Creative Fuel And Blogging Productivity? Sure!
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If you noticed, my last post was on the 26th of August. Yep, that’s 7 days ago. Nope, I didn’t go on vacation, and nothing was wrong with my hosting or anything, it was all right there working real fine, waiting for me to write something insightful, inspiring, meaningful and thought provoking.
I’ve been trying to write this post for the last 3-4 days (didn’t work, obviously), but I finally thought I’d just write something and hit publish. And not really try to write the best post I can, but just write.
I probably wrote over 40 or 50 posts on productivity, time-management and similar topics over the last 6 months, but even the best advices in the world didn’t help me this week, not even my own advices. That’s something, heh? :)
So, What’s Going On?
To be totally honest, I’m not sure. Some blogs can get away with posting once a week, or even every 2 weeks, but I think you guyz are used to me posting almost daily on SWR.
Although I haven’t posted anything since a week, I still learned a lot, and I’ve been reading and also writing on my other blog, Freelance Folder (which is doing extremely good for a 6 weeks old blog by the way).
So, I’ve been thinking (too much maybe! :) ), reading, observing, analyzing, commenting, networking, e-mailing, designing, writing on Freelance Folder, but still couldn’t write on SWR. Not because I didn’t have time, I had plenty of time.
It was a really frustrating experience (and it still is), I couldn’t even write a post to tell you guyz I was taking a couple of days off, couldn’t do it, and still have no idea why (In fact, I had no idea it was gonna take a week), but I guess you could consider this post as being a “sorry-for-being-silent-folks” post.
Fake It Till You Make It?
I’ve heard (and read) that a lot of bloggers (amateurs and pro-bloggers) apply the “fake it till you make it” method. Not for me. Not that I haven’t tried that, but it hurt more than it helped. Definitely not for me.
How can you learn from your mistakes, if you’re faking the whole thing, hoping you’ll “make it” eventually?
What’s Next Then?
A blog, isn’t that supposed to be a place where you can let your imagination run free and be creative, and write about what you know (and about what you don’t know for some) and connect with like-minded people, engage in discussions, start conversations, share ideas?
Yes! And that’s exactly what I want to do. But can I achieve that (I’m really a perfectionist) with this blog?
I think I did already achieved some success with this blog. I wrote 257 posts on SmartWealthyRich so far, got 3872 comments (as I’m typing this), a Technorati rank in the 3,500 range (whatever that means).
But the best part is I met so many nice people, it’s crazy, Liz, Phil, Anthony, Shane, Aaron, Robin, Dawud, Adam, Dave, Christine, David, Nate, Ben, Ian, and the list goes on and on. I learned a lot from all of you (and I plan on learning more), a huge thanks for challenging me and making me better with every post you write.
Question: How can you meet so many cool people in such a short period of time?
Answer: start a blog! :)
So, what’s next? Why wasn’t I able to write something?
I have no idea (yet), and that’s fine. I guess I like spontaneity.
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What’s next is easy . . . honest it is! Email me! I think you just wrote the post I needed to hear.
Hi Jon,
It’s amazing the people you can connect with through a blog, isn’t it? It’s my pleasure to have crossed your path, and if you ever feel like a chat, Skype me up.
Bye for now.
Jon, your honesty is very refreshing. And, with all the ideas you have, your creativity will stir.
Liz, thank you sooo much, you’re always to help me out when I’m stuck, I owe you so much! :)
David, thanks so much for the support, will definitely hit you up on Skype soon.
Robyn, wow that feels good to hear! ;)
Jonathan,
You’re one of my favorite Internet peeps, and I can’t wait to shake your hand and hang out!
As far as not writing, I can empathize because I have been procrastinating on one of my other sites, The Information Underload, for the last several weeks. I love the site and I even have ideas to post about, but I just keep putting it off.
For me, breaking through writer’s block or even a creativity dry spell requires one thing - writing! Even if I’m not writing a post that I intend to publish, just putting my fingers to the keys gets the creative juices - and the motivation - cranking.
Don’t worry, Jonathan - I get the feeling that the people who like your blog aren’t going to jump ship after a week or two of quiet time! :)
Hey Aaron, thanx a lot buddy! So when are we going for that beer? ;)
wow, I,m really amazed by the response to my post, seriously I wasn’t expecting all of you folks to reply! that’s so cool! :)
i also empathize. writing something interesting and useful on a regular basis is way harder than anyone gives you credit for.
“how can you meet so many cool people in such a short time, start a blog”
haha so true. just swinging by to read a few motivating posts. thanks jon!
-bryan
Just take a deep breath Jon, and relax . A change of pace is often a good thing. Fresh ideas will soon be flowing freely, like a wellspring!
Sometimes I have to take a step back to see the big picture, to relax, then realize that I’m now better prepared to move forward again!
By the way… You do a great job!
Hi goyin, you’re absolutely right, but still it’s worth writing even if no one is reading, I realized I have to write for myself and not for everyone else, usually that works fine (seems it worked for this post) ;)
Bryan, hehe thanx bro, I’m not sure if that post was motivating, but I guess it was ;)
Daniel, thanks a lot! “a change of pace” that sounds goood to me. i tried to take a step back last week, but there was something I had to figure, which I’m not sure what it is yet, but I’m getting there.
You can’t learn from your mistakes, if you don’t make any :)
I agree with Aaron Jon: We’re not going anywhere. In fact, you may have just allowed folks to catch up with all their back readings of what you’ve been writing.
Welcome (almost) back! Here’s to whatever is next for you :)
I am right there with you Jon….being blocked is very frustrating.
breathe in….breathe out
a blog is a great way of meeting new people and bloggers. glad that I came across your blog and your knowledge
thanks for helping and throwing a helping hand when needed.
keep up the great work!
Hey Phil, thanks a lot, I really appreciate it. ;)
Adam, it is very frustrating, I guess best way to beat that is to write. anything.
Hi Ian, I’m always happy to help! Thanks for the encouraging words bro!
Jonathan,
It was worth the wait, for me anyway.
There little that’s more comforting and reassuring than learning that a fellow human is attempting to overcome the same obstacles that many of us face.
What’s better than that is when some like yourself puts it all out there for the world to see.
Thanks for that.
David
Jon,
Glad to see you’re back.
haha weird post…kind of interesting. looking foward to your normal posts though :)
What’s next? Another 257 posts hopefully! :P
David, that feels sooo good to hear!
Liz told me “blog your experience”, I guess that’s what I did :)
Steven, I’m still there! :) FF is doing pretty good, I’m not sure yet what is going on with me and SWR though, it’s definitely not the lack of interest. I’m so happy all of you took the time to reply, that means a lot to me! :)
Hi Shaun, hehe thanx! but what if that was my “normal post”? :)
David, totally, I don’t wanna stop there, I still have a lot to say, it’s not that I’m runnig out of ideas, I’m still trying to figure things out, but all your comments definitely help!
Jon,
You do an awesome job with both SWR and FF. I’ve often wondered how you’re able to keep so much going simultaneously……..nothing wrong with taking a breather every now and then.
Give more posts!!
Thanks for the mention buddy, you are the really really nice guy I have met while blogging. I owe you a lot, you helped me with my site. When I was out there begging for traffic, you kept my spirits up.
You are honest, creative, modest and always willing to help, I never imagined I could meet great folks like you while blogging. Thanks for being there for me mate.
Take care and cheers
Hey Anthony, thanks so much! ;)
Honestlly I’m not sure myself how I manage to keep up, but that’s not the problem, I always have time to blog, and I always want to blog more. In fact I’ve been writing many many posts for FF and other blogs (guest posts coming soon). I’m wondering if it would be because SWR is not focused enough, maybe that’s why, but then SWR is kinda like a “personal blog”. I’m getting there, will surely find soon. Just gotta write what I know and my experiences :)
Blogs for money, yep, I know!
Robin, that means a lot to me bro! thanks for the encouraging words!!!
Hi Jon,
Maybe you keep thinking what to write for you blog on your mind. Sometimes we may not have all idea when we look at the computer screen. Try not to think it always, if you suddenly have idea on mind, try to record it some related idea on your notebook or mobile phone that can jot down your words.
I was so glad to StumbleUpon your post today. I think everyone feels this way a lot…most people just aren’t open enough to let everyone know about it. I admire you for that immensely! I have to tell you I subscribed to your feed halfway through reading the post, and as I was getting close to the end, I was getting a little scared that you were giving up on this blog…just my luck, I find someone I really want to read and I’m too late…so glad that isn’t the case! I look forward to reading more from you!
Hey Jonathan, thanks for the mention (of course I’m going to come comment when you mention me by name!). Meeting you at SOBCon was one of the highlights, for sure.
I agree completely, too, with your statement about “How can you meet so many cool people in such a short period of time? Start a blog! :) ” How true.
Oh, almost forgot — how is it that I see your face on every single MyBlogLog on every single site I go to?
You’re amazing!
Louiss, good advice, I often leave messages on my own voicemail for further reference, and it works pretty good
:)
Hi Dana, wow thank you so much! I look forward to knowing more about you (really a nice blog and design company you have) :)
Adam, haha, I don’t know about the mybloglog thing, but I guess I visit many blogs, maybe we happen to visit the same blogs ;)
Sometimes you need some time to put together your thoughts…It may take a day, a week, or longer. As long as you come back you will be stronger - as a person and a blogger!! Keep up the great work!
-Gregg
Pretty good recovery! I’m still learning, but someday I may have something to teach you as well.
Jon
You’ve been tagged for the “Does Most Leadership Suck Challenge”. Check the link for details.
Take care…
JWM
Gregg, thanks so much bro! :)
Hey Jay, you surely know some things I don’t know, and vice-versa, that’s what blogging is about, sharing knowledge. ;)
John, thanx a bunch, got it!
Taking a break is essential…I take time out each day to keep the habit going…
Thanks for the reminder!
Greg Provance
www.ChangeStartsToday.com
Hi Jonathan,
After Priscilla Palmer’s self development list Jenny and I have decided to try to help build the self development community. So we are holding a little contest. I would like to invite you, and anyone else interested, to find out more details at Win a $25 Gift Certificate.
Jon,
I recently just had a similar situation. I just came back from a hiatus on my own blog. I think I just found a solution that works for me. I wish you all the luck finding the proper solution to your dilemma. I know when you come back again your post will be awesome as always.
-Andrew-
Hi Greg, thanks for leaving a comment, I’m happy you liked the post, I’m feeling much better now, especially after reading all your comments :)
Erin, that’s great, will have a look into it right now.
Andrew, thanks so much! Feeling much better now, got some posts almost ready to go live ;)
Jon,
And just after i had concluded you were superhuman you skipped a week of posts…. You are really awesome…. keep it up!
Looking forward to hearing the album sometime soon too!
Jon, you are one of the most honest bloggers I saw ever! Your writings are useful and admired b all the readers! I wish I could meet you face to face….Keep the nice work man and congratulations for your impressive success..
Jon - we all go through those times when the words won’t come.
I’ve been told the thing to do is get up and walk away until you feel like you can. That’s exactly what you did :)
All the Best to you,
Heather
Hey Dave, hehe, well even superhumans need breaks sometimes lol
Album is coming (will eventually be blogging from a tour bus, that should be cool)! :)
Michael, wow thanks so much! ;D
Heather, thanks for the encouraging words! :)
Hey my friend, I know that feeling all too well. I have almost quit blogging several times. Each time I did, I wrote a no holds barred post about why and the real heartache in my personal life. Then, I got so many truly caring comments from friends throughout the blogosphere, I decided to stick around.
The greatest thing to me about blogging are the fantastic people you meet here. I have friends from just about every continent from around the globe. That is absolutely amazing. Blogging is bringing this world closer. You might not see it as a major news story but it is having a major effect.
One day, when world leaders want to have a war, perhaps they’ll find out that were all friends and call the whole thing off! Wouldn’t that be something?
Inspirational ! Keep up the good work going on thats what i can say