1. The “I don’t have the time.”
No one does. Seth Godin doesn’t have time either, but he blogs consistently. The “I don’t have the time” should be “I won’t make the time.” Pull a Nike and just do it.
2. The “I don’t know what I’d say.”
You’re passionate about something. Food. Crayfish. Not talking. Talking. Chances are you do have something to say, you just need to find out what it is.
3. The “someone is already saying what I’d want to say.”
Say it in your voice. It’s completely different from someone else’s voice. Dare yourself to say it better.
4. The “it’s a waste of time.”
It’s been said that blogging is the new resume. Anyone doing creative work should have an online presence, and blogging is one of the best ways to accomplish that.
For creatives, it’s a waste of time to NOT blog.
5. The “I don’t know where to start.”
With so many options online, it can get confusing. I put some blogging resources on this page to help out.
6. The “blogging is for geeks.”
You might as well jump in. You’re already reading a blog which means you’ve got a geek-streak in you. Jump on in!
***
Check out the new Ten Commandments for Creatives e-book to jumpstart your creativity. Like this stuff? Click here to subscribe.
I’d like to add some things to this Andrew if you don’t mind.
1.There is NO ONE RIGHT way to do it. You gave an example of Godin. He uses no pictures and barely writes over 200 words. Some blog everyday. Some blog once a month. Some 3 times a week.
2. It’s most important to let your creativity shine through. If you are a photographer, let your photos be the focus. Don’t write just to write (especially if you don’t enjoy it). Let whatever you do focus on what you enjoy and represent YOU. Whatever you do, don’t forget the joy.
“If there is no joy in it, frankly, it’s just no good.” Stephen King
That’s wisdom!
Thanks for adding to the post Jim.
#3 hit me in the gut. That’s generally why I don’t blog. Someone else has already written about it and I think they did a better job than I ever could. When I don’t blog, it’s usually due to insecurity or lack of creative fire.
It’s good to admit that reality…
I feel very similar sometimes. Yet, if I write and push through those insecurities and fears, I get better. Blogging has done a lot for me and my creativity in that respect.
There are days I confess I wish I had never started blogging. That’s usually when I have a deadline looming and I am flat out of ideas, but then that delightful little lightbulb flickers slowly to life. On Nov. 4th I hit my blogging one year anniversary with 135 posts under my belt and a worldwide audience that regularly stops by. I post three times a week and I have only missed one day. Who woulda thunk? Blogging keeps us sharp and observant. I’m glad I blog and I enjoy it… until the next time I’m flat out of ideas…
Congrats on your milestone of consistency! Victory!
Blogging is disciplined joy and work–it’s such a great place to try things out.
NICE. I definitely have a “geek streak” in me, and I’ve come to terms with it…
You’re a savvy blend of cool and geek, Stephen!