Tips For Surviving As A Writer

A few months ago, there was a time when I felt like I've been falling short as a writer. When I'm writing for myself (like my personal blog), I don't feel any pressure because I do it for leisure. Blogging has also been my platform to freely express my thoughts and opinions for almost a decade now, so it's not new to me. However, when I write for work, there are days where I put myself under too much pressure because I'm paid according to how many articles I can produce in a day. During the first few months of working as a content writer, it was all good and exciting, as to how it always is when you're starting on something new.

However, as I lasted longer, I'm starting to feel the pressure. I don't know - maybe because our mentors expect us to become better every day as a writer. And sometimes I have this fear that what if I couldn't live up to their expectations, or what if some writers are better than me, or what if someday I lose my drive as a writer and start producing low-quality articles. Most of all, I fear that what if I couldn't finish my articles on time and, therefore, adversely affect my salary.

All this overthinking eventually affected my thrive as a writer, and I admit there was a point where I didn't work for four days because of it. Until one morning, I woke up and read this Facebook post about how we should feel blessed for having a job in this time of the pandemic. That post somehow woke me up from my negative thoughts and made me realize how fortunate I am. God gave me this opportunity to use my skill to earn money, and therefore I should be thankful and use it wisely.

Other than that, here are five tips that I've been keeping in mind for a while now to keep me sane and keep me going as a writer.

1. Believe In Yourself

This isn't something new. You probably heard this advice ever since you were a kid. But its essence is still strong even up to this day, and you can apply this to any work you do. Believe that you have something special and unique to offer, and it's already enough reason to keep going.

2. The Experts Aren't Always Right

I know that they're called "experts" because they're very good at what they do. But just because they're good doesn't mean they're always right. I know that our mentors keep an eye on us every day to ensure we're on the right track. But it's also crucial that you find your own rhythm and style of writing. Don't be afraid to experiment while you follow their guide.

3. Make Room For Improvements

As a writer, this is very important. Even if you've been in this industry for more than a decade, understand that there will still be room for improvement. I remember how our Chief Editor shared to us that she's been in this industry for as long as she can remember, and she had written thousands and thousands of articles in the past. But even so, she can never write a "flawless and perfect" article because she thinks there's no such thing. Her advice really made me realize that even if you're an expert, you still need to keep learning, and that's definitely okay.

4. Count Your Success

There were times when 2-3 articles were returned to me in the past because they needed revisions. Don't let these situations affect your confidence. When you're a writer, revisions are expected, and it's part of the learning process. Most of all, don't forget the days when publishers and editors praised you for your work. Both of these mean that you're growing and learning, and you're doing great. Learn from your revisions and celebrate your praises. 

5. Accept Help

I believe this is the most important of all, and that is don't hesitate to accept help. Now I have learned that my fellow writers are not competitors, and therefore I should stop comparing myself to them. So, instead of feeling insecure that I might be left behind, now I collaborate with them. When I'm given a challenging topic, I message one of my fellow writers or editors and ask for their help. At the same time, I also help them when it's their turn to ask questions. See? The world is definitely a better place when you don't see anyone as competition. It's all about growing and learning together. And guess what? I'm now gaining friends from my fellow writers. In fact, there was even one where we talk and share about our personal lives, and it's just so much fun to have a friend from another side of the world! 

Takeaway

There you have it! Remember, you're a great writer. Just keep in mind that you wouldn't be hired in the first place if you weren't good enough. You can try any of these tips regardless of whether you're a writer or a baker, a teacher, an athlete, a musician, or any job you do.

Anyways, now I must go as I still have three topics waiting to be written, hahaha! Ciao!