In this article, I’m going to be specifically talking about writing, but this can be applicable to any hobby.
Sometimes, it’s okay to take a break.
I can just hear it now, the hundreds of voices crying out, “Write everyday! Force yourself, even if it’s just for 5 minutes!” It’s advice I’ve received and seen time and time again. It’s
advice I’ve even given out myself to other young writers. And while I agree with the sentiment that you should create a semi-strict writing schedule rather than mood write (guilty), I’m here to say it’s okay to take a break and that this “just force yourself” mentality can often do more harm than good.
Let me explain. I’m not saying you shouldn’t write because you don’t feel like it. If you did that, chances are you’d accomplish very little, maybe never make it past the first chapter. What I am suggesting though, is taking breaks when you realize it’s best for you and the story.
November is known as Nanowrimo, AKA, National Novel Writing Month. There’s a fun website where you can add friends, track your progress, and earn badges as you make your way to 50k words in 30 days. It’s a great resource, especially for those of us who need help implementing structure into our routine. I’ve done it three times in the past, completing it twice. I almost forgot about it this year, but when it started popping up on my Instagram timeline two days before go-time, I (foolishly) figured I’d give it a try. I’m at the point in my draft where I’m rewriting the first half of the story now that I know where it’s headed. Nanowrimo would be the perfect tool to kick my ass into gear, and yet, all I managed was 700 words before tossing in the towel. Why? Because I wasn’t in a place where I was benefiting myself or my work.
Without going into any detail, I’ve hit a rough patch these past couple months. By the time I find myself staring at the computer screen, Chapter 3 of my book pulled up, that’s all I can do; stare. I have it outlined and a first sloppy draft of the chapter, but I still can’t bring myself to write what needs to be written. So, instead of forcing myself to write for 5 minutes, I close the laptop. In my mind, it feels like admitting defeat. Some might say it is. But, as I come out of this rough mindset I’ve been in, I’m thankful to myself for giving me permission to rest. Although not actively writing my novel for such an extended period of time made me feel guilty, it was necessary to preserve my love of the story.
You see, each time I forced myself to type a few sentences, it wasn’t having this desired effect that the pushing through idea preaches. I wasn’t just grumpy in the moment but thankful I did it later; I was growing to resent it: my story, the characters, writing itself. As a writer, that’s the last thing I want to happen, especially with a story I’ve dedicated so much time to and love deeply.
Stepping back wasn’t an easy decision. At first, I worried I’d regret it. After all, my personal goal was to finish the first draft by Dec. 31st. Taking off Nanowrimo paired with a vacation in early December and the holidays approaching meant that would no longer be possible. I’ll admit, it hurts, even now as I type it, but I’ve mostly come to terms with it. Goals and self-imposed deadlines are incredibly important, but so is your mental health. And if forcing yourself to participate in an activity you love is making your resentment grow, it’s time to acknowledge a break is needed to focus on repairing other aspects of your life. There’s no shame in that.
Plus, I didn’t abandon my story completely. While I might not have been actively plotting or jotting ideas down, I was thinking about it. Each time I heard a song, got absorbed by a character I love (I’m looking at you, Anakin Skywalker), saw a post from my favorite musicians, etc., my novel was brought to the forefront of my mind. New characteristics, plotlines, and developments were created that make me feel a lot more confident about the story I’m writing, something that was starting to wane recently.
I’m happy to say I’ve since resumed work on my novel, slow and steady. I might just be wrapping up Chapter 3, a far cry from the end of draft one I’d hoped for by now, but I’ve learned the valuable lesson that it’s okay to put myself first. Doing so doesn’t make me any less of an authentic writer. It’s regaining the passion and dedication to my story that, in the end, defines my dedication to being a successful writer.
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