How to Avoid Falling into a Blogging Rut

Aug 5, 2008
6 Comments

I know that others have covered this topic, but I don’t really care, because none of them were me. ;)

Ruts are like habits: easy to fall into and hard to get out of. The problem is that by the time you realize you’re in one, well, you’re in one. In other words, it’s too late by then. So the question becomes: how do you avoid a blogging rut?

I think I can help with this, because I don’t "do" blogging ruts. I’m going to share how, and maybe these tips will work for you, too.

Constantly Reexamine Your Intent for Content

Why are you writing what you’re writing? What do you hope to accomplish with it? What’s the mission of your blog? What is the blog supposed to be doing for you? Are you making that happen? If not, what can you change to get there, get closer?

Constantly Reexamine Your Work

Constantly reexamine your blogging output. Look at the posts you’re writing. Too many of the same type? Too many that are like everyone else’s? Posts where you know you weren’t really trying very hard?

Constantly Examine Others

You’re not blogging in a vacuum, even when you’re writing a business blog. You have competition in the market, and you’re always competing for the attention of your reader. With that in mind, ask yourself this: what’s everyone else missing? You can supply that. What is everyone else assuming? Pop their assumptions.

These are the questions I constantly ask myself. Maybe they will help you, too. Let me know what you think.

  • You know, there's a reason why my comment policy states that branding or keywords are not to be used as names in comments. How am I supposed to reply to you? Should I call you Blogging Ex? :)

    Also, you market yourself here on my blog by the quality of your comments, not by stuffing keywords into the name field. I would love to have you continue to comment here, but I need you to use your name in the comments name field, please.

    When you say "this is probably something you don't want to fall into", what do you mean by "this"? And what is your proof that I will lose subscriptions? I'd love to get a more thorough explanation on this. :)
  • this is probably something you don't want to fall into. These can really hurt you and really lower your subscription base. I do not mind that other people have done this kind of post. Everyone's point of view is nice to have.
  • Great timing Michael. I am looking at just this very thing.

    I sometimes use beginner's mind to keep me out of the ruts. It's a playfulness in the studio. Keeps the exploration fresh.

    The continuity is there because, well, we are there, and we have intent. But the how of it can change to suit the why of it if we are willing to cast preconceived and usual away.
  • @Easton - Thanks! The rut exists in the mind, and it happens because people allow themselves to be lulled into it. It really is like a bad habit that has to be broken. A bit self-awareness and vigilance goes a long way.
  • A lot of it is planning ahead to see ruts coming. Then you can prevent or avoid them.

    Something I've thought about a lot lately is that there is so much still unsaid, unwritten, undone. There's no need for a rut. Most ruts happen when people cover the same ground over and over. It's the untouched paths that remain high and rut-free.

    Nice post Michael.
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