Save

Show Notes

When Life Gets in the Way of Writing (And What to Do About It)

Every writer starts with a plan: consistent writing time, clear goals, and steady progress.

And then… life happens.

In this heartfelt reflection, Jennifer Crosswhite shares a real-life moment that many writers and entrepreneurs can relate to — navigating unexpected loss, family responsibilities, and a disrupted schedule while trying to stay productive.

The truth? Staying consistent isn’t about perfection. It’s about learning how to keep going when life doesn’t cooperate.

The Reality: Life Will Interrupt Your Writing

No matter how well you plan, unexpected events will arise:

• Illness
• Family responsibilities
• Emotional stress
• Logistical challenges (like car trouble or schedule changes)
• Loss and grief

These moments can make it difficult — or even impossible — to focus, create, or meet your usual goals.

And that’s completely normal.

Why Productivity Drops During Stress

When life becomes overwhelming, your brain shifts focus. Emotional and logistical demands take priority, leaving less capacity for creative work.

You may notice:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Lower energy
• Reduced motivation
• Slower progress

This isn’t failure — it’s a natural human response.

The Problem With “Perfect Consistency”

Many writers set rigid expectations:

• Daily word counts
• Fixed schedules
• Strict deadlines

But life doesn’t operate on a predictable timeline.

Holding yourself to unrealistic standards during difficult seasons often leads to:

• Frustration
• Guilt
• Burnout
• Giving up entirely

Instead, flexibility is key.

A Better Approach: Adjust, Don’t Abandon

Jennifer Crosswhite emphasizes a simple but powerful mindset shift:

👉 Expect disruptions — and plan to adapt.

When life gets in the way:

• Communicate changes (emails, calls, deadlines)
• Adjust your schedule temporarily
• Reduce your workload if needed
• Focus on what can be done, not what can’t

Progress may look different, but it still counts.

Real Life Makes Better Writing

One of the most encouraging reminders from this conversation is this:

Life experiences enrich your writing.

The emotions you live through — joy, grief, frustration, love — become the depth and authenticity readers connect with.

Without living fully, writing can feel flat or disconnected.

Your experiences are not distractions from writing — they are part of the process.

Let Go of Guilt and Keep Moving Forward

It’s easy to be hard on yourself when you fall behind.

But guilt doesn’t create progress.

Instead:

• Accept what you cannot control
• Focus on small steps forward
• Return to your work when you’re able

Consistency doesn’t mean perfection. It means continuing, even if the pace changes.

Press On — Even If It Looks Different

Jennifer closes with a powerful reminder:

“Keep pressing on.”

You don’t need to control everything. You don’t need perfect conditions. You just need to keep moving forward in whatever way is possible right now.

That’s how writing — and business — truly grows.

FAQ

How do I stay consistent with writing when life gets busy?

Adjust your expectations, reduce workload temporarily, and focus on small, manageable progress instead of perfection.

Is it normal to lose focus during stressful times?

Yes. Stress impacts concentration and creativity. It’s a natural response, not a personal failure.

Should I stop writing during difficult seasons?

Not necessarily. You can scale back instead of stopping completely. Even minimal progress helps maintain momentum.

How can life experiences improve my writing?

Real-life emotions and challenges add depth, authenticity, and relatability to your work.

How do I avoid guilt when I fall behind?

Accept that disruptions are part of life. Focus on what you can control and return to your work when you’re ready.

In this video, I talk about what to do with your writing when life gets in the way:

You might also enjoy this post about writing during difficult times.