Chapter 1: A Break from Routine

I’m a digital writer who typically publishes a considerable amount of content each month with relative ease. This has been my routine for over a year now. While this might paint me as an overly eager student in the front row, that’s not entirely accurate. If you ask my writing peers, they’d likely describe me as somewhat lazy. I tend to write just enough to maintain momentum, as it’s simpler that way.

One piece of conventional advice I’ve always found misleading is the notion of writing daily. I even conduct a course aimed at helping digital writers develop consistency, and I don’t advocate for daily writing. Instead, I believe that some of the best ideas stem from living life fully.

Taking a month off from writing can feel intimidating, especially for someone like me who makes a living from it. However, I want to share what transpired during this time away. Surprisingly, I had little desire to open my notes and start typing. It may not seem typical for a "writer," but it was true. I didn’t even pay attention to my social media metrics. Oddly enough, my LinkedIn posts were going viral, but I didn’t check those either. Instead, I focused on enjoying my time away.

Being disconnected from writing brought me a sense of tranquility, even though writing usually brings me immense joy. It’s crucial to take a step back and gain perspective on life.

I did not keep a journal or meditate. I took photographs, but not to create content or reels—just enough to look back on later and savor those moments.

The most astonishing realization was that I came back with an abundance of reflections that are now influencing my work and writing.

Sometimes, it’s essential to step back and reassess your life. You might discover areas that need improvement, even if everything seems fine on the surface.

Denial About Burnout

I work a four-hour day, yet I was still feeling burnt out. I recognize that it sounds privileged, which is why I struggled to accept it. But regardless of my thoughts, my body and mind were experiencing burnout, so it’s time to acknowledge it and address it. I’ve already begun taking steps to rectify this situation.

Celebrating Successes

I often write about my achievements and failures and move on. For instance, being named a LinkedIn Top Voice was a significant milestone, yet I failed to celebrate it adequately. I should have indulged in a celebratory treat and appreciated my year of self-employment, as well as the successful graduation of my course participants. From now on, I’ll make it a point to celebrate my successes as they deserve recognition.

Prioritizing Family Time

Reflecting on the times I declined social invitations to focus on work, it’s clear that this wasn’t the best approach. I chose this career path to reclaim my time, yet my stress and overthinking often dictated my schedule.

Recognizing the Need to Outsource

I should have delegated tasks long ago. While I already have a virtual assistant, there are still non-writing creative responsibilities, like designing graphics and eBooks, that consume valuable time. Upon returning, I prioritized delegating these tasks, and I already feel a sense of relief.

As I type this, my mind feels calm and organized.

I’m also the type of person who often neglects to jot down ideas that come to me during moments of relaxation, such as in the shower or before sleep, which I invariably regret later. During my travels, I didn’t take notes on any essay or business concepts. I completely switched off from work mode and relished the experience of being Niharikaa, separate from my role as a writer and creator.

Yet, upon my return, I found myself brimming with ideas.

I got back three weeks ago and continue to write down a plethora of ideas daily. As I mentioned before, the most brilliant ideas arise from living life fully. If I had confined myself to a room to write every day, I would have run out of inspiration. The insights from my travels and my plans for re-evaluating various aspects of life and business have me eager to write in the upcoming weeks.

The Connection Between Living and Creativity

I find that my creativity flourishes when I’m relaxed. Research indicates that moments of inspiration often occur when the mind is at rest rather than actively engaged in a task. This is why I typically avoid freelance work; it can stifle my creativity. However, I still occasionally take on client projects as they challenge my writing skills and help me grow.

At this moment, I feel relaxed and at peace. While I have ambitious work goals, I don’t obsess over them daily. I only contemplate them when I’m at my workspace. I do aim to improve certain habits, such as refraining from checking LinkedIn and Twitter randomly, as both platforms relate to my work. But I see myself as a work in progress, taking things one step at a time.

If you have any suggestions, feel free to share!

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How I Earned $3,640 On a 28-Day Long Holiday

My advice to all writers and creators.

Chapter 2: Insights Gained During the Break

In "An Experience in Querying," the video explores what happens when you initiate a query too soon, offering useful insights for writers navigating the creative process.

"The Ending Really Surprised Me" delves into the balance of action and reflection in writing, illustrating how both elements contribute to storytelling.