Do You Have Too Much on Your Writer’s Plate?

We writers often take on too much. We already juggle our writing with the time needed for work, family, home, and self. Then when we add in the tasks necessary for marketing, learning, and networking, we can easily spend every spare moment until there are none left.

But when the buzz of being busy tips over into the stress of overwhelm, it can stomp our creativity into dust.

So, if you find your shoulders sagging under the weight of everything hanging over you, stop and take a moment to reassess.

Signs You’re Doing Too Much

Okay, be honest. How many of these do you relate to?

“I…

• prioritize productivity (writing, editing, marketing) over my physical health (exercise, sleep, healthful food choices).
• frequently forget, drop, or have to reschedule tasks.
• am feeling sad, unmotivated, or exhausted.
• resent some/any of my writing-related activities.
• am feeling overwhelmed by my writing to-do list.
• don’t have time to take a break.

If any of these statements resonated with you, it might be time to give yourself grace and pare back your writing-related responsibilities.

Reprioritize You

To prevent your writing from becoming a burden you don’t enjoy, you may need to scale back what you’re doing. No one can do it all… at least not without help.

And before you argue and point toward another writer who is doing more than you, stop. Here’s a hard truth I learned from Becca Syme.

We all have different sized plates. Worse, when yours is full, it’s full.

That other writer you wanted to point to? Their plate may have been larger than yours to start with, so the same amount of tasks didn’t fill theirs up.

Now, if you’re struggling with what to prioritize, revisit why you write. Then, consider these questions:

• What is most important to me right now?
• Which of my tasks are urgent?
• Can I delegate some or any of my tasks?
• Have I been realistic about what I can handle?
• What pace can I sustain?
• How much extra work can I handle without damaging my relationships with my family, friends, pets, or myself?

Priorities Shift

As long as you’re having fun with your writing, it’s okay to be busy! But if the fun fades into mental or emotional exhaustion, you may be doing too much.

And when even the idea of setting aside time to unwind causes you stress, it’s past time to reevaluate what’s good for you and your writing today.

Have you ever taken on too much with your writing?

Header Photo by Elisa Ventur on Unsplash