Finding Balance in Your Writing Routine

Many writers, particularly those who are just starting, often feel an overwhelming excitement about writing. I remember my own enthusiasm when I first ventured into online writing. I eagerly joined platforms like Fiverr, Elance, Brighthub, Squidoo, and Helium, ready to dive headfirst into my writing journey.

Initially, I found myself writing every day, sometimes dedicating up to eight hours or more to my craft. On Fiverr, I was managing 10 to 20 orders daily, producing dozens of 500-word articles. I felt unstoppable, immersing myself in every aspect of writing while continuously generating content.

However, this intense pace proved to be unsustainable. After a few months, I encountered a significant hurdle. The fatigue from constant writing left me unable to even conceive another 500-word piece. I started turning down jobs on Fiverr and canceling numerous orders as the workload became too much to handle. Despite having received positive feedback, my burnout began to impact my ratings.

The quality of my writing on other platforms diminished as well, primarily because I had overcommitted and struggled to meet the high demands. Some sites, like Helium and Squidoo, ceased operations, further straining my writing income. This experience illustrated a crucial lesson: sometimes, it's essential to slow down.

Deterioration of Quality

When you write incessantly, you might notice a decline in the quality of your work. Producing a well-crafted article requires time and thought. If you're rushing to create content, the quality will likely suffer as your stress levels rise.

On platforms like Fiverr, I found myself earning less than my true worth. Many buyers took advantage of my low rates, leading to a flood of work but minimal rewards. I was compelled to churn out article after article, resulting in a steady decline in quality. My passion for writing waned as the workload became overwhelming.

Creativity Takes a Hit

Sometimes, a great idea deserves time for contemplation before putting it into words. Additional research or brainstorming can enhance your article in ways you might not initially consider.

Constantly writing can stifle your creativity, as the pressure to complete an article immediately can lead to rushed work. While experience may allow you to produce quality pieces quickly over time, in the early stages, taking a moment to reflect on your subject can be invaluable.

The Onset of Burnout

While you can maintain a high writing output for a limited time, burnout is an inevitable consequence of excessive writing. This phase can leave you disinterested in writing altogether, and if you push yourself to continue, you may struggle to finish tasks.

I frequently encountered burnout during my time on Fiverr. The sheer volume of writing was unsustainable, and I often felt drained throughout the day. I neglected breaks, fresh air, and even meals in my quest to complete another article.

Avoiding burnout is vital. It's perfectly acceptable to take breaks and step back from your writing to recharge. Your writing will significantly benefit from regular pauses. If your work requires daily writing, make sure to find time for breaks—sometimes, just 30 minutes can rejuvenate your mind.

Writing Should Be a Habit, Not a Burden

Writing can become a daily habit, but it shouldn't feel like a chore. If you're not in the mood to write, grant yourself permission to take a break. Avoid becoming a slave to your craft. If you're facing a deadline, that's a separate matter, as it involves completing essential paid work.

For casual writing on platforms like Medium, remember that there's no need to produce a vast amount of content constantly. Your body of work will expand naturally over time as you continue to write.