Stop Reading Blogs and Start Working*

June 15, 2008.

Do you ever start reading a blog and get really depressed?  So then you go read another one, and you are even more down.  By the fourteenth blog you are almost in tears and ready to shut down the whole business thing?  You are positive that everyone else is succeeding and you are the only one who is not moving your business along?  Or everyone is using Flickr, Twitter, Facebook, Linked In, Dig this, Stumble that?  You had thought you were going to get inspired instead you want to hide you head under the covers.....no?  Nobody?  Is it just me huh?  Well, I doubt that....

It Never Rains in Southern California

I have a handful of blogs I check weekly if not every few weeks, some shamefully I check daily.  I love to look at the pictures, learn about their businesses or just see what crafty contraption some woman has made.  Artists blogs are the best and have the most colorful photographs.  I have learned so much about sewing, painting, sketching, Etsy, trade shows, press and even some ceramics.  However, I find that if things are not going hunky dory over here I get really down on myself.  Almost all the blogs I read are just so darn happy and positive and running a business looks so darn easy.  I am still hoping that just one day they will talk about how the puppy did eat their new design, their child did throw a tantrum at a blogging event, their husband is out of town for a week and the big press opportunity did get away.

Part of me (that would be the brain part) realizes that if they are running their own business, no matter how small or large, that it can not always be good.  I know for a fact that there are challenges, frustrations and lots and lots of very hard work.  If you take a step back to get some clarity you will realize that these bloggers are working just as hard as you are, they just don't want to talk about it.  That is fine, they own the blog right? 

The artist or business blogs I do read are wonderful reads and most times very inspiring.  I feel like a bit of voyeur even when I get a glimpse of their home, their studio or their new products.  Most days, I continue to read them, most days I get inspired, get a chuckle, or just enjoy the information.    

Remember the Little Gals

Reading everyone else's accomplishments can make you feel very small and unsuccessful.  It is not always motivating to hear that your competitor has just done a photo spread in People Magazine, been chosen Entrepreneur of the year, spoke at Harvard and Oprah just called.  If I was just starting a business and was looking for something to read I may be depressed by the blogs I find on female business owners.    It is very easy to think you are failing when everyone else has SO much going on.  And another thing,  if I were a newbie in my industry, I for one would not know how they do it all. 

Stop the Insanity

When feeling down or uninspired, my solution is I tune out the other blogs, I stop reading them for a few weeks even.  It helps me focus on my own work for awhile, I stop feeling like the only one who was not invited to the party.  I suggest you try it too,  I mean not forever, but do take a blogging sabbatical.  Do what you need to do, work on your projects, get some good news under your belt.  Throw on some good ol' happy music and get a workin!  Then go back and read the blogs.  Trust me you will probably be a better and happier entrepreneur when you come back......I know I will be.   

*Here is a disclaimer I mean Stop reading everyone else's blog, not mine, you can always read my blog, or if I bum ya out you can bail on me too.  Okay, just other blogs...and only for a short time, sheesh I did not mean forever.  Just till you get your mojo back you know?

Comments

[kari]

Thanks for your kind words over at my blog. I know what you mean about getting discouraged, but your work is darling, keep up the good work!

[melissa]

I understand what you are trying to say- it is almost addictive scrolling through everyone's blogs and they all look like they have it together! Then you rack your brain trying to figure out how they have it together and you don't! Good idea about taking a break for a few days to try and refocus- I need to try that!
Melissa

[kathy weller]

I just love this post!! Thank you for your honesty. And your wit. you said everything you said so well, and I completely understand those feelings! Thanks so much for the chuckle, and for the reality check.