5 alternative ways to write consistently (without burning out)

Hello writer,

Noticed how our world is obsessed with maximising busyness and productivity? 

We’re bombarded with messages about hustling and grinding, about squeezing every last damn drop of productivity out of our days.

I’m so tired. 😩 

But I want to find time and energy to write. It’s my thing. Plus, I know that writing and publishing regular, high quality content builds trust and keeps my audience coming back for more.

So let’s spin productivity around, stare directly into its tired little red eyes and look at some alternatives for writing consistently, minus the burn-out.

1. Think beyond quantity

It’s not about mindlessly churning out content. It’s about establishing a rhythm that works for you and your audience. 

Being consistent shouldn’t be confused with sheer quantity of output. It's not a competition to see who can flood the internet with the most content.

(I might have mentioned this on X recently):

Instead, think of being consistent as a commitment to delivering quality content at regular intervals that your audience can come to expect and trust.

And yes, that means even if you publish one piece of quality long-form content per month.

2. Repurpose content like a pro

That one long-form piece of content you put out monthly? You can chop that into short-form pieces and create social posts to publish throughout that month.

You can take older evergreen content that worked well and post it again today — even on the same channel. People don’t see everything you post online.

The only people not repurposing content online are the newbies, and these ones will burn out soon enough.

People forget. Reword, reformat, repurpose.

3. Stop trying to make everything perfect

I struggle with this, but it’s true: perfection is a myth.

Don't be afraid to share your journey, including the challenges you're facing. 

Consistency doesn't mean rigidity, either. Write high quality posts, publish them and test what works. Then be ready to change when you need to. You don’t have to go viral every time you post.

4. Connect with your people

Networking because you know you ‘should’ sucks. 

We all want to get eyes on our content, but does commenting on that big corporation’s viral post make you feel like you’re selling your soul? 

Does forcing yourself to connect with the bros of social media make you want to sick-up in your mouth a little? 

Don’t do it. Find your people. You’ll know when you do.

Then, once you’ve found your people, create a sense of community around your content – and theirs. Leave thoughtful comments and replies. Be generous. 

(If you’re up for being part of an inclusive, supportive group of writers — whatever type of writer you are — reply to this email with the words ‘Write group!’ and I’ll be in touch. I’m starting something. And it doesn’t involve corporations or X / Twitter bros.)

5. Ditch the morning ritual

Seriously.

When you read: ‘Have a cold shower at 5am, followed by a 10k run and a protein shake, then write 5,000 words’ — do what I do: Roll your eyes, swear at your screen and consider the actual reality of your life.

For me, that involves a toddler and a full-time job (plus a deluge of life-admin that feels like another full-time job.)

If you set yourself up for a harsh morning, you’ll feel crappy when your body and psyche collapse and you can’t keep going. 

So do something purposeful but easy in the morning. If you can’t write for half an hour, take 3 minutes to write an idea on your phone. If you want to move more, dance while the kettle’s boiling.

The morning is your first contact with the day. Make it as joyful as you can.

Then you’ll have the energy to write — and get through the rest of the day.