There’s so much noise out there about the “right” way to write, create, and build a business. Most of it assumes unlimited energy, perfect health, and a complete lack of real-life interruptions. That’s not my world. It’s probably not yours, either.
If you’re disabled, neurodivergent, or living with chronic pain, you already know: “shoulds” don’t work. Trying to force yourself into someone else’s process leads to burnout, shame, or just giving up.
Your Process Should Fit You
For years, I tried to work like “normal” writers, up early, long sessions, strict word counts, elaborate routines. I thought discipline would make me successful. All it made me was miserable (and in more pain). Real progress happened when I started designing my workflow around my actual, changing body, not an imaginary ideal. One concrete adaptation I made was switching to shorter writing sessions. Instead of pushing through fatigue, I began setting a timer for 50-minute sessions, with about 10-minute rest breaks in between. This not only prevented burnout but also helped me maintain consistency without exacerbating my pain levels.
What “Adapting” Looks Like for Me
- Flexible routines: Some weeks I batch, some weeks I rest more. My daily “ideal” is whatever doesn’t leave me exhausted or in a pain spiral.
- Listening to my body: If my back needs a day off, the work waits. If I have extra energy, I might ride the wave and get ahead, but I don’t punish myself when I can’t.
- Creative from bed: Most of my blog posts, newsletters, and outlines happen from a lap desk and my trusty Chromebook. This isn’t a workaround, it’s my workflow.
- Redefining productivity: For me, showing up gently, finishing what I can, and stopping before I crash is a win. Some weeks, “done” looks different, and that’s okay.
The Danger of Comparison
It’s easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing, especially when their process is built for bodies or brains that work differently than yours.
If you find yourself comparing, try this:
- Ask, “Would that process even work with my life, my health, my obligations?”
- If not, it’s not your standard. Full stop.
You Don’t Owe Anyone Their Ideal
The only process you “owe” is the one that lets you keep writing, creating, and building your dream in a way you can actually sustain. It doesn’t need to look pretty, or “normal,” or impressive. It needs to work for you, because your body, your brain, and your life are already enough.
Remember, adapting is a testament to your resilience and strength. Embracing your unique way of working is an act of self-compassion that allows you to move forward with kindness toward yourself.
Gentle Invitation
If you’re struggling to fit into someone else’s creative process, take a breath. Ask yourself what would actually work for you today, this week, this season, and give yourself the permission to adapt, to rest, and to design your Dreamspace on your terms. I invite you to share your own adaptations or struggles with others, fostering a community of mutual support and understanding. By connecting, we can learn and grow together, finding strength in shared experiences.
You’re building something real. Let your process be real, too.
