Use Your “Off Days" for Story Ideas

If you can’t write today, make a list of ideas instead.

My ADHD makes sticking to a habit, especially in the early going, inherently difficult. Like starting a new workout regimen, the first day I “call off” can easily turn into two, then three, then…

You get the idea.

This is why during a recent string of “off days” from writing, I felt a low rumbling of anxiety bubbling within me.

“Don’t miss a day!” exclaimed the inner voice. “You may not get back into the swing of things!”

This inner turmoil spawned a productive way for me to use my scheduled off days from writing: To build a list of writing topics and ideas.

Going back to my ADHD, I just so happen to have ideas pop in and out of my head on the regular throughout the day.

Some are fleeting, not worthy of a second look. Others, though, come from a place of inspiration and creativity that deserve to be teased out.

This is precisely where my writing off days come into play.

Harnessing the power of idea and inspiration, I have decided that the days I can’t write are best used to set up the next round of stories for the days I CAN write.

This system accomplishes two things for me:

1. I don’t feel guilty about missing a day of writing (kind of like skipping the gym on a morning you’d rather stay in bed).

2. It makes my writing days more productive because I have a fresh list of ideas to jump into.

The ebbs and flows of life are inevitable, but we each have a decision to make: We can get the best of them, or they can get the best of us.

When we let the ebbs and flows of life get the best of us, it’s exceptionally easy to roll over, punch snooze, and stay in bed.

When we focus on getting the best out of life's ebbs and flows, we find ways to harness the days energy, applying it in a way that propels us forward.

With writing off days in mind, this is precisely why they can be a great time to refill the idea funnel. Harnessing the moments of inspiration between other obligations is an effective way to use the current days energy for tomorrow’s benefit.

How does one do this?

Keep your Medium app on speed dial and write down everything worth revisiting.

As soon as a “grand” idea pops into mind, I pull out my Medium app, start a draft, and write down a sentence or two to capture the idea.

BOOM, future story.

Okay, maybe it’s not that foolproof, you’ll inevitably jot something down that makes you think:

What the heck was I thinking?

But it does build a list of ideas that you can circle back to and review later.

With a fresh list of writing ideas you’re now equipped to:

• Stave off feelings of days lost when writing isn’t possible.
• Make the days you can write more productive and efficient.
• Constantly seek out moments of inspiration throughout the day.

As I’ve harped on before, the key to successful writing is consistency. Without consistency you won’t: perfect your craft, find your voice, or grow your following.

Using off days to generate a list of ideas enables you to remain consistent, even when you must step away from the keyboard.

Building out writing habits, such as generating ideas on off days, fuels consistency, enabling you to chase the growth you seek.

With growth comes motivation, and with motivation comes inspiration.

Leading you right back to more growth.

Will you remain consistent by using your writing off days to generate ideas? Do you already have a habit in place? What tips do you have to refill the idea funnel? Drop a comment and share how your consistent writing practice enables growth, fuels motivation, and harnesses inspiration.

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