I‘m not kidding either. For the first time in weeks, it is warm out (about 57 degrees today), and there is actually a field of green grass showing under the bright sun instead of a blinding white. Why would I, or anyone else want to sit inside on the computer on a day like today?
It’s not that I don’t like blogging, or getting to know you guys. It’s all actually very fun to write and interact with everyone who reads my stuff (thanks, by the way).
But today, I don’t know. Today, I just don’t feel like it. But I’m doing it anyways. Talk about commitment, right?
No. I’m not rewarding myself for doing what I am supposed to do; what I promised myself I’d do every day of the week. I’m proud of everything I have accomplished in a year and 2 months here (has it been that long already?), but I’ve learned not to celebrate too much and not become too over zealous about getting my articles ready for the week. I’ll just have to do it all again next week.
As pessimistic sounding as that is, it’s true. I believe that if you get overly cocky about something, that it will eventually turn into something that brings you down the second even the tiniest thing goes wrong. Hence the “I don’t feel like blogging today” crap that is going around.
The above paragraph isn’t a call out for help from me. I’m fine actually, everything is going pretty well for me. And I did lie. I do feel like blogging today.
After a year of blogging on a regular basis (at least 5 times a week), I have learned that it’s not about what I feel like doing anymore; it’s what my community feels like doing.
And when I’m not pushing out content 5 days a week, replying to comments, and coming out with new things to make you happy – you will probably start feeling like you should stop visiting my blog. And I totally understand. I don’t deserve your time if I can’t deliver what I promised I would.
Unfortunately, not everyone has the courage, or even the content to back up a statement like that. Lucky for me, I do, and I do actually care enough to keep pushing out content and new features to improve my blog. Even on those days where I don’t feel like it. And I do have days like that, we all do. No matter how much we tell ourselves we love blogging, it still happens.
Maybe it’s healthy for us as we get the rest we need to keep blogging later; to do nothing and get better. Maybe it’s not, because we will get too accustomed to not working. That’s for you to decide.
But the day where you choose to not update your blog, or miss an important deadline for something is the day you will start losing interest in your blog. A blog is not something you can just let sit and hope for the best, it’s something that needs attention every day.
What do you think starts happening?
I chose to keep this post short compared to the regular behemoth-sized posts you see here so I can get my message across to those of you with a shorter attention span (oh come on, you know I’m only joking! Most people probably stopped reading after I said “I don’t feel like blogging today”).
When you decide you don’t feel like doing something that could have any kind of positive impact on your blog, I want you to come back to this post and read it again. Seriously, bookmark it. Keep it where you can get to it thoughtlessly.
Or, just read this list. I call it the “get you ass in gear or bad things will happen to your blog…list.” Here we go.
The official “get you ass in gear or bad things will happen…list”
- Either get it done now, like you planned – or get it done later when you’re stressed out, have other things to do, and feel like crap for not getting it done when it should have been done.
- Thoughts like “I’ll just get it done later” turn into “F*** that, I don’t want to do it” turn into “I wish I had done that.” Always think “I’ll just do it now” and actually do it so you don’t regret anything later.
- Once you stop doing the things you should and actually have importance to do the things you shouldn’t do with little importance – it will turn into a bad habit. And you will almost never want to do what are most important to you. This goes for blogging, and your life in general.
- If you work on a blog for any period of time and then suddenly stop, then you have just successfully wasted your life. Why do you think people say bloggers waste their life by sitting on the computer for hours? Because they QUIT! Simply stay committed, finish what you started, and never feel like you are wasting your time, and you won’t be wasting your life.
- Remember the goals you set for yourself at the beginning of your blog. What were they? Did you accomplish them? Well, what the hell are you doing doubting yourself? Go get them done!
Okay, that last one wasn’t really a bad thing, but I hope it will serve its purpose: to motivate you. How would you add to my list? If you give me something good, I’ll really add onto it in this article. If we can get a great list going…well, you’ll see.
There is a reason why I represented this post with an image filled with hearts…can you guess the metaphor behind it? Look closely at the image, and all of the details. I’ll be impressed.
The Discussion
Leave a Comment Read Again?Sometimes, I do feel taht way but I know that I need to write so that I could increase my traffic and income.
.-= Palabuzz´s last blog ..The reason why Ruffa Gutierrez walk on the buzz =-.
I think everyone has days where the work gets in the way of the goals and distorts our vision. That is why it is so important to have your goals written down and place in your constant line of sight because whenever you feel lazy or unmotivated you look at your goals and realise that your goals are more important than how you feel at this point in time.
.-= Market Samurai Discount´s last blog ..Cheap Article Writers | $1.60 An Article Interest You? =-.
That’s why you need to keep something – anything around to motivate you. Thanks for dropping by Tom.
Some times I feel the same, but my blogging goals are calling me!
If it;s worm out there then you should go out to refresh your mind
.-= Hesham @ FamousBloggers´s last blog ..Scribe SEO content became the official SEO plugin for FB Guest Blogging Contest =-.
Don’t worry, I did enjoy some sun today.
It’s going to be pretty nice here all week, so I’m glad I got most of my articles all ready over the weekend.
Hats off to you, Alex, for your commitment and love for blogging.
The “I Don’t Feel Like Blogging Today” still happen to me from time to time. But, I just ignore it and force myself to write. Sure, I come up with relatively crappy post. But, I keep my commitment which makes me feel better about myself. This positive mindset will then makes me want to blog more and thus the my positive blogging cycle is created.
.-= Andi | WebMarketerDepot´s last blog ..Do You Want to be a Better Person? =-.
Thanks Andi!
It’s good that you stick to your commitment and all, but is it always the best idea to put crap out? Is it better to sometimes not update rather than update with something that isn’t so great?
I think my point is that I dont wanna get caught up in my mood and stop blogging altogether, cause once I stop, who knows if I’ll ever continue. So, I prefer to come up with ‘relatively crap’ (read: decent and might be boring) posts, rather than not posting at all. Yeah, but I get what you’re saying, publishing shitty posts in your blog might not be that good of an idea ^-^.
.-= Andi | WebMarketerDepot´s last blog ..Do You Want to be a Better Person? =-.
Maybe for the first time in lifetime of Blogussion, I am going to disagree with you (and I am pretty excited about it).
How you is everything. EVERYTHING.
And don’t tell me you are pushing content around, had it been that way – Blogussion’d be this big. You know that, don’t you? Your intent, as far as I can sense, was teaching – not just doing it and sticking to it.
You are worth my time even if you can’t deliver timely but you are not worth my time if you can’t deliver quality. And that’s what you’ve never failed to deliver – QUALITY.
This sounds like Seth Godin’s rant about drag yourself to work anyways. It’s passion, which never needs rest. It’s passion which never needs break and which never gets boring – and it doesn’t come by being sincere but by having fun.
Anyways, you can’t help it Alex, you are too good to write it Seth Godin’s way and you did write better. By the time the official list came, you were back to your happy self. Kinda liked the list, disagreed with post and loved the experience.
As always, happy with what is – still asking for more. Inspired beyond verbal description – of what you’ve achieved. BRILLIANCE! ALIGNMENT and much more.
.-= King Sidharth´s last blog ..How to Judge a Brilliant or Bad Idea? A Bulletproof Way! =-.
PS: It was how you feel is everything.
.-= King Sidharth´s last blog ..How to Judge a Brilliant or Bad Idea? A Bulletproof Way! =-.
I love this King:
I tried to make the point that even though I didn’t feel like writing, I did anyways. Why? Because I love blogging, and it’s my passion; something that never rests or gets a break as you said.
Thanks for the comments dude.
Your passion for blogging and moreover your passion for teaching good shows in every words. That’s what makes me come back again and again. Keep it up and keep us inspired.
.-= King Sidharth´s last blog ..How to Judge a Brilliant or Bad Idea? A Bulletproof Way! =-.
I love this post! Thanks for the official list, what a great motivator to keep writing blog posts!
.-= Shannon O | Confessions of a Loving Wife´s last blog ..Reasons Why I Love My Husband =-.
No problem Shannon, glad you liked it! I had a good time writing it.
Despite you don’t feel like blogging at the moment you wrote the post, the post was so still long and meaningful. Good motivating moves …
Thanks! I wanted to try and give off the impression that I didn’t want to blog…but really, I didn’t mind writing the post. Like I said above – it was fun. Writing all of these posts are fun for me because it allows me to do something I really enjoy – deep thinking. If only more people enjoyed that, right?
Honestly, I am in this hard situation currently. And guess what? I able to create three article from this tough situation — two which i proud of, and one that i may regret later. But anyway, we as blogger can turn of the bad situation become source of post idea.
.-= Dana @ Blogging Update´s last blog ..Write Short, Please! =-.
That’s where the best articles come from Dana…personal experiences. How do you think I came up with the idea of this article? I took it from personal experiences of others, and wrote a blog post about it!
And what are you going to regret with one of your posts later? You should never regret anything you put out onto your blog, you should be excited!
great post alex. Many times I feel the same
.-= Dev | Technshare´s last blog ..SEO – 20 ways to build backlinks =-.
i think all of blogger ever face the situation like this. when passion to blogging is up and down. the only one we need is to take a time to refresh and recharge our mind. keep blogging!
.-= budiono´s last blog ..Blogger: Blogging, Talkshow, Tutorial dan Kopdar =-.
It doesn’t hurt to take a break. I’m a firm believer in relaxing actually! As long as you get the things you WANT to do done, I don’t see how a little downtime can hurt you.
I read your post almost completely. Even if you do not feel like blogging you have created a nice post.
It many a times happen that we get bored but do not worry its just a temporary feeling.
.-= Agent Deepak´s last blog ..Interview with James Richmond – The InfoPreneur =-.
I guess you missed a part – I lied. :p I was actually pretty excited to talk about this topic.
If boredom is the reason for not doing something, then you need to seriously reconsider what you are doing. If it’s your passion you’re blogging about, you will never get bored!
Good to know I’m not the only one that has this weirdo feeling about her blog and her (poor) blogging skills. Nice tips though, I think I’m gonna put them on my background, gotta remember this things sometimes!… indeed… I WILL JUST DO IT NOW!
Thanks! bye!
.-= Lucila´s last blog ..New Year, New Elgg Version! =-.
It’s not that you have bad blogging skills, you just have different, more unique skills. Sure, there will always be things you can do to improve them – but I know I don’t even have to visit your blog to know you’re probably doing a good job. As long as you’re not lying about “doing it now,” I’ll never think otherwise.
Just be a little more optimistic, okay?
Deliver relevant messages to your audience on a consistent basis… whether your talking about advertising or blogging, it’s all the same. You’re on target with this post, Alex. Thanks for writing it today!
.-= Benjamin Zalasky´s last blog ..Reading List: “We Need to Teach Visual Critical Thinking” =-.
That’s all you have to do Ben, nothing else!
And thanks for linking to the post on your blog, appreciate it dude!
No problem, Alex! On another note, I can’t believe I used “your” incorrectly in my comment there… (as a copywriter that sort of stuff gets to me).
.-= Benjamin Zalasky´s last blog ..Why blogging is like training for a marathon… =-.
It happens man, I do it too sometimes. You didn’t have to say anything you know…I never noticed it.
Good post. It’s all about staying focused. Often we all feel like taking a day off, but it’s our drive that pushes us to proceed. It’s strong persistance. I live by one rule: Actions equals results! If you want it, you have to want it badly!
Love your saying there man, it’s actually really motivating. Thanks for dropping by.
I felt the same exact way today but like you I still found something valuable to post. I have found that if I continue to write daily that feeds on itself. When I stop for a day or two it tends to turn into 3 or 4. I am trying to reach the goals I have set 2 months ago and in the blogging world effort and persistence is very important.
.-= Tycoon Blogger´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at =-.
That’s exactly one of the points I make in the article – when you do, or don’t do something, it will start to turn into a habit. So when you enjoy the time you take off from writing a blog post, you probably will want to do it again and again.
I also think too many people get into blogging assume you can make quick money. That’s not what it’s about, and most bloggers who are making money don’t continue to blog for the money. It’s about writing and creating articles you’re passionate about, and communicating with like-minded people who enjoy your posts as well.
.-= Blogger Den´s last blog ..Yet another site to help promote your blog =-.
There’s no such thing as quick money. Any money I and thousands of others have made online was the result of hard work. I hate hearing how “lucky” I am to make money online, as it’s not luck…it’s commitment. But, that’s for another post.
I admire the honesty in this post. I also think that whenever we don’t feel like writing, it is a good idea to just spend time away from the computer. We just have to try to limit this amount of time and stay focused on what we need to do.
.-= Julius´s last blog ..Closed-Circuit Televisions =-.
We need to keep a good balance between our online and offline activities, or we run the risk of becoming burned out.
Nice post. I just wanna share my thoughts about blogging.for me,blogging is really great and fun coz through this you can express your feelings and share your thoughts to others at the same time you meet new friends.And if you posted an interesting topic for sure a lot of people will enjoy reading it.Through blogging you can earn money too.
Rock on, man. Love this post. Sorry to keep it short, but I must go blogging
Get back to UniqueBlog, now.
Yayyy….. Chris! This Post Rocks! B-) It also makes me feel better Alex that 16 year old blogging expert
Sometimes, I feel bored when open up my blog and sometimes, I just want to stop blog. Then, I left my computer and start doing something that don’t require computer like airsoftgun, biking, and cruise the town with car. But, when I go home I just want to blog again, so I think this is not a permanent condition ( my English is very bad :p)
.-= Reza Winandar´s last blog ..This is blog is now Do Follow =-.
As long as you get what you need to done, there’s nothing wrong with whatever else you do I say.
I love my airsoft guns too, once summer hits I think I’ll be doing a lot more of it.
I always feel the same. Maybe i’m not very enjoying my blogging life yet. Usually, i will motivate myself by asking myself “how much effort i have put for my blog before this? Is it worth to give up now?” Then, i will open up my notebook and start writing.
.-= Kok Siong Chen´s last blog ..Anti-angiogenic Therapy to Treat Cancer =-.
Great questions to get you motivated!
Forcing yourself to blog is one of the worst things you can do, this is where the largest percentage of crap comes from.
If you can’t take off 1 2 3 days without quitting forever, then you weren’t meant to be a blogger in the first place…it’s not much harder then that.
.-= Dennis Edell´s last blog ..UPDATED – $100 – 10 Winners – Comment Contest! ‘Till Months End… =-.
It is always a good idea when you are in the mood to write several back up posts to have on hand for those days when the motivation is super low or you just want a day off.
.-= Bradley Davis´s last blog ..Hunting Google With Spearguns In Norway =-.
You’re right! @Bradley Davies
I put up a full scale video blog post weekly at my Traffic TV channel. It’s gets lots of comments, and community is slowly growing.
But I’ve been planning to write every day as well . This has inspired to act. i.e DO IT.
Jonathan
I think I have a good way of making the most of these situations. I really do love what I blog about, but just like everyone, I don’t always feel like actually writing posts. So I don’t.
If I feel inspired, I will write and write and write. I actually wrote up 9 draft posts the other day. That’s my week sorted… Kind of.
When I can’t be bothered, I’ll sit and read for a bit, like I am doing now. I leave some comments, which is great for networking, and it all helps get my brain working. A couple hours reading will often give me 5 new post ideas, which I will write or develop further next time I feel like writing.
For me at least, batching is the way forwrd.
You hit the nail on the head with that one. Even at this moment I’m thinking I should update one of my blogs. Sometimes there’s just not enough info to blog about and there’s so much other things you need to do. Anyway this was good motivation booster post!
Great post mate! I feel so exicited and inspired about all you said. Atimes i feel updating my blog and all of a sudden i wouldn’t do it again and i will just forget about it,and its similar to what you said.
Now i have learnt something from what you said and i will surely put it to work immediately!
Alex, I like your list. My “I’ll do it later”‘s almost always never get done. When I am not feeling in the mood to get things done I try to remind myself of the benefits and rewards if I do it. Also I frequently evaluate the tasks I am doing to see if they are really adding value to my business. Great post!
Yes, Alex – you obviously did lie. I know I obviously don’t know you – but from seeing your posts and looking at the style you write it – I think about anyone online will love reading your posts. The read just like anyone would want it to read like. I can thus make out that – in times when you don’t really know what to “blog” or “don’t feel like blogging” at a specific day – oh wow you will still come up wit a post up here – informative, exciting and yet relating to anyone. So I take it you DO LIKE WRITING?
There are many times in our busy schedule when we don’t think about the work at all due to various reasons like the one you added up above for the very good atmosphere, or on any rainy day or even if there is no reason at all…but sometimes we have to forget these changes or ignore ourselves and keep moving ahead with the plans we have suggested for ourselves…:)
I have this too sometimes – I just started a new blog for our company and sometimes I just don’t want to write. However this usualy goes away quickly and my motivation is back.
Hmm..Good try..Some times me too feel like taking a day off to blogging…But i cant..;)
Mostly people are in blogging every day, want to relax themselves. They can’t keep quite atleast for an hour.
Rock on, man. Love this post. try to give lot more in the future.
I love this post! Thanks for the official list, what a great motivator to keep writing blog posts.
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