How To Overcome the Midyear Writing Slump

You know how it is. The beginning of the year is a time for setting new writing goals and schedules for yourself. You’re motivated and moving along just nicely for a few months … and then something changes. You find yourself in a rut halfway through the year and start to wonder, “What happened?” Maybe the excitement wore off, or maybe life has simply gotten in the way. For me, it’s always a little of both.

The good news is this: You don’t have to stay stuck in that midyear slump. There is a way forward. Here are three simple things that’ll help you get back on track:

1. Reexamine your goals.
Take a look at what you’ve accomplished so far. How many goals have you completed? How many are close? If you set a goal to write one devotion a month and you’ve been doing it — great! Keep going. But if that goal hasn’t been realistic, it’s OK to adjust it. Maybe one every two months works better for this season of life. That’s still progress.

You might also find you’ve taken on too much. If certain goals feel overwhelming, give yourself permission to put them on the back burner for now. Focus on what’s doable. Keeping your goals realistic will help you refocus and move forward with confidence.

2. Reexamine your schedule.
Life changes as the year goes on, and your schedule may need to change too. Ask yourself honestly: Is your writing routine still working?

Maybe mornings used to be your best time, but now they’re full. That’s OK. Try writing in the evenings or finding smaller pockets of time throughout your week. The key is being willing to adapt. Your writing should fit into your life, not compete with it. A small adjustment can make a big difference in getting your momentum back.

3. Reexamine your time with the Lord.
Sometimes feeling stuck has less to do with writing and more to do with feeling spiritually drained. When we’re not spending time with Him, it’s easy to feel unfocused and empty.

Try setting aside intentional time each day, just like you would for writing. Not because you have to, but because you want to. God doesn’t want a checklist. He wants your heart.

If it feels hard to start, start small. Read a few encouraging scriptures. Say a quick prayer during your day. Listen to worship music on a walk. Thank Him for something simple. Just begin somewhere, and let it grow from there.

The middle of the year doesn’t have to feel like a slump. This isn’t the end of your momentum. This is just a moment to pause, adjust, and keep going. You can find your rhythm. You are still capable. You are still called. And you can move forward again, one step at a time.

Be patient with yourself. Be flexible. Be encouraged.

If I can do it, so can you.

Blessings,

Melissa Labieniec

What is one small step you can take today to get yourself out of the midyear slump? Share with us in the comments!