Awakening from The Matrix
Unplugging from the Internet for as little as two days can change your perspective.
A mere 48 hours spent fully immersed in the world of the living will show you what you’ve been missing.
My own blogging black-out made it very clear how much of my life I’ve been missing and how far I’ve deviated from my original reasons for blogging.
The blogging dilemma
Are people always asking you if you’re making money with all this writing?
How do you answer them? Is it with a sheepish, “No, not yet…..”
Is the follow up question always the same, “Why are you doing it then?”
Do you cringe when you reply, “I love writing and I know that eventually I will make money at it.”
“But, you’re always tired and stressed out and complaining that you have so much to do. How can you love that?”
How do you defend yourself when confronted with this truth?
When blogging backfires
Did you start your blog because you had a unique message you wanted to share with the world by writing a book?
Once you began blogging did you find that you had to devote so much time to it, and all the peripheral tasks that go along with blogging (reading other blogs, commenting on other blogs, responding to comments on your blog, guest posting, social networking, and contributing to other blogs, etc.) that you ran out of steam when it came to writing your book?
Being off the Internet for nearly 48 hours allowed me to see that I’ve been draining my creative juices by using all my spare time to blog instead of to write my book. There are only so many hours in a day, especially if you still work full time.
My time away made it clear that I need to cut back on my online presence. I realized I’ve been living on “overwhelm mode” for more than a year due to all the pressure I put myself under.
The glorious feeling of being away from email.
My internet black out came about because of a short business trip I took this week. I interacted with my colleagues and had a marvelous time fully immersed in the real world.
I found that:
- Being off the Internet keeps you fully present.
- While in Internet black out mode your mind doesn’t drift back to how many posts you still need to read and comment on, or how you should be tinkering with your blog in this way, or that.
- You’re completely dedicated to listening and engaging in conversation with your fellow human beings.
- Going off the grid is freeing.
- You might even enjoy yourself so much that the thought of coming back online again might actually make you feel a bit down.
Blogging overwhelm
Several of my dearest blogging colleagues have pulled back from the Internet in varying ways. Some have withdrawn from this world all together, and others have exited from Facebook. Others have turned off the comments section of their blogs and others expressed their feelings in blog posts.
Blogging overwhelm can be managed
Unplugging from the Internet helped me to see that the world would not collapse if I stopped blogging, and that my blog would survive too.
It has made me aware of how I’ve neglected my life and relationships too.
My time away has also shown me that I need to get back on track and make writing my book my priority again. If I’m going to make money with my blog I need to create a product for it.
It’s time to find that often elusive thing called “work life balance” again, and to get my priorities straight.
I’m going to tackle my blogging overwhelm by reducing the time I spend on all the peripheral tasks that go along with blogging.
Here’s what I suggest doing if you feel that blogging has backfired in your life too:
1. Don’t be a slave to your email. Don’t sync your email up to your smart phone. You’ll never unplug from the internet unless you do this first.
2. Unsubscribe from all subscriptions you no longer read – or mark them as spam so they no longer come to your in-box. You can’t afford to be distracted by all the catchy headlines.
3. Do whatever work you need to do first before opening your email. Email diverts your attention from your to-do list with the force of a tractor beam. (So, sue me – I’m a Trekkie)
4. Reduce the number of blogs posts you comment on weekly. You can still comment on other people’s blogs – just not on every post they write.
5. Support your fellow blogger by Tweeting their post instead of commenting. Help spread the word about their great content in a way that’s effective and more time efficient.
6. Go on Facebook only once per day. Don’t spend more than an hour a day on FB. Turn off the FB email notifications preference. It only creates more email that you have to read – and pulls you back onto FB to comment on the comments….etc. Facebook is like a Venus Flytrap. If you get to close – watch out – you’re not getting out alive.
7. Go off the grid for at least two days per week. No email, or Facebook, or blogging. Just live in the real world for those two days each week. This way you’ll come back refreshed with renewed enthusiasm for your online goals. You’ll also have time for a life – and for writing that book too.
If you don’t see me online quite as often going forward – please know I still care. It’s just that I need to nurture the book that’s been starved of my attention for the last year.
How has blogging backfired and impacted your “real” life? Have you found it all consuming, or have you been able to manage keeping your life in balance? Do you plan to change anything you’ve been doing so far?
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Before you go I want to mention that I’m a member of the A-List Blogging Club. When I first started blogging in 2008 I was overwhelmed and totally clueless about the process. The only people who read my blog were my friends and I gave up after 5 months!
In January 2010 I started PBI and found A-List Blogging Boot Camps. I did my first boot camp in February and what a difference my blogging experience has been. I learned so much and as you can see I did not give up.
I’d been a fan of Leo Babauta’s blog, Zen Habits, since my first “failed” blog, so when I got an email telling me about the A-List Blogging bootcamp I knew this time I had to take action to save this blog from failure too. I could tell from Leo’s blog that he was honest and genuine and that the course wouldn’t be a waste of money like so many are. So, I trusted my intuition and jumped with both feet into the first bootcamp and – thank goodness I did!
Do yourself a favor if you’re a new blogger don’t struggle alone like I did. Take a look – just click on the links here on PBI. The information you’ll gain through the clubs, not to mention the friendships you’ll make, is invaluable and worth every penny and more. Mary Jaksch runs the blogging club and she is so helpful and a wealth of knowledge – don’t miss this opportunity. Your blog will thank you – I promise!
P.S. – A new bootcamp begins this Friday and doors close on enrollment this Thursday Feb. 24th so don’t wait!
If you have any questions don’t hesitate to email me at: Ange.Artemis@gmail.com anytime.
Comments
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WOW Angela – brilliant pearls of wisdom! You Rock! and so does this post.
I changed my online habits a couple of months ago, because I felt unbalanced. My time online was bigger than anything else and I felt I was only showing up a mere 1% in the rest of life. I didn’t have strategy for balancing my online habits – so unfortunately I come across more erratic as my online activity is unstructured. Your suggestions are perfect – I can see how I can use them to create more of a system and not be so inconsistent.
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!
Hi Aileen,
I was feeling the same way – unbalanced. I didn’t have a strategy either – until now. I’m doing less of the social media stuff and focusing on my writing. Thanks Aileen – It feels more like common sense than brilliance though!
Hello Angela,
To me it’s just focusing on what you really want and going for it. Of course you need the awareness to understand what you REALLY want and the courage (boundaries, saying no, risking appearing foolish etc) to follow that uncomfortable path rather than staying in a life limiting rut. Wish you best.
Riley
Hi Riley,
It’s nice to meet you. I agree it is about knowing what you really want focusing on that. Once you’re able to determine what you want out of blogging then you can deal much more easily with the peripheral things that blogging entails. Thanks so much for coming by and sharing your comments with us.
Thanks Angela for all your hearty tips.
As you know, I am currently writing a blog post every day in the month of February – and a couple of days ago it all began to feel like a chore!
But taking sometime over this weekend has helped.
And next weekend, I too will be having an online blackout – thanks for the much needed encouragement:-)
Hi Arvind,
I cannot even imagine how you’re writing a post for 28 days in a row!! I think you must have gotten a blood transfusion from Superman!
I’m glad you took some time away. I am not missing the time I took back from FB. What a huge black hole that is!
You’re going to have one awesome ebook for your subscribers with all those terrific posts on Love though!
I’d like an autographed copy please!
Blogging is beginning to feel less like writing and more like slogging through a mucky swamp.
Every time I step away from my keyboard, 100 e-mails greet me on return ~ new comments, new posts, new ideas.
It’s time for a change. Thanks for your insights.
Hi Nancy,
It’s a pleasure meeting you.
I feel your pain! Yes, I have the same problem with email overload. I end up deleting so many – it’s the only way to move forward.
I’m glad you’re going to make some changes. Charlotte left a comment before you absolutely loved – she doesn’t go on the internet or check her emails in the morning. She writes first – I think this is the answer! Before I had internet access and email – I wrote all the time! Now, it’s a huge impediment and distraction.
Good luck! Please let me know how you’re doing.
This is so thought provoking and timely for me, Angela, thank you. Its so funny how I feel the strong need to post three times a week, even though my blog is laden with enough posts to keep anyone busy for hours. Still, I fight the obsession to keep posting…I think because its familiar. Writing the next novel dips me into the unknown. The scary unknown.
I have been successful at one of your recommendations, which is not looking at email first thing in the morning. Instead, I pray, meditate, and then write before I hit the internet. Makes a huge difference! I’m going to take some of your other suggestions to heart as well.
Hi Charlotte,
I love blogging but I feel it has contributed to my not writing my book – in other words it has backfired! I agree writing a book is a big scary unknown. Where with blog posts their short and the gratification is immediate, especially if readers find your writing useful.
I think not turning on the computer – or at least not the internet or email first thing in the morning is a terrific idea! I’m glad to hear about your routine. That’s what I need to do – Thank you for sharing that with me.
You know I’ve been tempted to start a blog of my own so thanks for this. Just wonder where you find the time. You have come so far in just a few months. Congratulations.
Hi Angela,
This is such a powerful post, that raises so many questions and important dialogue for all of us to slowly digest….
I have felt the same lately. I recently wrote a post about it, and about my commitment to turn off my media at least 24 hours every week…along with my entire family.
As much as I love the people I have met online, there is absolutely no substitude for the “real world” and the face to face relationships that we must all nurture and grow.
I enjoy your posts, and it is so nice to know we all respect and support each other in healthy ways.
My best to you, as you embark on the journey of the new book! Exciting stuff!!!
Love,
Jen
Hi Jen,
Thank you so much for understanding and your support. I feel that after a year living on the blogosphere that it’s important to get back in touch with the real world. I also agree that it’s the people we’ve met online that have drawn us back over and over again.
I’m glad you’re pulling away at least 24 hours a week to spend with your family – it’s so important for them to have your undivided attention.
Thank you for your good wishes for me and about the book. I fear with all the good wishes about the book – I’ll never live up to the expectations – oh dear what have I done?
Hi Angela,
I love what you’ve presented here, and I love the comments..
Honesty is essential..
I ‘accidentally’ pulled back my online presence when I hosted guests on my boat for one month over the holidays. I used to write and do my online activities around my full time job and time with my children and friends..I had a choice to ignore my guests (*grin*) or be mindfully present with them. I chose mindfully present.
What happened to my online connections boggles my mind..my heart connections deepened, my subscriptions almost doubled. Instead of reading every site possible, the ones I did read I was able to process and apply. The quality of my own work magnified. So..I do think it is about quality not quantity.
Now that I am *back*, it is awesome..I use what I learn online to create in my life, and what I create in my life to create online. I don’t think it’s a choice of one or the other, it’s how do we choose to use it..
Each of our books are moments away..We choose where to invest our energy, and I think, in general, often when we get close to a dream, we allow our energy to be diverted instead of our dreams to become reality. I’m glad you’re refocusing..I look forward to your book!
As I read the comments, I am reminded of this truth..our blogs are not targeted toward other bloggers, they are targeted to mainstream world..Our hearts may be drawn to fellow bloggers and there are myriad ways to connect and nurture those connections:) There are so many bloggers who inspire me and enrich my life..not enough hours in the day to read each article..but many different ways to promote their work and let them know they matter.
Thank you for all that you share!
Hi Joy,
It’s so nice to see you again. Ah, I was wondering where you’d been. Houseguests – that’s fun but it can be a lot of work too.
I think I’ve learned in the last year that blogging is not the “target” as you say either. It’s wonderful knowing all these bloggers, but I too wish to reach some non-bloggers! Where are they? Is it only bloggers who read blogs? Are we all artificially sustaining each others blogs by going around and commenting? Hmmm? I wonder what would happen if we all just stopped. Would we have any commentors at all?
I can’t wait to read your book too Joy. I’m going to be keeping a “lowish” profile until mine is done. Thank you so much for your understanding and support and friendship.
Hi, Angela,
Well, look at you with all these comments, each of which you have replied to thoughtfully and at length. You make each person feel special, and I think you believe they are. What was it Maya Angelou said? “People won’t remember what you said to them or did, but they will always remember how you feel.” Something like that anyhow.
I have been thinking about you this week as well. I think we may have worked together before.
In any event, this is just a splendid blog and very timely. We are one-and-a-half months into the new year. People are finding out that blogging isn’t as easy as it looks (including me 🙂 and are feeling guilty about wanting to slow down when they started out with such a burst. I did – postaday. What was I thinking? Then I started a second blog because of all the news items I receive daily and didn’t want to waste them all (besides some of them are sooo interesting).
So I just had to slow down or go crazy. I opted for postaweek instead of postaday. I feel much better. I’m actually averaging, between the two blogs, about two a week. I don’t mind doing more, but I sure don’t want to do less than my goal.
Thank you for being so understanding and caring. With all that positive energy going for you, I wouldn’t be surprised if your blog is Freshly Pressed 🙂
Sandra
Dang, that Maya Angelou quote is “…they will always remember how you make them feel.”
It’s a beautiful quote Sandra! Thank you for sharing it with us here.
Sandra,
You’re so sweet and supportive. Yes, you were so kind to post my article about Psychic Detectives on your blog, remember?
I love all the people I meet through blogging. It reminds me of how much I loved having Pen Pals when I was growing up.
If it weren’t for the people I would have thrown in the towel a while ago, but it’s more than a year later and I’m still here.
I’m glad you slowed down – we can’t have you burn out and leave us! Oh my goodness, you started another blog? Whaaaat? You’re really ambitious. (Although I must confess I’ve been toying with that idea too – please shoot me to put me out of my misery! I own another URL: Continuation of Consciousness and I’ve been thinking of making that one strictly about mediumship.) I’m too overwhelmed at the moment to go for it though.
Thank you for the lovely compliment Sandra – although I don’t know what “freshly pressed” is – but it sounds great!
Anyway,
Hi Angela,
Your posts are always so timely. I’ve been on a little hiatus as I helped my parents move in, helped my son finish with college applications, worked extra hours and tried to keep up with all the home activities! I think I need to do this a little more often. Esp because, as you so apply put it, we’re not being paid quite yet!!
Thanks for another great post Angela!
Betsy,
I’m glad you found the article timely. It sounds like you’ve been real busy with family stuff yourself. I also have the responsibility of taking care of an elderly parent – on top of everything else. She no longer drives and is losing her eyesight. I understand exactly how you feel!
I’m taking it a bit easier. I’m tired of feeling that I’m just on the edge of exploding all the time!
Hi, Angela,
I was referred to your site by my friend, Sandra Bell Kirchman. I’m glad I was. This article, which you have kindly switched from a negative thing (blog burnout) to a positive thing (blog blackout) is very timely. Learning from others’ experience I decided to start out with postaweek2011 rather than the once a day. I can see how someone can get caught up in the excitement of blogging and go at it so hard it ultimately becomes a chore instead of a pleasure. I talked to one gal who said she was so fed up with blogging she didn’t want to read a blog or write a blog again. She has taken some time off and is coming back to the original reason she started blogging.
Thank you for this important reminder to do it for ourselves. If people get pleasure out of it or good information or entertainment, then that is a big plus.
P.S. I retweeted this article and subscribed to your wonderful blog.
Hi Angel-in-training,
It’s good to meet you. I was just thinking of Sandra too, isn’t that funny?
Yes, you’ve got to pace yourself or blogging will turn into a chore and you might stop before you get anywhere.
Luckily, I’ve stuck with it for over a year now and I’m glad I did.
I think a post a week sounds good. I’m going to go with my gut and try for two a week, but if I feel overwhelmed I’ll stick to one.
I’m throwing out the rules~! Do what feels good and comes naturally to you – that’s my advice.
Thank you for RT my article too and subscribing. I really appreciate it.
Angela,
What an awesome post about a pressing issue all of us bloggers face at some point. I was like this…in “overwhelm mode” for the first 6 months. Then when I realized how much time I was wasting in the unnecessary, i cut back big time. I used to publish thrice a week, now only once. I used to comment a lot, everyday. Now only twice a week and on fewer blogs. And i have been using twitter to keep my connections with other blogger alive, by tweeting instead of commenting. I go on facebook once a day for only about 15 minutes …just update, respond and then offline I go.
I think personally, I go to my blogs about page every few days…I have my purpose for starting the blog there. It acts like a gentle reminder to me to realign, refocus….
All your tips here are fabulous.
Lots of love,
Z~
Hi Z,
I’m so glad to hear that you cut back all on your own before it became too much for you. I now only post 2x per week and I’m thinking of following my intuition and posting only once per week some weeks. I cannot push myself to stick to a schedule anymore. There are some weeks I’m just too busy and I feel like I’m going to explode from the pressure I put myself under.
I like your idea of tweeting instead of commenting and only going on FB for about 15 minutes per day. It just makes more sense. I also love the idea that you revisit your about page to remind yourself why you started the blog!! That’s excellent advice I can really get behind.
Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to come by and comment.
I applaud you for your honest approach Angela and I’m with you all the way. I’ve been doing a brand and design change on my blog and with paperwork to complete plus a roof problem at home I’ve not been active online much this week. Obviously it means a lower profile so less comments on the blog, a dip in traffic, and e-mails to catch up with but real life is where you are and what needs doing there. It’s all too easy to convince yourself that the online world is where it happens but it should never replace the real world. Plus we all need time and space to calm our minds and allow energies to re-balance. So bravo for the blogging black-outs and the offlining opportunities. If it’s meant to be then so be it!
Hi John,
I appreciate your support. It’s hard to speak the truth about blogging overwhelm. You have to manage it – or it will overtake your entire life. Plus, I truly believe that if we don’t live offline we won’t replenish our creativity enough to sustain our writing.
John, I hope all works out on the roof of your home. Roof problems can lead to bigger problems if they’re not addresses right away, so you definitely have to focus on that. For me – yesterday I spent the entire day at my office until quite late in the evening. If I want to earn a living I have to focus on my job – I don’t have the luxury of someone supporting me so I can be a full time blogger.
I agree whatever is meant to be – will be. Our blogs will survive with a little less than 24/7 attention!
I just found your post via Marnie’s site and I have to say this ‘blog burnout bug’ is catching! It’s almost as if I have to ‘give myself permission’ not to post so often.
As another person said here, sometimes there are just too many posts to read. I feel guilty if I don’t read them and join in the comments, because I hope they’ll be reading and responding to mine.
I’m seriously thinking of cutting my posts down from three times a week to twice, if I can live with the guilt!
Hi Linda,
I’m totally with you when it comes to the guilt. I feel the same way. I don’t want to leave anyone out, so I go crazy every day reading too many posts and commenting everywhere. It’s a full time job in itself!
I think two posts a week is fine. I only write two a week. I simply cannot handle anymore than that.
It’s so nice meeting you – thank you so much for swinging by and commenting – when I know how busy you are already!
Thanks so much, Angela. This post encouraged me to write a blog post that has a similar topic to this that I’ve been trying to put into words myself. I just finished it and came back here to comment. The post is called “Why I Want to Quit Blogging” and I reference your blog.
-Marnie
Hi Marnie,
I’m glad the post inspired you to speak you mind! I think we try to keep the overwhelm and heavy workload in blogging a secret – when in fact it’s not easy at all. Don’t quit – just slow down and do it your way!
Oh Angela… you said it perfectly. I hardly have anything to comment about, so I will simply say, YES, YES, YES.
Blessings
I understand if you’re too exhausted to comment! LOL
While I was writing my book last year, I took a few breaks and was on the internet when necessary. Even though I was tempted to post more often, I stuck to the regime of once-a-week posts. The time offline was excellent. I realized that I had more clarity and was able to write with deeper insight.
It’s a great idea to take breaks. I have also gone on retreats and holidays without logging onto the internet. Yes, the traffic may suffer for a bit but I realize that having space is crucial for the energy work that I am doing.
This year, I am testing out a number of ideas. And hence, I am publishing more posts in a week. However, to prevent overwhelm, I forsee that I’d be back to my once-a-week posting schedule if I have to.
I think it is important for every blogger to find the right work-life balance. Blogging takes up time and effort. It usually starts off as fun at first. However, it can rob us of enjoying a full life when we are not conscious about how much time we spent on the internet.
All the best, Angela!
Evelyn,
Well put. I’m thinking of once a week posts myself.
I’m actually taking some time off in March to write full time for my book.
Yes, it starts as fun but then blogging can become a chore.
Thanks for this post. I’m really still a newbie at blogging but have found it can be too much pressure like you say. Good thing you can unplug two days a week. Yeah I think you’re doing too much. Early on I decided to only post one or two times a week because it is so easy to get lost in the blogosphere. I wrote a post about it, too and found Katie’s ‘MomentumGathering’ back then and decided to slow down. I work on my book every morning and do not do any other internet activities till after lunch. I only do fb once a week for family that’s far away. I also keep up with them by phone because I think it’s more personal and friendlier.
Hi Clar,
I’m glad you found this post while you’re still a newbie. It’s definitely a good idea to decide from the beginning what you can and cannot do so you do get overwhelmed. I’m glad you work on your book every morning. That’s great!
You certainly sound disciplined. Great to meet you.
Hi Angela,
There certainly are a lot of distractions these days. I, too, pick and choose and rarely go on FB. I often feel that the time spent on FB could be used to really help those suffering in the world. Sometimes it feels like we’re engaged in activities that don’t add a lot of meaning to our lives.
I’ve tried to theme my blog around something that makes me feel alive – waking up people so they can wake up others … Does everyone want to read about that. No. Enough do, though!
I’ve gotten essays published that were started with a blog post. Many posts tend to reflect my upcoming life shops. Perhaps, there are ways to relate blogging posts to the chapters in a book?
My once a week rule for blogging has kept me from burning out and I also don’t make them too long.
Unplugging — another great idea. It can all be quite addicting. On vacation, I do not check email. It’s a vacation.
Thx, G.
Hi Giulietta,
I like the idea of once a week blog posts! Yes, I’ve turned a few of my posts into longer articles that I’ve published elsewhere.
I have a free ebook coming out soon that is based on a lot of the information that I originally wrote in my blog posts, so that saved me some time.
What are your life shops about?
Definitely, checking email on vacation is a no no!
Thanks so much for visiting Giulietta.
Hi Angela,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience on this. I appreciate your honesty too. As a fairly new blogger I am only just discovering these things that cause such grief, but I do feel myself slipping into that black hole now and then.
I have been good about keeping a balance, I think. My other work (which requires me to be so in my heart and body and spirit) keeps me from the “luxury” of being in my head and online so much.
But articles like this are a godsend. I’m looking forward to reading all the comments and replies too… when I get a moment lol!
Thank you!
Hi Patti,
I’m so glad you found it helpful to you. You know it all seems like such fun at first but then it ends up being a yoke around your neck. I love blogging because of all the great people I’ve met, but it does become overwhelming when you think you have to keep up with all of this every day. As I said in earlier comment. I don’t want to burn out completely, so I think taking easy and blacking out two days a week to be offline will keep me sane.
I hear you – you don’t even have a moment to read all the comments – lol!
Boy is this sensible Angela. Personally I’ve had to cut back my time on the blogsphere recently so I’ve been forced to cull my online activity but it’s so tempting to do more and more…and more and more until overwhelm drowns you. I have no choice but to aim for quality but also to listen to myself asking, ‘Why are you doing this?’. If it’s no longer because I enjoy it seeking profile or recognition I ditch it. Best be me and live that way even if it’s through blogging. After all I wouldn’t go knocking on every door of those I know every day would I? Online same as!
Hi John,
I love what you said in your comment: Afterall I wouldn’t go knocking on every door of those I know every day, would I? That says it all. I think we can exist online by stopping in to say hello only once or twice per week. Good way to explain it!
I’m glad you found the post something you could relate too John.
Angela,
we’re on the same wavelength here! When I tried blogging as “it should be done” (like Katie says) I too felt overwhelmed and somehow disconnected from the “real world” and from my other goals – blogging just took over everything!
Now I blog like I want – and like! and I feel much better. Plus I usually don’t go on-line at the weekend, or for a couple of days a week, and I feel I’m starting to achieve more balance.
I still love the interaction with all the wonderful friends you meet on line, though 🙂
Great post.
Hi Cristina,
Yes, so many of us are on the same wavelength. I know I’m going to blog like I want from now too. It’s just too much.
I don’t want to burn out because I do love it and all the people I’ve met make it so worthwhile.
So – we’ll all take it easy and still stay online. That sounds sane to me! 🙂
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post.
Great to know I am not the only one who feels handcuffed to the internet. For me, as a freelancer I do make my bread and butter from it. While most of the time, I enjoy the pleasures and benefits that the internet brings, I feel I do need to go cold turkey to remember why we are here!
HI Natalie,
Im so glad to meet you. Believe me you’re not alone at all!
I like that about going cold turkey – yup remembering why we’re here in the first place is very important.
Oh and I like Jane’s comment about if we aren’t off line living, we have nothing to write about! So true. I’m heading to MI to be with my 2 year old grandson, children and friends for 10 days at the end of the month. Of course I’ll have my new camera and hopefully will get tips from kids;) Happy Love Day and enjoy your week!
Yes, I like Jane’s comment too. We get so caught up on online living we get drained and have no new experiences to share.
I hope the weather is not too cold back in MI. You’re not used to it anymore! LOL.
It sounds like a lovely time. Have fun with your grandkids.
Thanks you enjoy your week too.
Hi Angela,
Yes we are on the same page! I have the most difficulty with no. 3! After writing my post last Friday hubs and I left for the weekend to Tubac, AZ.
It’s an artist’s community and they had a big week long art fair and festival. I was in HEAVEN!
Hubs bought me a new camera and I didn’t even open the box for a month because I couldn’t stand the thought of more technology or something else to understand. We took it and had a blast! I’m refreshed now.
Hi Tess,
That art fair sounds like heaven.
I know the feeling about dealing with more *stuff* whether it’s technology, or more paperwork, etc. When you’re on overload – it’s all too much.
I’m so glad you came back refreshed.
I’m looking forward to a vacation in March myself.
We should never be a slave to our email. It have to be the other way around.
Hi Jonathan,
How right you are!
Your better than me..Sheesh..you wrote this glorious post..haha
Hi Jonathan,
Awe shucks! Thanks.
I’m not better – maybe just crazy for pushing myself so hard.
Well keep pushing..you’ve already made it in my eyes. Heck, most people are doing the opposite of what your doing. Keep on this path and only more will come to you.
Thanks so much for your support Jonathan. I really appreciate it. You’re doing fabulous too!
Hi Angela ~ I love this post. I especially love the idea of taking 2 days a week to detach from it all. When we travel, I generally only keep my phone with me in-case my son or parents need me. (one of these days I’ll learn that they’re all grown up, and they’re doing just fine, and I don’t even need to keep my phone with me for that) 🙂 When I allow myself that time away from incoming emails, fb and twitter updates, my time and energy is freed up to explore new galleries and hardware stores (I have a thing about hardware stores), wander around old downtowns, and enjoy my latest read in a coffee shop. If we aren’t living, we aren’t creating anything new to write about.
Have a beautiful week!
Hi Jane,
I had a feeling this post would resonate with a lot of people. I’ve been going out of my mind lately. I kept thinking what could I cut back on – my job, my classes, or my readings? – No. So it had to be blogging things.
I’m going to take these two days a week even it it’s during the week. I need it.
I love that you love hardware stores. I love Home Depot!
You have a beautiful week too~
Angela, I am glad to have visited your site via Arvind’s post, “Create Your Ideal Valentine’s Day”. I believe that your post will serve as a wonderful set of reminders for me to maintain a healthy pace as a new blogger. Thank you 🙂
Hi Ajen,
So nice meeting you. I’m so glad you found this post useful advice for you blogging journey.
Don’t go overboard and you won’t get burned out.
You’re so welcome.
… ok that’s it!!!
I am printing your article out and posting it on my wall! LOL 😛
Now following #7… next weekend I will attempt an internet free weekend!
Hi!
I’m glad you found that post helpful. A weekend away from technology is very refreshing!
Angela, you crawled inside my head and the heads of hundreds of bloggers on this post! It’s easy to go skipping into Blogland all excited and wide-eyed, only to get detoured into BOGland. 😉
I have stumbled into all your great advice, and I’ve found underlying bit of guidance that covers the rest: if it doesn’t feel light and good, don’t do it. For example, I too subscribed to a gazillion blogs, and over a very short time, I notice that when I get some of the blog updates, I feel a little flutter of, “Oh, what does X have to say today?” interest. And with others–too many–I feel this heaviness in my belly–a sort of “Ugh–sigh–what can I say about this post that would be fast and relevant.” I.e., the first is fun and the second is a chore.
I decided to cut out the chores. Where will it lead? I don’t know yet, but I’m willing to bet it will be good! 🙂
Hi Ande,
Yes, you’re reading my mind too! I love how you say blogland turns into “bogland!” LOL.
Great advice – when it feels heavy like a chore – than it is.
I’m glad you cut out the chores. I’m on my way.
Good post, Angela. For me–on the one hand–I could never even try to keep up the pace like I’ve seen some people working at, like some of the bloggers you mentioned and even you. On the other hand, sometimes I feel like I should push myself a little more and do guest posts etc and all that.
Thing is, for me, I haven’t had a huge goal of earning money from my blog. I thought I could earn more than I have from affiliate stuff, but I kind of gave up on that awhile ago though I welcome the few bucks here and there–always a nice treat! I don’t have time to pump it up–if I did, I’d earn more! But I have other work to do.
My main reason for blogging is is to have a platform for my writing, a springboard, so to speak, as part of getting my freelance business back in order and be more disciplined with my writing. In that sense, it’s been a success. Plus I love blogging and have for awhile, but in the last year I’m much more focused, and I do have some ideas for earning potential with my own stuff. Eventually.
I’m constantly pulling back! With that in mind, I’ll hit “submit comment” and shut her down until tomorrow lol
Oh but to share a trick I use–I have two separate free email accounts for subscriptions, forum/Facebook notifications, etc. That way, if I want to, I can go over to Hotmail and browse through all the latest posts on blogs I enjoy. I only get a couple extra things on my regular email. Too distracting! And when I really need to focus on writing, I use my laptop
Good luck with your book!!
Hi Leah,
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
I’ve also given up on the affiliate marketing thing. The only that really sells on the internet are courses about how to make money on the internet. I’m not real interested in selling out to sell those types of products.
Like you I started my blog for other reasons. I wanted to develop a platform, so that when I wrote my book I could get it published. It turned out that blogging ate up so much time I could never get around to writing my book.
But – the thing is I do love blogging. I guess I should have made that clearer in the post. I love all the networking and meeting all the great people who blog and who read blogs. They’re a special and unique type of person, so I wouldn’t have continued this long with it if I didn’t also enjoy it too.
I’d love to freelance, but with my full time job I just can’t handle any more on my plate.
Great idea about the other email accounts. Right now I have 4 that I use and I made the mistake of subscribing to different blogs on all of them. I thought it would be less overwhelming that way, but it turned out to be more work. I like your system.
Thanks for wishing me luck on the book. Dear god – please let me finish it and let it be good – after all this press! Geez, I’d want to die if it wasn’t.
Hey Angela, good for you to keep your head on straight. I sympathize with your day job dilemma, but on the other hand, I look at the networking part as being crucial to eventual monetary success. I also managed expectations with my husband, know that he’ll look at my tweeting and commenting as wasting time, I said, look, I’m commenting on three blogs a day, on Twitter for an hour a day, and doing ongoing market research into unexpected places that might need me or my services. I keep several running lists of people to connect to, and people who I might JV with at some point, people who I might guest post for, etc. Yes, it is a time suck, but marketing is 90% of your work until you are making money from repeat customers (after that it’s only 50%)
That being said, get a feedreader! I moved everything there, so that only work emails land in the inbox. I set the timer when I dive into the feedreader because I know it’s a rabbithole. E.ggtimer.com is really good.
On the other hand, I know that I too need to check out once in a while, otherwise all the stories I tell at the suppertable are things that happened online! Oh, the humiliation. I have no life outside the computer screen!
But the best thing about this post is that knowing where you stand, your community can support you. They won’t be offended by not having nice long comment threads, and I won’t email you just to shoot the breeze because I know that it takes you away from your book. So don’t feel bad about sharing your limitations. Otherwise, how can we respect them?
Shanna,
You’re absolutely right the networking is extremely important. It’s just that it can become overwhelming.
You seem so organized – good for you. I’m amazed by your schedule and clarity about it.
I love your idea of changing all subscriptions to feedreaders. I’m going to change how I subscribe to new blogs from now on.
I also love the egg timer idea! Terrific!
Thank goodness for the supportive community who understands what I’m going through.
Thanks so much for commenting here – I can see how busy you are too!
Well if you want to pick my brains about my system, you’re certainly free to. I have to laugh when people call me organized, like chose it. I have to be this way, or else I self-destruct 😉
Shanna, forget pick your brains – I’d like to hire you!! LOL!
It’s a good way to be – I know the feeling being close to self-destructing.
Angela,
Your posts seem to always come in Divine timing or me. Just this past week I was complaining about “blog burnout” and feeling like I needed a break. I didn’t know how.
Then last night, a friend of mine challenged me to stop using Facebook, even for a week. I balked at the idea, but I think she’s right and it would help me get focused and back on track.
So, your post is giving me that necessary gentle nudge to not be so hard on myself and hyper-focused on my blog and give Facebook a rest.
Thank you!
Hi Lindsay,
I’m so glad the post came at the right time for you! That’s “awe”some! We all need a break and we also need to feed the muse by doing other things. If you keep drawing on your creativity until your empty you’ll suffer from burn out. Facebook is really draining. I think I’m going to spend an hour a day on FB in 15 minute increments throughout the day. This way I keep up on what’s happening but I don’t get sucked in for hours at time.
Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to comment…….I understand how you’re feeling.
I agree Angela!
Over the past several months, I have taken a couple of blogging sabbaticals, usually lasting two days. I found when I returned my message was even clearer.
Our blogs are about our lives – so we should live first, and then blog second.
Alex
Hi Alex,
Thanks so much for understanding. I know you feel my pain too. I love that: Our blogs are about our lives – so we should live first, and then blog second.
That’s profound. Thanks so much for visiting and sharing your wisdom hear Alex.
Great post. Blogging does suck in a lot of us. I really wanted to go out tonight, but since everyone flaked and my plans didn’t fall through, I was stuck home, angry and blogging. It was terrible.
This post is awesome though. It gives a mind to the outside world.
Hi Jonathan,
Blogging starts so innocently – but then as you say, “sucks us in” when we see how much work it takes to maintain it and grow it. Most people only last a few months! Your post does sound awesome!! Sometimes anger can be very motivating. Thanks so much for coming by – I really appreciate it.
I hear you Angela. Balance and blogging don’t seem to go together – at least not in the way that we’re told we “should” be blogging. Once you let go the should and do it your own way, I find you quickly realign with why you started.
Well said, my friend.
Hi Katie,
I knew you’d understand of course! It’s so true “balance and blogging don’t seem to go together.” You couldn’t have said it any better! I think you’re absolutely right – we need to let go of all those “shoulds” and do it the way our hearts say we need to. I’m looking forward to having more time to write, dream and read again. That’s where my inspiration comes from – and all of these “shoulds” quickly drain it away. Thanks so much for your support my dear friend.
Nooo!!! Don’t go! I only just met you, and you’re one of only like, three people who are reading and commenting on my mega-weird new blog. What will I do without you?
And I’m supposed to be writing a book too? Oh man. I’d better get on that.
Seriously, though, blogging really is a LOT of work, and I’m only able to do it because I don’t have a “regular” job at the moment, so I can totally relate. For me it’s a good way to share my strange stories, and to connect with the people who might enjoy them, and not to become too isolated since I’m working from home now. But if I still had a full time job, I’m not sure I could do it very easily either.
I hope I will still see you around, though, because I really do like your comments and your blog. I’m sure I will love your book as well. Much support to you!
Hi Anna,
Don’t worry I’ll still visit and catch up on all your posts.
Yes, it’s seems deceptively simple at first but then when you realize you have to travel the blogosphere commenting all over the place to draw people to your blog you begin to lose yourself and your purpose for blogging. It is definitely a double edged sword. I love all the people so much that’s why I’m cutting back not cutting anything out. Thank you for your support for writing my book. Keep your fingers crossed that after all this touting of the book – I get it done (#1) and then that it’s good (#2)!!! Yikes!
Hi Angela, I know very well what you mean here. I have been on the overwhelm path myself since August…zig zagging all over the blogosphere, never able to catch up with myself. It is all-consuming and like you I’m sure I’m using it as a method of avoiding writing my book…yes, yes…me too! I started my blog to get myself back into the practice of writing regularly so that I would finish my book! Having said all that I have discovered that I adore networking with the fantastic kindred spirits that I’ve met online, and I won’t be giving it up, anytime soon. From that point of view it is uniquely rewarding, and I guess that’s why we get hooked. Which brings us back to ‘life balance’ in all things! And that’s what I’m trying to do instead of ricocheting around like a kid in a candy shop! Thanks for this wonderful reminder Angela¬
Hi Rosemary,
That’s exactly why I started my blog too! I thought it would get me into the practice of writing everyday so I could then write my book!!! YES!!! It backfired miserably though. I love everyone I’ve met too and so enjoy all the networking, but something’s got to give, right?
Work life balance is the key. I don’t want to stop all together either just cut back where I can to carve out some quality time for myself. Thanks so much for visiting and commenting Rosemary – ’cause I know how busy you are too!!
Hi Angela,
Lovely post! I struggle with these issues myself. The entire process of blogging, as you would know, takes up a lot of my time and I find that I hardly have enough time to read and learn new things to be more creative. That said, I do try to give myself 2 off days to hit the gym and hang out with friends. I also try to read comics and just relax. On my usual days, I make sure to schedule some time to do my own thing so that I do not burn myself out too quickly.
I am well aware there is room for improvement when it comes to work life balance. I will probably need to do so because it can be hard to think of new ideas to write when my creative mind is empty.
Thank you for this timely reminder! 🙂
Irving the Vizier
PS: What is your book about??
Hi Irving,
I totally hear you! I must subscribe to over 50 blogs! My in-box in the morning takes so long to go through that I’m already drained by the time that task is done. I’m glad to hear that you’re taking two days off a week. That’s a good practice that I’m now going to begin doing. It might be on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for all I know, but it’s going to be 2 full days. I think we’re more creative when we get away from blogging for a while. And you make a great point that I forgot to mention – not having the time to read great books to get more ideas and learn new things. That I miss soo much!! I used to love to read at night – now I spend every evening at the computer. It’s become a form of self-incarceration instead of nice little “side-thing” that I wanted to do. Thank you so much for visiting.
Don’t be upset – but I’m going to keep the book a secret for a while until I finish the first draft!!! Then I’ll tell you.
Oh don’t worry about it Angela, I won’t be upset at all.
All good things come to those who wait. So I’ll wait till your first draft comes out to see what input I can offer. 😀
Hi Irving,
Thank you for understanding!
And, thank you for the offer of helping me too!
I really appreciate that!
xo,
Angela
Angela,
So many people seem to be grappling with this same dilemma! You’ve expressed the challenges well and articulated a series of excellent tips for getting out of this fix. In recent months, I feel like I’ve let go of many of the extras around blogging and reconnected with my true purpose and true self. I’ve found a pace that works for me and I feel my genuine voice has emerged. It seems like everyone is going through this process. No one wants to be chained to a computer 24/7! I feel sad seeing so many blogging buddies fading away, but I’m also happy they are getting in touch with the right path for them.
I liked your time saving suggesting of tweeting instead of commenting. This is a good way to save time but still support others. These are very helpful suggestions.
Wishing you the best with writing your book!
Hi Sandra,
Thank you so much for understanding. I was rather scared to publish this post. I thought it upset a lot of people – but I felt it important that I explain why I wouldn’t be around as much. I know you support tweeting over commenting, and I thank you for tweeting my posts! I think everyone goes into blogging with high expectations – but when you realize that the only way to grow your blog is by visiting other blogs it turns into a merry go round you can never get off of. I appreciate your commenting – as I know how busy you are Sandra!