What’s up, writers! Still hanging in there for NaNoWriMo? Last time, we were discussing the slump some of us fall in as we approach the muddled middle of November. By now, most of us have battled through writer’s block, that creeping guilt about holiday shopping, and possibly our fifth attempt at writing the perfect “first sentence.” But you’re still here, right? Good! Because now is definitely not the time to quit.

Here are 5 reasons why you shouldn’t give up on NaNoWriMo—even if you’ve hit a wall and the word count feels more like a mountain:

1. Break the habit

Here’s a little secret: quitting is a habit. Yup. The more you do it, the easier it gets. And if you’re trying to finish your first novel, trust, you don’t want quitting to become your default response. Every day you push through the tough days (and let’s face it, there will be some), you build resilience. That’s what real writers do. So don’t let this be the year you back out! Even if it’s just 100 words today, it’s still progress.

2. Gain support

We get it. NaNoWriMo can feel like a lonely venture, especially when the kids are asking about Thanksgiving dinner and your cat is definitely judging your plot. But here’s the thing: there’s a whole world of writers out there facing the same struggles. By sticking with NaNoWriMo, you’ll connect with critique partners, beta readers, and people who understand what you’re going through. You might even find your future writing BFF. So find your tribe online or in person, and let them cheer you on—because you’re gonna need it!

3. Build discipline

Do you struggle with time management? Can’t seem to get your daily goals to stick? NaNoWriMo is a great writing hack for life. By writing daily, you’re cultivating habits that go way beyond your manuscript. Whether you’re setting goals for your health, finances, or even organizing your sock drawer, NaNoWriMo helps you stay disciplined. The more you practice writing every day, the easier it becomes to tackle other big goals. Who knew a 50k-word novel would make you a time-management guru?

4. Overcome perfectionism

Look, we all want our writing to be perfect. But guess what? Perfectionism is a productivity killer—and NaNoWriMo is the antidote. With 50,000 words to churn out in just 30 days, you don’t have the luxury of agonizing over every sentence. So, let go of those pesky inner critics and give yourself permission to write badly. Because guess what? You can always revise later. For now, just get those words on the page. The rest can wait.

5. Seize the moment

Let’s be honest—life isn’t going to slow down. The holidays are coming, your email inbox is a disaster, and your dog is definitely going to step on your laptop keyboard. But participating in NaNoWriMo is your chance to prioritize yourself and your writing. Writing doesn’t always fit neatly into your schedule, so now is the time to focus on what matters. If not now, then when? Don’t let another year pass without finishing that novel. You’ve got a story to tell, and NaNoWriMo is the best time to start.

Conclusion

Quitting is a major NaNoWriMo no-no. If you’re feeling like it’s all downhill from here, remember that everyone hits a rough patch. NaNoWriMo is supposed to challenge you, not break you. If you keep pushing forward, you’ll emerge with not only a finished manuscript but also some serious writing chops. So get back to that novel! And if you’re still feeling stuck, check out our 5 tips for overcoming NaNoWriMo slumps here.