Revise with Kindness: 5 Habits for Writers Who Are Hard on Themselves

As I sit here looking at my Love ThySelf Writing Journal deciding what to write, I keep thinking about my novel — and how I need to revise the first 20,000 words and then keep going. I’m reminding myself to be kind: revise with intention, without tearing my work apart.

As a writer, I know words matter. So I’ve learned to enjoy the whole process — from creating the first draft to shaping it through editing.

Here are five writing habits that help me spring forward — and stay kind to myself in the writing process:

1. Practice Love Thyself — know your strengths and embrace them. Be grateful for your writing gift. The Love ThySelf Writing Journal is a beautiful companion for this practice, designed to help you show up for yourself on the page with warmth and grace.
2. Write daily. One way to do this is to schedule your writing time each day.
3. Track your ideas in a way that works for you. For me, Microsoft Word is a steady favorite.
4. Set specific goals. Decide what task you’re working on next, and finish it before you move on. When it comes to mindset and staying focused, the Mind Right Writing Journal is a powerful tool — helping you clear mental clutter and write from a grounded, intentional place.
5. Take breaks. It’s okay to step away, reset, and come back refreshed.

This week, I came across Proverbs 16:24: “Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” It’s a beautiful reminder of the weight words carry — on the page and in my heart. When critique comes, I want to meet it with compassion and kindness so I can spring forward and keep writing. Writing is for the curious, and curiosity takes courage.

What habit will you start this week? Write it down. Your journal is waiting.

Love Thyself — and boldly write.