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Home » The Famous Blog » Best Blogging Tip is to Stop Blogging

Best Blogging Tip is to Stop Blogging

November 29, 2010 - Last Modified: November 29, 2010 by Dan Stevens

Stop Blogging

Sometimes a breather is all you need. We live in a fast paced world, and it doesn’t exhibit any signs of slowing down anytime soon. The Internet takes the gold in this never ending race. There is always something new and exciting going on, and keeping up with it all is both impossible and impractical. Nevertheless, we try to stay in the loop, following RSS feeds, actively participating in Social Media and the list goes on. Now, don’t get me wrong – there’s nothing wrong with this. I am an avid supporter of online activity. But, when this insane race takes over your life, growing out of proportion to a degree that leaves you incapable of doing anything else, something has to be done.

Lately I’ve been stumbling upon too many posts on blogger frustration. We’ve all been there at some point – staring at the blank screen, concentrating on the blinking cursor while feeling our brain flat lining in an effort to come up with that elusive topic. Even the most talented and experienced writers face the same from time to time, and trust me when I say that no blogger is immune.

What can be done to prevent these occurrences of “blogger’s block”, and how can one get over them if preventive measures fail?

To be perfectly honest, I believe there is absolutely nothing we can do to will make us 100% safe from the aforementioned frustration. Creative writing is a funny thing. Sometimes it seems as if words are flowing unassisted from under your fingertips, while at other times it feels like you’re trying to write in an unfamiliar language on an obscure subject. Some recommend keeping up with the current events and recent developments around your chosen subject. That way you should always have something fresh to try and elaborate upon, or to describe your own take on the given matter. But that does not work for an already frustrated blogger who has neither drive nor passion left.

However insignificant my personal experience may be, I have learned one thing that many others understand after decades of dealing with these frustration hurdles time after time.

I say – take a breather.

A blogger without passion is a Chef who can neither smell nor taste his culinary creation. The result might not be an awful one, but the side effects are simply not worth it. Writing without the necessary drive is not an impossible task, but it is not the pleasant process that it should be. If you keep it up long enough you will end up with too much of a load to drag. At that point, when writing is no longer associated with joy and creativity but with suffering that remind us most of a detested chore, most bloggers quit writing altogether.

Taking a break at the right time is crucial if you wish to avoid the frustration that could make you wish you had never started blogging in the first place. Take a walk or a swim. Take a trip or a hike. Get out of the house/office and do whatever makes you feel good, but don’t forget to take a little notebook and a pen to scribble some stuff down in case you suddenly feel an idea coming to a slow boil. You never know when that muse might strike you again, and when it does (it always strikes, eventually) you will be ready.

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Filed Under: Blogging, How To Blog

About Dan Stevens

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Dan Stevens is the Content Manager for SEM Blog, or moderating the UK SEO Forums.

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{ 63 Responses }

  1. Kharim says:
    Nice article, but I don't wanna stop blogging :D
  2. Claire says:
    In the office, we call our breather a Retreat/Recharge. We spend sometime away from work, doing a fun & enjoyable activity. It relaxes our mind, body and build stronger bonds with co-workers. Afterwards, we go back to work with more enthusiasm & energy.
  3. Rajan Balana says:
    As I am new blogger, I may be making lots of mistakes, but as the time passes I will surely improve my skills and will emerge as a good blogger. Hope so!! :)
  4. Eren Mckay says:
    I've had this problem before and I truly believe it was because I was restricting myself was to what I should be writing. Once I decided not to be too" niched" and just write whatever my soul wanted to it all started to flow a lot more. That's one of the reasons that I have subdirectory blogs with different topics. It just gives me the freedom that I need to always be creative and write on what naturally comes to me ( and not on what I'm supposed to write). I liked your tips for writing. One can never have too many of those. All the best, Eren
  5. John McNally says:
    I'm lucky Dan I haven't suffered from writers block yet, I'm always taking breathers though - literally very deep breaths. ;-) I go for a run in the countryside, and always come back refreshed and full of enthusiasm. Running is also the best thinking time you can have, no interuptions from phones, people or computers. 8) I find that some days the writing just flows, and I save extra posts then, using them up when the ideas slow down. John
  6. Rachel says:
    Nice post! I often have the writer block or the blogger's block, sometimes I go out and look for inspiration especially from the things I observe like nature, people. I think the most ideas I get from are the experiences I have daily.
  7. Chris says:
    If you have writers block I suggest writing a review on a product you just bought or are using. This is one the easiest and best ways to create a unique and informative post. I recently wrote about a parked domain webiste I use and how bad their customer service was - I got an IMMEDIATE response from the company asking what they could do to help out the situation. Create some controversey (nothing too bad) It will give you something to write about and you can talk about the pros/cons of the service/product
  8. Ashlie says:
    If you are having writers block, I suggest going to Yahoo! Answers and search open questions. There are a lot of questions there that can make good article topics. If there is a question in need of answering, try writing 500 words on it. Its a good way to promote your article afterward by answering the question with your article. I mention this in my article at SEOsage.org
  9. Ardorm says:
    Hey, Dan! In my opinion, taking a break is the best advice. However, it is always hard to do that, because you always think something like "What will my readers think? Will they come back if I don't update?" and so on. That's why, I am updating my blog once in a week. I always take with me a pen and a notebook, so that when I come up with an idea, I can write it down. At the day of update, I just edit what is written in my notebook and publish it on the Internet.
  10. Tej Kohli says:
    Yeah I am agree with you , But Now a days I found that many blogger not following such rules , even they had posted the same articles and news with the same language , We have to find out unique and new ideas for discussion
  11. TJ McDowell says:
    I usually keep a stash of ideas handy so I can just select from a big list whenever I'm wanting to write anything new. I have definitely had the experience you're talking about with the words seeming foreign, and nothing seems to fit. I think the best cure I've found for that is a good night's rest.
  12. Bilal Ahmad says:
    I teach to my 8 students about blogging and as they have no passion for blogging they think that blogging is a very boring job. For me it is the only entertaining job that i can do with pleasure. I am a MBA but don't want to do any job, because i love blogging.
  13. Dennis Edell says:
    While I've never had the bloggers block, I have taken the break "just because" and can vouch for it being an ultimate technique for clearing the mind and getting you back on course. :)
  14. Isabel Rodrigues - Pro Blogger Journey says:
    Great Tip. We so often feel bored doing the same things over and over again. Its not a bad idea to take a break and come up with some fresh ideas.
    • Dan says:
      Hi Isabel, One great method of freshening up I always recommend is guest blogging for different niches than the one you're in. Have you tried it?
      • Dennis Edell says:
        Dan, I've been hearing this a lot lately but I'm confused on something. The main perk to guest blogging is back-traffic from that blog to yours, right? Example: I run an affiliate marketing blog (lets say) but have a passion for wooden toys. I find an handful of blogs from wooden toy makers and what not to guest post for.....what interest at all are their readers going to have for affiliate marketing?? What am I missing here?
        • Dan says:
          Hey Dennis, You're right - with guest blogging you get additional exposure to relevant target audience and (if everything goes right) your traffic incoming traffic should increase. However, that's the case with guest blogging within your niche. What I mentioned above is guest blogging for different niches, regardless of your Affiliate Marketing blog (sticking to your example). you might not even link to your Marketing blog from the Wooden Toys guest post, because as you've noted the target audience is completely off. What you do enjoy is the perk you haven't noticed, which is writing about something you're passionate about, taking a break from your tedious, monotonous Affiliate marketing content. It's a great way of taking a break from your own blogging endeavor, while contributing to other bloggers who share your Wooden Toy passion and working on your writing skills in the process.
          • Dennis Edell says:
            Hey Dan, So it's basically "just for the hell of it"? While awesome in theory, I don't know too many (serious) bloggers with that kinda time.
            • Dan says:
              Time isn't something we just have. One needs to dedicate time for other activities, and it's all a matter of priorities.
            • Dennis Edell says:
              Kinda my point Dan, While this may sound selfish, it's the truth. Priorities usually go to things that produce results, not just "good feelings", know what I mean?
            • Dan says:
              Since I can't reply on your last comment, I'll reply here: Priorities are as personal as they come. Your personal priorities go exclusively for the result generating activities, but you mustn't ignore that satisfaction (both on the personal and the professional levels) is as significant to most of us as these result oriented priorities are to you. They are all interrelated, and sometimes going for results alone takes its toll. That's when you should think of investing some of your time in yourself, and not only in your blog.
            • Dennis Edell says:
              Indeed it seems we can only reply off the original, anyhoo, this is where I get in trouble..... As egotistical as this may sound, I was taking the liberty of speaking for the majority of serious bloggers, not merely persona feelings. I think if you ran a good poll, you'd see I am much closer to right then wrong.....remember I say, serious (see: professional or close to it) bloggers.
  15. Shiva says:
    I agree with you Dan, I too recently was under such similar situation. I had some personal problems which totally affected my life and my interest in blogging so thats why I got into a Blogging and Writing Block. The best thing I did that time was "Took a break" from it all, went back to my home (I stay away from home) for a few weeks, enjoyed with friends cooled off and then came back and now I am slowly trying to get back to blogging. Yes, the taking a break method does work and is important to do that because blogging without interest is certainly damaging to both our-self as well as the blog.
    • Dan says:
      Hi Shiva, I wish all the best with your blogging endeavor. Take it easy and get back to it when you're ready.
  16. Rahul says:
    i do definitely agree with almost all what you said and these tips seem to be very useful and efficient when it come to good blogging ! thank you for sharing this great post any way
    • Dan says:
      Sure thing Rahul, I'm glad you found it informative.
  17. Jeevan Jacob John says:
    Hi Dan, I agree with you. Taking a break from blogging is surely a good tip to follow - but I am not able to do so - I feel like blogging all the time (although I can't because I am more focused on my studies and on my future). Blogging is a hobby to me and during the short breaks I get (walking down the hall, eating lunch) I really try to come up with new ideas. Sometimes I don't really get a new idea and during that time, all I do is think and research. Thanks for the great post !
    • Dan says:
      And a great hobby it is, Jeevan. Keep up the good work, and don't neglect your studies kiddo.
  18. Daniel Sharkov says:
    Hey Dan, You are absolutely right mate - sometimes the best thing you can do for your blog is to take some time off. Getting overwhelmed by the countless of tasks you have to do is a thing that has probably happened to most of the bloggers. That is where you lose motivation and inspiration, which leads to the so called blogger's block. Stepping away for let's say a week or two and freeing up your mind from everything blogging-related can well be the key.
    • Dan says:
      Well, having one of the best blogging tips blogger around agree with this post really makes my day :) Thanks Daniel, and don't be a stranger.
  19. Steve says:
    Dan, You make some really good points. Too much work and no play makes Steve a dull boy. Dull boys do not writing exciting stuff as a general rule. There is a need to regiment and make sure you have time to get things done and keep yourself to a standard of writing. At the same time it is just as important to have time that you are 100% removed from the process. At a minimum I make sure to break up my work with an hour + run. I find that many of my very best ideas come during this or other "down" time. WOrk is for work, but many intuitive leaps and moments of inspiration come when the mind is not working.
    • Dan says:
      Hi Steve, I couldn't agree more. I know exactly what you mean by intuitive leaps of a rested mind. I find working out during the day very stimulating as well. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate it. Dan
  20. Andreas says:
    Not only should take a break from blogging to refresh, but one should also take breaks when writing an article. Write a paragraph or two, then start another article and write a paragraph and sleep over it. It may work wonders and improve article quality.
    • Dan says:
      That's a great idea Andreas. Thanks for your input.
  21. Andy says:
    I find that the only thing that compares with a break is whisky. Lots of it. Write drunk, edit sober!
    • Dan says:
      Yeah well good luck with that Andy... Been there. Wanted to slap the dumbass who wrote that crap and realized it was me one too many times :)
  22. Lennart Heleander says:
    Hi Dan, Quality before quantity can only be created by a fresh brain. Take a break over a couple of days and come back with new energy.
    • Dan says:
      I couldn't have put it better myself, Lennart. Thanks!
      • Lennart Heleander says:
        And a little tip for those free days, a pen and small notepad on a great article idea pops up.
  23. Murlu says:
    I just got back from a vacation and it really struck me "I need to let go more often" - today is my first day back and I'm CHARGED - grinding out work every day really messes with your creativity; a breather is definitely required even though you may feel that you're going to be missing out.
  24. Mani Viswanathan says:
    I agree with you here. I would reframe it as Pausing instead of stopping. A little pause from Blogging will help a blogger a lot in collecting useful tips & writing out his own experiences.
    • Dan says:
      Hi Mani, You would restate, and as a result lose a great title :)
      • Mani Viswanathan says:
        haha...thats pretty true :P
  25. Mike says:
    Good thinking, Dan. But I suggest we do not stop blogging completely, but we should take several short break during the week and a long break during the month, for example, to rethink about our blog strategy. At my blog, I often leave a day or two to prepare and bake a new post recipe. (Sounds yummy! Mmmm!). That helps me a lot because I can really blend my own experience with other resources online. That results in much higher quality posts (I think so :)). After a week, I often leave a break to rethink about my blog strategy and do several admin tasks like cleaning 404 links, edit inner pages, analyze new opportunities, etc. My point is, blogging is not a fast ship to succeed online. You have to take time to water it and let it grow. Too much water can spoil the land. Too much effort putting in a blog can burn yourself out. So, I do completely agree with your article.
    • Dan says:
      It is a matter of proportions, dedication and patience. Thanks for your comment Mike
  26. Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach says:
    Love your chef analogy!! I'm lucky enough now that after 13+ years or so of teaching online...even if I'm not passionate at that moment, I can still write pretty decently for at least SEO goodness. And if by chance I feel shackled by whatever is causing me angst...I figure it's just me guardian angel telling me that taking a break is a Good Thing indeed. Always listen to your inner self!
    • Dan says:
      Hi Barbs, I love cooking...Can't help it sometimes :) Thanks for your comment and may I say you are really underestimating your writing skills. D
  27. Kimi says:
    Great tip, and i also agree. It is better to take a break than posting crappy content. However i notice when i don't post regularly, my visitor also drops :( SO sometimes i really feel i have to post something..
    • Dan says:
      Hi Kimi, For those times of need, when fresh content is a must but you just can't seem to squeeze anything worth publishing, you've got the blogger outreach recourse. Guest content is a win-win situation in these cases.
  28. Wasim Ismail says:
    Taking a step back to go 2 steps forward is always good, a lot of blogging involves sitting in front of a laptop or computer, which can drain you out mentally at times. Taking breaks and going away for couple of hours, or even days, will improve your work quality as you would be more fresh, and rearing to go again :)
    • Dan says:
      Hi Wasim, I think that what drains you is not the time you spend in front of the monitor, but the tediousness of dealing with the same issue(s) time and time again. Then again, to each his/her own I guess :) Thanks for your comment man.
  29. Tinh says:
    Very nice headline and I do agree that you should take a break or even quit blogging if you can not find any ideas for blogging or loose your passion and find another things to do :-)
    • Dan says:
      Hi Tinh, I love the headline as well :)
  30. Patricia says:
    Hi Dan I have only been blogging a few months but can already relate to what you are sharing in this post. With writing posts, blog hopping, commenting on other blogs and now guest posting, it is easy to get tired and jaded. Took some time off over the weekend and limited my time online. Really feel the benefit already and plan to keep an eye on the hours I am clocking up so I don't get burnout. Have noticed a few people who started blogging round the same time as me have already called a halt to their blogging efforts. I want to continue and taking regular breaks seem to be needed for the long haul. Thanks for sharing Dan. Much appreciated. Patricia Perth Australia
    • Tinh says:
      Yes, Patricia! I can not agree more with you. I have been quite for las two months, few posts published and no guest posts, not because of no ideas but I have been overloade with other business. I think I need to be back sooner :-)
    • Dan says:
      Hi Patricia, I'm as glad to share as I am glad to learn from others. Burning out is common, though not an irreversible phenomenon. Just take it easy, and make sure you enjoy what you do - trust your gut and when you feel it's not what it used to be, take that breather you need. That's really all there's to it. I for one would sure like to see you posting and guest blogging. I admire your style and manner of expressing your ideas. Keep it up and feel free to drop me a line on anything that might be of interest. Dan
  31. Phil says:
    Taking a breather from blogging is good at times. I have done it in the passed, and I am sure to do it again in the future. We all need a breather at times, it does us good, then we can come back all refreshed and ready to roll again. Thanks for the interesting article Dan. :)
    • Dan says:
      Sure thing Phil, Keep it up and stay in the healthy blogging track. D
  32. Charity says:
    I agree wholeheartedly. I have run into the blogger's block thing more than once. I almost always take a couple of days away from my blogs and find that the muse returns pretty quickly once I do that.
    • Dan says:
      Hi Charity, May you never face that blogger's block again :) D

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