Embrace Opportunities to Learn
During my morning reading, I followed a link which led me to a link, which led me to 7 Habits of Highly Defective Bloggers on Life Training Online. It’s an eye-catching headline for many reasons, such as the obvious parallels with the famous book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and the fact that everyone wants to know what’s wrong with them. It’s hard not to take a title like that personally if you’re new and unsure of yourself.
As I read the article, I realized the points were all valid and often applicable to my blog and writing in general. And yet, although I agreed, I found myself becoming defensive. Perhaps I was primarily reacting to the strong word choice, defective. The word defective has the connotation of a condition that can’t be repaired, like a defective appliance you return to the store and never see again. I would have preferred if the author had used ineffective, the opposite of the word effective in the book title he was adapting. Inefficiency can be corrected, but defectiveness leaves no room for learning and improvement.
As someone who suffers from many of the faults the author describes, I have made an effort to determine how I can learn from these examples and improve my writing.
1. Acknowledge that you need to learn.
Anyone who has begun something new has felt the nervousness that comes from being unsure of the right course of action. It’s natural to become defensive at this stage, make excuses for lack of knowledge, perhaps even blame others for setbacks. A more productive approach would be to acknowledge gaps in knowledge and experience and research the problem or approach others for help.
2. Look to those you admire.
An idea for a new project is often inspired by the success of someone we admire. But many people fall into the trap of thinking they have to reinvent the process from scratch. Rather than beginning with a blank slate, study the successes and failures of other bloggers, authors, and creators you admire. This doesn’t mean you should copy anyone else’s work. Rather, analyze what you like and dislike about their work. Try to determine their methods and piece together how you can use that inspiration to generate similar success.
3. Dedicate yourself.
With the first brilliant flash of an idea, the vision is often so clear that it seems as though the work should already completed. When reality intrudes and you see that there is a long path ahead, it’s easy to get discouraged. Remind yourself that no one ever achieved lasting success without a lot of hard work. It may be necessary to make sacrifices, work long hours, and endure setbacks. Acknowledging this from the beginning will prepare you to cope when things get overwhelming.
4. Help others.
As your experience increases, be open to ways you can help others begin. Remember how much you learned from the examples, and perhaps advice, of those who had gone before you. By teaching, you will remind yourself of the basic lessons that are so essential to be fully engaged with your work.
5. Connect with your audience.
Ask for opinions, and receive them graciously, whenever you have the opportunity. By opening yourself to others, you can strengthen the lines of communication between you and the rest of the world. Art is ultimately about connecting, and it’s vital to understand how to communicate in order to keep your voice authentic.
6. Look through another’s eyes.
Frequently take the time to view your work with another perspective. Are you writing the kind of story that you would like to read or would you think the author was being too self-indulgent, too mystical, too vague? Reflecting on this question in terms of this blog, I realized that I would like to see more posts with engaging, inspiring content. I like blogs that give me startling insights, that lead me reflect and react.
7. Let the outside world in.
When focusing intently on a project, it can be easy to ignore the rest of your life and the rest of the world, to the detriment of your creation and yourself. Periodic breaks from your work will renew your creativity and your commitment. Rejuvenate your project by spending time with family and friends and connecting with nature. Your work will be more vivid for the effort.
The most important thing to remember is that there is usually an opportunity to learn in any situation. It’s ok to make mistakes, to not get everything just right on the first try. No one who is beginning anything new is flawless in their execution. Whether you are a beginner or have a lot of experience, take all the opportunities to learn that you can.
I want to thank the author of 7 Habits of Highly Defective Bloggers for the opportunity to reflect on my writing and blogging style.
