. But I love how you've framed it. Life happens and what we can do make the time we have more purposeful? 💛
You hit on so many things I wrestle with, Smriti! “Cognitively demanding day job” is exactly right. Sometimes I wonder why I just can’t write another word in the evening…and that’s exactly it. Also the restlessness and guilt—so silly, yet so hard to shake sometimes. Focusing on purpose, patience, and progress is how we get unstuck and moving forward. Thanks for sharing 🙌
You’re so right! It’s silly but definitely hard to get over. The feeling stays with you. But I’m trying to focus on the fact that I enjoy writing. If I’m tired after work and can’t write a word, that’s ok. I’ll find a better time to do it. (Now I hope my brain actually believes these words I’m typing).
Yes--the focus on remembering *this is something we enjoy* is so important! 🙌
Congrats on getting that manuscript done in rocket speed.
Thanks for sharing tips on how you got there!
Thanks so much, Sirah, and so happy to share tips 🙌
You’re a beast! Love how you went on overdrive temporarily and then reflected on lessons you can sustain. When do we hear about the contest results?!
Thanks, Kyle! The contest results come out in a few weeks. I’m keeping my expectations low and just focusing on lessons learned and what I gained from the process itself 🙌
Beautiful. Makes it a win no matter what!
I like #3. Early doesn't mean 5am for everyone.
Exactly! We're on the same wavelength, Emily. The most important part is redefining what it means *for ourselves*.
Some really great advice here. I try to give myself deadlines and I often end up negotiating with myself, but I have a big project I want to finish in the next couple of months, so I will have to use the advice here to do a sprint or two, I think. Thanks!
Absolutely, the non-negotiable part of deadlines is the key. Cheering you on in your big project, and very happy the advice in this post might help :)
all great advice. I was spending so much time on substack commenting liking writing just trying to grow and it was 12 to 14 hours a day and I did it for about 2 months and I had the time for it, but I wasn't taking care of myself like I know I should. And then I realize there was a better way and still have the same outcomes and take care of myself in the process. Great inside and tips thank you so much 🙏
Thanks, Kathleen! So awesome to hear you’ve figured out what’s sustainable and healthy for you 🙌
Thanks for including actionable tips in this post. I really like the focus on sustainability. I am a person recovering from hustle and burnout. I'm very in tune with my body (now) and the things that feel frenzied and lead to burnout. And I also have a self-imposed deadline. Balance is the goal.
So glad you found the post useful, Emy! I completely agree about sustainabilty—it’s my biggest theme, and how I personally get through the moments/periods of struggle in my writing journey. I reflexively remind myself that’s the goal. Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙌