There will be days when you don’t care about your stupid blog. There will be days when you don’t care about lifting a finger to do anything “efficient” or “productive.” There will be days when Twitter and Facebook look like a bunch of chattering monkeys and you couldn’t care less. There will be days you can’t really be bothered to answer your email, even if it’s “important.”
Even thinking about what would happen if a project is late or thinking about how lucky you are to do this for a living or even looking at your own children fails to motivate you, sometimes.
The way that most people act, you would think they never feel this way. Everything is FINE, they say through a fake emoticon grin. And you end up thinking you’re the only person who doesn’t care today. And maybe that means there’s something wrong with you. Maybe you’re not cut out for this entrepreneur stuff.
Well, that’s bullshit.
I don’t care who you are: everyone has days like that. Everyone has days when they don’t care. And you know what? It’s OK. Really, it is. Think about the absurdity of being “up” 100% of the time. Nobody can do that. Human beings don’t work that way. We need periods of rest and recovery in between periods of intense action. In fact, you might be feeling a bit down because you just need some sleep.
So, what do you do when this happens?
Well, I can’t tell you what’s true for you, but I can tell you what’s true for me and you can use that as a place to start if you like. But here’s something to think about: people do not want to hear you complain. If you need encouragement or help, ask for it. Your friends will surprise you. But complaining and whining turns people off, and it doesn’t make you feel any better, either.
If you’re committed to pumping out a post every day and suddenly today you don’t feel like it, you still have some choices:
- Suck it up and do it, anyway.
- Pull a spare post out of draft and publish it (this is exactly why you should have spare posts written and ready to go).
- Use one of my ways to crank out a post in 10 minutes or less.
You could do nothing. You could skip it, today. The sky will not fall.
But if you’ve promised your readers a post every day and then suddenly one day there isn’t a post, what do you think that’s going to do to their trust in you? It’s going to chip away at it. One small transgression opens the door to more, and you don’t want to start down that slippery slope.
It’s OK to have days when you don’t care, that’s human. But it’s not OK to break a promise if you’re a professional. This is the difference between professionals and amateurs. Professionals get the job done no matter what. On the days when you do care, don’t just write one post, write two, and keep one as a spare for the odd day when when you don’t care and simply cannot care. It’s OK to not care some days, but it’s not OK to let people down.
Publish your post and then walk away from your computer. Take a nap, read a book, veg out on some TV, whatever. That ebook you’re working on will still be there tomorrow. That sales letter you were writing will still be there tomorrow. Whatever.
Tomorrow is another day.
I have felt like this sometimes, is part of being lost into our own subjects. I have a number of articles that I have started and then I can't complete them. Is like losing interest on them or on my blog. Yet, I find that taking a break fixes all that.
Sometimes a break is all you need.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I am not excellent, or electrifying, or any of those other words some days. Probably most days.
And sometimes you get the impression that you should be “rockin' the universe” all the time or you just shouldn't bother. I know that people use these very masculine terms to motivate, and sometimes it works. But sometimes it just burns me out. You're right, you just can't be in that heightened state all the time.
I disagree with the “never miss a post” thing though. Obviously, if that's a regular thing, you will lose some readership, but if you miss a post once in a while, the world will not end. I read several blogs that I log into occasionally and there is no post, I read something I've missed on the blog or just move on for the day.
Also, I think it is a little self important to think if you don't post for a day, you are letting someone down. (No offense intended. Not directed at you personally:)
I just love this place Michael. You are a cool guy:)
Glad you like it here.
The world won't end if you miss a post, that's true. But tiny bit of preparedness goes a long way for days when you're tired or down.
I've had plenty of those days when I know I need to get things done, but just have no motivation. You're 10 minute blog posts is a fantastic resource that I am sure to frequent often on my off days.
It's a good set of ideas to turn to in a pinch.
Well said Michael!
Man I can't tell you how many times I've had days like that where you just don't want to do anything and the motivation just isn't there. I've had them to many times in fact, yet through it all, I've managed to push just one more blog post out there, answer one more email, place one more consulting call, all in an effort to simply move forward toward the success I desire.
What helps me to get inspired is to listen to movie trailer music, LOL! Good music that inspires you, pushes you and gets those creative juices flowing is always a big help for me. Sometimes, you may need to simply step away from your computer or whatever task you may be trying to accomplish in an effort to gain some focus.
Another thing I do to try and get motivated is read other bloggers posts and leave comments in an effort to spark my own creative juices flowing while hopefully providing some sort of value to the discussion. Trying to spark a discussion on another bloggers post is a great way for you to get those thought processes going. Humans are social beings, therefore interacting with others may help to lift your spirits.
No matter what you do, and no matter how unmotivated you may be, just remember that it is how we handle the toughest of times that determine our ability to succeed.
To Your Success!
Sean Smith
Very true, Sean. Though sometimes the best way to handle it is to take a nap. Naps help us recharge and have more energy. During WWII, Winston Churchill took a nap every day. He felt it was one of the most important things he did in order be able to have the mental clarity to make important decisions and get things done.
I agree, and have done so myself on a few occasions. For me however, it only seems to add to my unwillingness to get anything done cuz after I get up from the nap, I feel just as tired as before I took the nap. That's just me of course and know that napping works well for others.
You have to find what works best for you and then act on it. If taking a nap is it, then by all means do so! I prefer to listen to music, read articles and go to the gym for a workout as methods to inspire and motivate me.
Again, great post and a healthy discussion!
Wow. I felt like this the last couple of days. I'm glad to know the sky won't fall. (It didn't when I didn't blog). Thanks for the reinforcement. I believe you are correct: it is impossible to be on the computer/blog/social network sites 24 hours a day and no one should be expected to do so. Thanks.
CWH
(Looks up) Yup, the sky's still there.
You hit on two key points for me with this post: meet the (reasonable) expectations you set for your audience, and don't complain (or apologize for complaining).
I've set some personal goals for myself with my blog, and so far in 2010, I'm not meeting them. However, I've not laid out for my audience what they can come to expect from me (something I need to work on), and I'm certainly not writing posts that “apologize” for the lack of content. If you've got some casual readers or RSS subscribers (which is most likely my case), the last thing they want to see when it appears you have an update is a post that says, “Sorry I haven't posted lately, I'll be sure to post something new.”
I've done a little bit of brainstorming on topics, but need to get in the habit of writing more when I hit my stride. Those extra posts will come in handy for days when I just don't care.
Never apologize for not posting: I'm with you, there. Writing extra when you're in stride is a good habit to get into. Why stop if you're on a roll?
Well said! I'm the hardest boss I've ever had, I shouldn't care if one day this year I fancy spending an hour watching TV and enjoying a beer rather than doing some personal work. But I do care, so I don't do it. Still in the 9-5 mentality even though it's gone far beyond that in every sense. Thanks for the reminder to step back a little sometimes.
If you don't take a break, you're actually damaging your ability to work at peak levels. Being a burned-out zombie isn't really helping. Taking breaks actually lets you get more done, not less. One thing I promised myself when I began working for myself was that I would get enough sleep and that has been a very good decision.
Love the phrase “burned-out zombie”. Promise to tell myself that twice a day from now on.
Yes I agree with you. I think it is a humane act. Everyone has days like that and it can happen to everyone because there is no perfect human beings. The most important thing is not soluble in the day like that again and again.
Good point. Being humane to others starts with being humane to yourself.
I feel like this at least 50% of the time. You've got to give yourself permission to NOT do stuff. It's OK, as you said, your ebook, or whatever, will still be there tomorrow.
“It's OK not to care, but it's not OK to let people down” – yes. Which is why we should promise little and deliver much.
Thanks for validating my off-days.
As long as it's temporary. If it extends too long or too frequently, maybe you're in the wrong line of work. Extremes either way are not healthy.
You are so right. No one can be 100% 'on' 100% of the time. That's exactly why when I have the time and am motivated I write and work ahead. There's a lot of comfort in knowing you have extra blogs in the can should something happen that prevent you from working – and not just for the days you're aren't motivated, but for those days when things just come up that prevent you from working.
Absolutely, Heather. You never know what's going to come up, so having an extra post on the shelf is peace of mind.
Good post. I use my blog as a marketing tool for my business. But this is only one tool. If you are down on the blogging thing you can always do other things to inspire you to create new business and relationships.
I'm a big fan of direct response marketing and one of my mentors Dan Kennedy says something that really sticks with me…
Try to do at least 1 thing a day to get new business or a lead. This could be picking up the phone and calling an old client, returning an email or sending out some post cards or thank you letters. Either way, if it's not your blog, do something to keep that pipeline full.
By the way, great stuff on the blog post in under 10 minutes thing…very handy!
Kennedy is an Old Master and that's a great tip. I know that for myself, personally, when I get into a mood like this it's not a matter of switching gears, but switching off. But hey, everyone's different.
I am a pretty energizer bunny kind of gal but like everyone else there are days that just fall flat. Gotta say though that when I do accomplish anything, that alone can pick me up and make me do just one more thing, and then one more. I also have an insane calendar system with colors that helps too – it shows me how much I am working so that when I blow off for something personal I do not feel guilty, I just know that I worked extra other times. Great post as always Michael, no pressure though…:)
Having a system like that gives you peace of mind that nothing will be late or fall apart if you need to take some “me time.” Great idea.
I've felt like that recently.I don't care I don't have enough readers or clients,Maybe because I'm going on vacation, my energy is a bit down now.Thanks for letting me know I'm not the only one.Greetings from Argentina
However anyone feels, they're never alone. Someone else somewhere feels the same way.
Thank you ……….. I felt it was just me, sometimes when I go to bed if I haven't accomplished anything “important” that day, I feel like such a failure. I tell myself it's ok, your need a break but it still feels like I've let myself down. They call that a work-a-aholic I think. I like the guy who said listen to music and read other blogs and comment, Hey I'm doing that, the motivation should be moving through my veins any second now…..right! hehe! Thanks for this post it opened my eyes to reality! I had a boss that always told the Sales Team, Over-delivery and Under-promise, it's makes you a hero in your customers eyes, the other way around, it makes you a jerk!
Failure is something that happens. It's not who you are. Your boss was right.
Refreshing post man. I've had a lot of days like this, and usually it's after long bursts of busting my ass and working hard on something.
You describe the entire process perfectly, and as hard as it is not to complain, I think you are right. I'm just glad I've only committed to a few posts per week.
Setting unrealistic goals is a disaster waiting to happen. Burnout and feelings of failure are the least of it. It's true we can do more than we think we can, but that doesn't mean every week has to be a death march.
Michael, I almost spit green tea all over the computer screen with your first sentence – crackin' me up!
Your points about not complaining are so true – there's a huge difference between whining and asking for what you want, some of us still need to figure that out in our personal relationships as well.
Thank you for remarking on professionalism as well; you embody that term and it's nice to see and echo your perspective on what that means. Bravo!
Thanks, I'm glad it resonated with you. I was drinking green tea when I wrote it, so that must be why.
Good advice all around. We all have those “blue” kinds of days. Where you just don't feel like doing much of anything. You ought to try it with a good dose of menopausal hormones. You feel like the bottom of the outhouse hole! But you have absolutely no reason for it. Hormones, gotta love em.
I have taken to keeping a stockpile of posts for just such occasions. After all my readers shouldn't have to be disappointed because I'm wallowing at the bottom of the pit. After all those days are transitory and I know I'll climb out into the bright light of day ready to tackle my blog. Right after I take a shower – that hole makes me smell funny!
Between my ex-boss and my ex-wife, I've had more than my share of menopausal hormones, thanks.
Oh sure, you've seen it from the outside. You ought to see it from the inside. It's not pretty dude! lol
Hear, hear! Thank you for being REAL, Michael, and for allowing us to be too…
Hey, you don't need MY permission.
Preach it brother! We are HUMAN beings having a human experiences. I totally resonate with this post. Hence I share a bunch of my personal “real life” experiences.
Fortunately I have almost 4 years of blog posts that I've pulled out of the archives from my 1st two blogs I started but grew from. I've been updating the posts and tweaking them to reflect my growth and I'm going to start doing “Throw Back Thursdays and Fall back Fridays” in order to leverage that older content.
This way when I “don't feel it” I've got content to share that's valuable still!
Amen man..lol I have those days about twice a month..lol
Then something possitive happens, like aff check in the mail, and I'm back in the game with right minds4et.
It's human nature to have a F** it days once in awhile, and it's a great way to relax..lol
Absolutely, we're all human. As long as I can sleep at night (well, any
time, for that matter), I'm a happy man.
lol yea I agree, if I can sleep, then things are just fine
I also think that during days when you don't care, you can take advantage of the time away from the computer. Taking a walk without my portable music player, spending time outside, these things always work for me when I feel that I need to get away from everything. Sometimes, within the same day, I would come back with a fresh idea and renewed motivation.
Exactly. People have to recharge. Apathy may well be a sign it's time for us
to do just that.
Michael, if you ever get really bored doing blog coaching, you could always move into the self-development field! This advice is just the kind of stuff I give people: “don't fall for the bullshit that other people are fixed and happy and it's only you who feels crap sometimes.”
So, I can only agree with you.
I was ill for part of last week and actually allowed myself not to post on the Monday of that week. But by the Friday, when I felt better, I posted about my experience of having taken time out, and how responsive my community had been to me. My point is, so long as you're not taking time out on a regular basis, your readers tend to be understanding of your temporary need. In fact, I'd say they welcome your show of humanity!
Very much so, Christine. We actually trust other human beings more when we
know they're fallible humans just like us. People don't trust perfect robots
because nobody's perfect, so we all assume it's an act. And if it's an act,
you just killed your authenticity and transparency right there. People like
to do business with others they like and who they perceive as being like
themselves. This doesn't give us permission to be screw-ups or incompetent.
But it does give others permission to like and trust us a little bit more
(and every little bit helps).
Hi. Great to read some really good, clear, honest advice!
I come across so many poorly written posts, by people who seem to believe their way is the right way, and who clearly have a very limited knowledge of their subject matter.
This is NOT one of them!! Refreshing, inspiring, and easy to understand. Thanks for a great read!!!
You're welcome. Hope you subscribe and stick around.
Thank you for this little piece of awesome.
You're welcome.
Thanks for the exploration Michael. First time I've visited your blog and I love it.
I do have days where I don't care for sure. I think you're right – it's about having balance and anyone that reads my Posterous blog will know my stance on that.
I love the idea of “spare blog posts”. I need tons of them right now!
Nice mention of the difference between amateurs and professionals, too. Promises are something that prop up your reputation and I find if I break them I can get intensely guilty.
I find that when I'm already writing, it's easy to crank out another one. I
also try to jot down ideas as soon as I have them. It helps. Thanks for your
comment.
Thank you for this little piece of awesome.
Thanks for the exploration Michael. First time I've visited your blog and I love it.
I do have days where I don't care for sure. I think you're right – it's about having balance and anyone that reads my Posterous blog will know my stance on that.
I love the idea of “spare blog posts”. I need tons of them right now!
Nice mention of the difference between amateurs and professionals, too. Promises are something that prop up your reputation and I find if I break them I can get intensely guilty.
You're welcome.
I find that when I'm already writing, it's easy to crank out another one. I
also try to jot down ideas as soon as I have them. It helps. Thanks for your
comment.
Glad to hear and am not the only one that feels this way sometimes.
The trick is to not spread it around to other people. A friend may lend a
sympathetic ear from time to time, but for the most part, nobody cares and
nobody likes to listen to other people complain or express apathy. When you
laugh, the world laughs with you, etc.