How Did I End Up Here?

It may sound odd, but I found myself unintentionally accumulating a pile of nearly 100 drafts. These range from rough concepts to nearly completed pieces, waiting for the finishing touches. Last year, this overwhelming situation led me to pause my writing altogether. I became fixated on my article statistics—wondering why my pieces weren’t gaining traction or attracting views—which ultimately resulted in burnout.

In an attempt to change my approach, I resolved to ignore my statistics completely. I stopped checking which articles were performing well, how much I was earning, or even looking at any analytics. This decision brought some relief, but I soon realized I also neglected to monitor my progress in terms of published work.

Identifying the Problem

After a bit of self-reflection, I recognized that disorganization had transformed me into a draft collector. My findings were revealing:

1. I wasn't writing as much as I believed.
2. I had a staggering amount of drafts (99, to be precise).
3. A quarter of these drafts were fully written but not yet edited.

P.S.: While drafting this article, I’ve already generated another idea, bringing my total to 100 drafts!

Evaluating Your Draft Situation

To determine if you too are a draft collector, consider the following steps:

1. Count your drafts. If you have over 50, you may be struggling with organization.
2. Log the hours you dedicate to writing each day (let’s say one hour).
3. Estimate your daily word count (perhaps between 600 and 1,000).
4. Calculate how many articles you should produce in a month versus how many you actually complete.

For example, if you write for an hour each day and average 600 words, you can finish a 1,200-word article in just three days, resulting in a minimum of 10 articles per month. If you write 1,000 words daily, you could produce up to 20 articles each month. If your actual output is significantly lower than this, it’s time to reassess what’s hindering your progress.

Strategies for Overcoming the Draft Collector Habit

To break free from being a draft collector, take the following steps:

1. Set Clear Goals: I started with pen and paper, but transitioned to Notion for better organization. It took some time to learn, but it was worth it.
2. Categorize Your Drafts: List your draft titles in four groups:
   • Fully written articles needing only edits.
   • Semi-finished articles that can be completed.
   • Ideas for future articles that require more research.
   • Uncertain articles you might not want to pursue.

Organizing this way can help clarify your next steps.

3. Action Steps: For each category:
   • Group 1: Focus on articles needing editing. Aim to edit a few each day or dedicate specific days to this task.
   • Group 2: Finish semi-finished articles by writing consistently. Don’t leave them incomplete.
   • Group 3: For nearly empty drafts, write them in one go, edit the next day, and publish.
   • Group 4: Delete anything that no longer interests you.
4. Maintain Organization: It’s essential to keep your workspace tidy. Whether using software or traditional methods, find a system that works for you.
5. Time Management: Set a writing schedule that suits your lifestyle. This might mean designating specific days for writing, editing, and research.
6. Establish a Routine: Writing at the same time daily can help trigger a flow state, making it easier to produce content efficiently.
7. Limit Editing Time: Don’t dwell on a single article for too long. Edit each piece a maximum of three times before publishing to avoid overthinking.

Key Takeaway

While this article presents several strategies, the essence of writing is straightforward: identify a topic, write, edit, and publish. By prioritizing these steps and committing to a consistent routine, you can transform your writing journey. Interested in starting your writing career? Grab your free copy of the Beginner's Guide to Writing on Medium. Don’t hesitate to connect with me on Twitter!