Update Note: This was originally posted in 2019. I reformatted the post, hoping to make it more useful for you.

1. Introduction
2. The Positives
3. The Struggle
4. Reflection
5. Recommendations for “Winning”
6. Recommendations for Recovering from Burnout
7. Conclusion

Introduction

By November 23, I realized I wouldn’t complete the NaNoWriMo challenge this year. It was my first attempt, and while I could blame it on that, I won’t. Despite increased doctor visits and other personal life changes, the root cause of my burnout was not executing my plan effectively.

The Positives

NaNoWriMo has a solid premise with a substantial challenge: getting writers to write every day. Many successful authors advocate for daily writing because it’s a skill that can be as perishable as any physical activity. Like a workout, writing can be mentally exhausting, and pacing is crucial. The challenge is to start on November 1 and write about 1600 words a day. For some, this is a beast of a number, while others see it as a cakewalk. The website breaks it down to two 30-minute sessions at 800 words each. The key here is preparation; if you have a well-set story, you can achieve this effortlessly. However, going in blind can make the process more challenging. Most writers can relate to this dynamic.

The Struggle

I began with a goal of 2000 words a day, divided into two one-hour sessions at about 1000 words each. For the first six days, I maintained my pace, even if I didn’t always hit 2000 words. But then, I started to slack on my discipline. I let myself off easy one night, thinking I was “too tired” and “couldn’t focus.” Then, more rough days followed, and I told myself it was okay. When the new Pokemon game came out, I rationalized a mental break, and before I knew it, I was almost 10,000 words behind. I managed to write 4000 words in one day, but none the next. Despite my efforts, my brain felt fried by the end of the third week, and I still had 15,000 words to go. The thought of writing gave me headaches, and I hadn’t written anything new since the previous week.

Reflection

I started with excitement and enthusiasm, sharing daily word counts and lines from my work. However, life struck, and I struggled to maintain discipline. The point of NaNoWriMo is to build that discipline, but I let stress and distractions consume me. I chose to play games, browse social media, and dive into graphic design projects instead of writing. Although I managed to push out large chunks of writing at times, I eventually fell back into non-writing activities.

Recommendations for “Winning”

1. Have a Plan and Stick to It: NaNoWriMo has a quality basis, and with proper implementation, it can build healthy writing habits. Create a realistic plan and adhere to it.
2. Avoid Comparisons: Stay off social media in the sense that you don’t need to worry about other people’s word counts. Focus on your own progress and goals.
3. Self-Care: Writing is mentally taxing, so it’s crucial to take care of yourself. Schedule regular breaks and make sure to rest.
4. Stay Motivated: Find what motivates you and use it to push through tough times. This could be a reward system, a writing group, or personal goals.

Next year, I’ll retake the challenge with a better plan. I still have a great start to my first draft at 34,148 words. Now, I can continue at my own pace without feeling like I’m racing against the clock. Whether you finished NaNoWriMo and received a winner’s certificate or feel like the challenge killed your writing drive, I hope my story helps or entertains you in some way. Keep writing, and remember: every word counts.

Recommendations for Recovering from Burnout

1. Take a Break: After an intense month of writing, it’s important to give yourself a well-deserved break. Step away from your manuscript and focus on other activities you enjoy. This could be reading a book, spending time with loved ones, or indulging in a hobby. Allowing yourself some downtime will help you recharge and regain your creative energy.

2. Reflect and Assess: Use this break period to reflect on your NaNoWriMo experience. What worked well? What didn’t? Understanding the factors that contributed to your burnout can help you develop better strategies for managing your writing workload in the future. Consider keeping a journal to note down your thoughts and feelings during the challenge.

3. Gradually Ease Back into Writing: When you’re ready to start writing again, ease back into it gradually. Set smaller, manageable goals instead of jumping back into a high word count target. This can help you rebuild your writing stamina without feeling overwhelmed. Start with short writing sessions and gradually increase the duration and intensity as you feel more comfortable.

4. Prioritize Self-Care: Burnout often results from neglecting self-care. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly. These basic self-care practices can significantly impact your overall well-being and creativity. Incorporate relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or mindfulness to reduce stress and anxiety.

5. Reconnect with Your Story: Sometimes burnout can distance you from your story. Reconnect with your manuscript by rereading what you’ve written so far. Remind yourself of the passion and excitement you felt when you first started. This can reignite your motivation and help you see your work from a fresh perspective.

6. Seek Support and Encouragement: Don’t hesitate to reach out to fellow writers or join writing communities for support and encouragement. Sharing your experiences and hearing from others who have gone through similar challenges can be incredibly comforting and motivating. Consider participating in writing groups or forums where you can discuss your progress and get feedback.

7. Set Realistic Goals and Boundaries: Going forward, set realistic writing goals that consider your personal life and other commitments. Create a balanced schedule that allows for writing without sacrificing your well-being. Establish boundaries to prevent overexertion, and remember that it’s okay to take breaks when needed.

Recovering from NaNoWriMo burnout requires patience and self-compassion. By taking deliberate steps to rest, reflect, and gradually return to writing, you can regain your creative momentum and continue your writing journey with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Conclusion

Participating in NaNoWriMo is a significant achievement, regardless of whether you hit the 50,000-word mark or not. It’s an opportunity to push your creative boundaries, develop discipline, and learn more about your writing process. However, burnout is a common challenge, and it’s important to recognize it and take steps to recover. By allowing yourself to rest, reflecting on your experience, and gradually easing back into writing, you can regain your creative energy and motivation. Remember to prioritize self-care, reconnect with your story, and seek support from fellow writers. With these strategies, you can bounce back from burnout and continue your writing journey with renewed enthusiasm. Every word you write is a step forward, and your dedication to your craft is something to be proud of. Keep writing, and know that every challenge you overcome makes you a stronger and more resilient writer.

I hope my story and tips help you navigate your own writing journey. If you have any experiences or advice to share, feel free to leave a comment or reach out. Happy writing!