No, it’s not a cop out. I have Blogger’s Block. I was extremely happy when I realized that this was my issue this evening, especially since I thought I had discovered a new term. I was a bit upset upon Googleing “Blogger’s Block” and discovering that I am not alone. And of course, there is the text book (Urban Dictionary) definition: Inability to think of anything to blog about.
Blogging is important for a variety of reasons. Blogging allows you to distribute your message, promote your thoughts, and contribute to the conversation on specific topics or issues. We all know by now that blogs need to be meaningful and make a positive impact on the reader. To put it plainly, a blog must deliver content in which people are interested. It should also be fresh and updated regularly.
What if you can’t thing of anything to blog? What if you have . . . Blogger’s Block? I have read many ideas of dealing with Blogger’s Block: keep a journal, change your environment, put your thoughts down, and my favorite . . . “lower your standards.” How’s that for an idea? Just don’t write something meaningful. (if you click on the link, you’ll see that the idea was not to truly lower your standards).
Even with Blogger’s Block, it is important to keep your ideas fresh and continue your contributions to the conversation. Here are 5 ideas on dealing with Blogger’s Block:
- Don’t worry about it: At the end of the day, if you can’t think of something to blog about, it’s okay. We can’t all be Chris Brogan or other well known bloggers who can put our meaningful content on a regular basis. Give it a few hours, or even a day or so before you blog again. The world will not end. At least, I don’t think it will.
- Utilize the Save Draft Button: I use Word Press for my blogs and it allows me to save multiple drafts. I have quite a few saved drafts. Many of them will not make it to my blog. They were random thoughts that I recorded in case I wanted to expand on those thoughts. By saving them as drafts, they help me clear the clutter and narrow my focus. Most blogging platforms should have a similar tool. Take advantage of it to clear your clutter.
- Tweet: Utilize this time to connect with others on Twitter. Take your Blogger’s Block time as a blessing and build relationships, both personal and professional.
- Read a Book: Many people get so involved in Social Media/Networking that they don’t take the time to enhance their knowledge in more traditional ways. Now is the time to purchase a book, and expand your knowledge. It could help you clear your mind.
- Spend time with your family: Capitalize on the down time and spend a few minutes with your children or spouse. We can get so caught up in the “conversation” and the need to connect with others, that it is easy to forget those right in front of us. Tell your child you love him or her. Tell your spouse the same thing.
Blogger’s block can be frustrating. I know. I am experiencing it now. I have just recently launched a new blog, www.pizzagamenight.com (to promote a culture of family and fun), and I have lost my thoughts. Then again, it’s okay and it’s certainly not the end of the world. I can tackle that challenge tomorrow, and you can, too.
Collin W. Habour
Collin Harbour is a small business owner, and social media enthusiast. He is available to work with you on your business or individual social media strategy.
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