How to Ruin Your Writing Day (And How Not To!)

Audio By Carbonatix

As writers, it’s easy to get distracted. There’s always something pulling at us, whether it’s the latest bestseller, a glowing (or not-so-glowing) review, or the constant hum of social media. The truth is, one of the fastest ways to derail your writing day is to fall into the trap of comparison.

Comparison, especially in the writing world, can leave you feeling inadequate and discouraged. It’s a surefire way to turn a day that started with good intentions into one that ends in frustration. But the good news is that God doesn’t call us to compare our journey to someone else’s. Instead, He calls us to focus on the unique story He’s placed on our hearts.

How to Ruin Your Writing Day

If you’re looking for ways to lose focus and ruin your writing momentum, here are a few distractions guaranteed to do the job:

1. Check the bestseller list.
   Nothing derails creativity like comparing your manuscript to the books topping the charts. You might start to wonder why your name isn’t on that list or why your book hasn’t reached that level of success. But remember, success in God’s eyes looks very different from worldly success.
2. Compare your daily word count to other authors.
   Ever felt inadequate because you didn’t hit a 5,000-word day like another writer? Comparing your word count to others is a fast track to frustration. Writing is about consistency, not speed.
3. Start editing your work before you finish writing.
   Instead of letting the words flow, you keep going back to tweak what you’ve already written. Perfectionism can stifle your creativity and slow your progress.
4. Browse other authors’ websites.
   It’s easy to get lost in someone else’s beautifully designed website, complete with accolades and book releases. Suddenly, your own writing journey seems inadequate in comparison. But every writer’s path is different—and yours is just as valuable.
5. Obsess over reviews.
   Reading reviews—especially those with less-than-stellar ratings—can pull you into a spiral of self-doubt. It’s tempting to let someone else’s opinion cloud your calling, but remember that not every reader will resonate with your message.

Looking Inward: Focusing on What Matters

The key to having a fruitful writing day is to stop looking outward and start looking inward—and upward. What has God called you to write? What story has He placed on your heart?

Instead of focusing on how far others have come or how polished their work may seem, focus on the unique gift God has given you. In Galatians 6:4-5 (MSG), we’re reminded, “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others.”

It’s freeing to know that you don’t have to measure up to anyone else. God’s calling for your writing is unique to you, and the only person you need to please is Him.

How Not to Ruin Your Writing Day

So, how do you keep distractions and comparison from ruining your writing day? Here are a few practical tips:

1. Start with prayer.
   Before you sit down to write, take a moment to pray. Ask God to bless your writing and to help you stay focused on the task He’s given you. Remember, you’re not writing alone—God is with you, guiding your words and your steps. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3).
2. Get in the Word.
   Whether you’re working on fiction or nonfiction, time in Scripture is essential. God’s Word is full of inspiration, truth, and wisdom that will shape not only your writing but also your heart. When you start your writing day with Scripture, you’re setting yourself up for success because you’re aligning your mind and spirit with God’s truth.
3. Be present.
   Distractions are inevitable, but the key is to be intentional about minimizing them. Turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and set aside specific time to write. If you have young children or other responsibilities, find small pockets of time where you can focus. Even thirty minutes of uninterrupted writing is better than an hour of distractions.
4. Celebrate your progress.
   Instead of comparing yourself to other writers, celebrate the progress you are making. Whether it’s a few hundred words or finishing a chapter, every step forward is a victory. Remember that the journey of writing is long, and the small accomplishments along the way are just as important as the big ones.
5. Trust God’s timing.
   The writing life can be full of waiting—waiting for ideas, waiting for feedback, waiting for the next opportunity. But trust that God’s timing is perfect. The story He’s given you will reach the people it’s meant to, exactly when it’s supposed to. “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

God’s Unique Plan for Your Writing

When we stop comparing our writing journey to others and start focusing on what God has uniquely called us to do, we experience freedom. Freedom to write without pressure, freedom to create without fear, and freedom to trust that God’s plans are good.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This applies to your writing as much as any other area of your life. God’s plans for your words are far beyond what you can imagine. So, write with confidence, knowing that He is working through you.

Look Inward and Trust God’s Plan

Today, before you begin your writing, take a moment to pause and reflect. Where have you allowed comparison or distraction to creep in? Ask God to renew your focus and give you the strength to stay true to the story He’s placed on your heart.

Write down three things you’re grateful for in your writing journey and three ways you see God at work in your writing life right now. By focusing on gratitude and trusting in God’s timing, you’ll find peace and joy in the process—no matter where you are on your writing journey.

Remember, you don’t need to compare your story to anyone else’s. The words God has given you are important, and He will use them in ways you may never fully understand. Stay faithful, stay focused, and keep writing.

Additional Resources

Daily Bible Podcast

We’re Tricia and Michelle, two friends inviting you to join us in reading through the Bible chronologically this year. Reading the Bible every day can be a challenge. We’re here to summarize each day’s passage and provide action steps … in under 15 minutes. Grab a buddy and join our community. Take the plunge, and let’s read through the Bible together. We’ll be cheering you on all the way!

You can join us using your own One Year Bible© (if you’d like to purchase one, you can grab your preferred version using the links below). Or you can print up the One Year Chronological Reading Plan. If you don’t have a copy of the One Year Bible©, we will have the exact passages for the next day in the show notes. You can also subscribe to the One Year Chronological Bible Reading plan on the YouVersion Bible App.

Join us here.