I like NaNoWriMo for these same reasons. None of my novels have even really been completed. I have a YA novel I have been working on since 2014 that started as a NaNoWriMo project. It's got a critical problem or two. I will eventually finish it. It's just not a huge priority right now.

Your observation about 1667 words a day not seeming like so much rings true. Since being active on Medium, I have been reliably posting at least two new essays a week. My challenge is not writing a lot of words, but in learning to keep it brief. I know I am costing myself readership by the 7+ minute reads, but I am just meticulous like that. If I have a point to make, I make it well. I don't resent people who don't want to slog through it. It is what it is.

Oh, and WTG on having a Halloween b-day! My birthday is Oct 11th. October is the absolute best month to have a birthday. Know what's worst? December. My youngest sister was born Dec 27th, and people are always giving her one "combo" present for Xmas/B-Day. She hates that.

Have a great day, and good luck in November!