Hey, NaNoWriMo Warriors! The final week is upon us. You’re so close to the finish line you can almost taste the victory and the turkey. We’ve been your motivation squad, cheering you on with tips for getting out of that NaNoWriMo slump and reasons to not give up. But what if your motivation is still crawling along at a snail’s pace? Don’t worry—we’ve got your back.

Here are 5 ways to keep writing, even when you’re unmotivated:

1. Rise and shine

If you’re waiting for motivation to strike at noon, you might be waiting forever. The key is to write when you’re most energized—right after you wake up! Get your words in first thing, before you dive into social media or the latest breaking news (because we all know how that goes). This will help you stay focused and get those words down when your willpower is still strong, and your coffee is still hot.

2. Join the gang

Writing doesn’t have to be a solo sport. Find your writing tribe, whether it’s a NaNoWriMo group, online writing buddies, or just a few friends who can talk you off the ledge when you’re ready to quit. Writing sprints are super motivating, and the sense of community can keep you accountable. Whether you’re sprinting in the digital world or IRL, don’t underestimate the power of shared misery (er, I mean, support)!

3. Jot down a few of your favorite things

You know what gets your creative juices flowing? Remembering what made you fall in love with your story in the first place. Take a moment to write down all the things you adore about your manuscript—your killer characters, the plot twists that still make you giddy, that one scene you’re obsessed with. Make a playlist of tunes that match the vibe of your story and create a Pinterest board of your book’s aesthetic. Then, boom—you’re back in the writing zone, no sweat.

4. Compromise

NaNoWriMo isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, scale back your daily word count goal. It’s better to hit a smaller goal consistently than to burn out by trying to write 2,000 words when your brain is a mushy pile of stress. And remember, your manuscript is a living thing. Got a scene that drags? Forget it. Not feeling a character? Cut ‘em. It’s your manuscript, so write what you’d enjoy reading.

5. Think lovely thoughts

Let’s be real: sometimes you just need a little external pep talk. Scrolling through Twitter or Pinterest for NaNoWriMo motivation posts can help boost your spirits. Or read a blog post (like this one!) to remind yourself why you started this crazy challenge in the first place. Celebrate your wins, even if it’s just hitting your word count goal for the day. You’re not just writing a book—you’re making progress toward your dream.

Conclusion

Winning NaNoWriMo isn’t about perfect writing—it’s about mind over matter. Even when the words aren’t flowing or the plot feels like quicksand, just remember: You can do this. You’ve already come this far. Sure, there are bumps in the road, but that’s what makes the victory taste so sweet. Keep pushing, keep writing, and before you know it, you’ll be typing “THE END” and raising a toast to your creative genius.Still feeling stuck? We’ve got your back. Check out our top troubleshooting strategies for NaNoWriMo here.