There we have it. I just published 90 blog posts in 30 days. It was an exceptionally long month and my mental health isn’t doing all that great. But, I did learn quite a bit about myself throughout this experiment.
Mostly that I’m never going to do this again.
Seriously, though, it’s been somewhat of a positive experience as a lot of things came to light.
Keep in mind, I just did this whole challenge while still working on a lot of client work. Not to mention the severe issues I had to face in my personal life.
Needless to say, I’m looking forward to some downtime. I mean, seriously, I just published 122,640 words this month on top of my full-time job. I need to stop and catch my breath.
7 Things I Learned While Blogging for 30 Days
While I am burned out and in dire need of a day off, this entire experiment wasn’t without its merits. In fact, I learned quite a few things about myself as a creator, which will influence how I do things in the very near future.
Although I don’t suggest trying to cram 90 blog posts in 30 days, it’s always good to come up with some kind of challenge to understand more about yourself.
Well, as long as you’re capable of learning from the experience.
I Definitely Take On Too Much
I kind of already knew that I am trying to take on too much. But this blogging experiment pretty much made it blatantly obvious, even to me.
Unfortunately, I really didn’t get to put much effort into the other projects I want to do in September simply because I didn’t have enough time in the day.
Keep in mind that I was doing all of this blogging while still maintaining my work for clients. Not to mention moving my house around and a few other personal things.
I Need to Focus on Priority Projects More
Before, I would try to cram everything I could into a single day. This often meant I would lose sight of the things that I really wanted to get done.
For instance, I should have had the eBook published by now.
During this month, I’ve thought long and hard about what I’m doing and where I want to go. So, I’ve made the decision to put priority on specific projects so I can finish them soon.
I know, I should have been doing this from the beginning. But with everything my fingers are in, I just couldn’t get things to work right.
This also means that I am pulling back on a lot of side projects that aren’t really going anywhere. It’s time to dump a few things that have “potential” to work for those that actually do.
Smaller Goals Are So Much Easier
There are some goals that are just ultimately easier than trying to crush out maximum effort all of the sudden. This is exactly why I often promote using micro-goals to build your momentum.
When you try to take on the massive goal all at once, you run the risk of burnout. And I felt this several times throughout September.
For instance, I could have simply focused on publishing one article more in September than I did in August. It’s small, but it works towards self-improvement. It also helps build momentum towards bigger goals to achieve greater rewards.
Just remember that this is such a thing as biting off more than you can chew.
I Really Miss Being Creative
Because I spent most of my free time either blogging, researching, or spacing out because my mind was mush, I really didn’t get to do much in the way of being creative.
I’m really looking forward to continuing the Despair audiobook as well as finishing VII and the upcoming eBook.
In fact, I am dedicated huge blocks of time starting in October so I can get my more creative pieces finished. After the eBook, I might actually, finally finish VII.
Taking Downtime Is Absolutely Necessary
One of the biggest reasons why I am so tapped out is because I really haven’t had a chance to take downtime. I’ve been running on anxiety, stress, and caffeine throughout the entire month of September.
The end result is a mind that is less clear and a body that is starting to revolt against my decisions.
If I could have taken even just a single day to unwind, it probably would have helped greatly. Nevertheless, at least I can slow down after this post is published.
I Need to Focus on Time Management
Before, I was making goals based on writing and how many words I can produce in a day. Nowadays, though, those types of goals aren’t going to cut it.
Mostly because a lot of what I do for clients today is editing or video production. So, I don’t get to write nearly as often as I used to.
I’ll still keep track of the words I write and aim for one million words per year. However, my new goals starting in October center around using my time more wisely.
My goal will be to put in more time towards projects and clients today than I did yesterday.
I Need to Avoid Being Tethered to My Desk
I spend way too much time sitting at my desk. Whether I’m working or playing, I wear out my office chairs way sooner than many people may think.
To be perfectly honest, I’m tired of being tethered to my desk. I was supposed to make 2020 my year of going out and meeting people. Well, that didn’t happen for obvious reasons.
But with things opening up again, what’s stopping me now?
What’s the Next Big Accomplishment I Want to Achieve?
I’m not really sure how to top 90 blog posts in 30 days. However, I know there are a couple of things I want to achieve in October. And after my little five-day hiatus, I’m going to start working on them.
So, what goal am I aiming for this time around? Well, I am blogging every day on Vocal Media so I can make Part 2 to the video I have on the YouTube channel. But, that doesn’t sound big enough, does it?
How about this, then…I’m giving myself an October 31st deadline to have the eBook distributed and ready for sale. Of course, this might change a bit depending on the entire process of self-publishing.
This is something I’ve never done before, so I don’t know what I’m actually looking at in terms of time constraints. But I will push forward to having it up and ready before Halloween.
This means I’ll set up several blocks of time throughout the week specifically for the eBook.
This will be after my client’s work and other things that bring in money as I still have bills to pay, after all. And I’m not really expecting this eBook to rake in the dough.
It Was Rough, But I’m Done!
This was, indeed, my most difficult challenge to date. Between the sheer amount of time I spent blogging, personal issues, and client work, I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it from a mental standpoint.
But here I am. Ready to take on October…well…after take a few personal days to unwind. Mental health is a vital component of living, and I want to make sure that I’m ready to get back to giving my audience what they want.
Still…I did it! Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going out for dinner. I’m not sure where I’m going, but I can tell you one thing…it’ll have a liquor license.
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