The Blogging Monster

Every so often, I notice that I’m suddenly more irritable, depressed, snarky, and downright petty.  Its not an attractive look on me, and its becomes even more irritating when I can’t pinpoint the source. But usually, I need not look any further than this little ol’ space of mine. I’d like to introduce you to what I not-so-lovingly refer to as “the blogging monster”.

It comes in all shapes and forms.  Jealousy, envy, bitterness, depression, doubt, self-righteousness, pride.  Ahh yes, the Blogging Monster.  Its no friend of mine, or yours.

I think most of us can relate.  Its that moment…

• when you wonder why you don’t have more followers.
• when you wonder why you even bother posting because obviously, no one cares to read.
• when you fall into a deep funk because the post you spent hours on received 1 or 2 comments, but the post you threw together in 10 seconds flat, received over 20.
• when you read a post on another blog and think to yourself “At least I don’t do that…” or “If he/she were more knowledgeable/better informed/knew what I knew, they would NOT do that or do it that way.” Its self-righteousness at its finest.
• wonder why your family can’t cooperate for one darn minute so you can perfectly document this amazing moment that the world MUST KNOW ABOUT.
• you want the magic formula to successful blogging, and you want it now.

I could go on and on, but I think you get the point.  Let me preface this, I have been there!  The Blogging Monster rears its ugly little head at least 4-6 times a year for me.  And it usually takes a good week or two to reign it in and get myself in the right frame of mind again. Obviously I’m so knowledgeable about the Blogging Monster because I’ve experienced it. Too many times to count.

So here’s a few notes on how I kick this unwelcome guest to the curb.

1. Accept that these feelings, while not fun or good, are perfectly normal. I dare say that perhaps even bigger bloggers feel them from time to time. (I could be totally wrong about this one. Who knows.)
2. While there is nothing wrong with wanting to be a successful blogger, or wanting a larger following, or wanting to monetize your blog, don’t let it define who you are. You shouldn’t allow your blog to define you as a success or failure. There will always be someone with a bigger audience than you, as well as someone with a smaller audience.
3. Get back to the joy of blogging. Remember why you started in the first place, pinpoint which posts made you happiest and why. Step back from the blogging “have to’s” for a week or so and post purely for you.
4. Be genuine. People will be drawn to your blog when you are being true to yourself.
5. Blogging is as sporadic as you can get. Truly. It is a hit and miss wonder. Both with the success of blogs and the popularity of posts. If there was a magic blogging formula available, I assure you that everyone would be using it.
6. Don’t take blogging too seriously. Despite how it can feel from time to time, I assure you, its not a life or death situation.

There you have it.  My introduction to, and the death knell of, the "Blogging Monster”. I hope its stay is a short one with you and yours.