Plans
I make lots and lots of plans. And I love making lists. I'm the person in my friend group that actually settles the dates and decides what we do. I come up with tons of ideas, many of which never even begin to come to fruition. I work on whims and lose my motivation. This blog is a very good example of that.
I'm starting college. I looked back through archives of writing and there's lots of stuff I've written that I still want to post. It's not chronological, and most of them are related to my high school experience. But I don't think what I put into the world has to match exactly where I am. And I want those posts out there. So I plan to share them.
Schedule
I want to make blogging part of my schedule. I've said it before, but my entire schedule is changing now, so I can maybe more easily fit it in. It may surprise people to know (it even surprises me to say it) but I write everyday. I have for almost two years. It's not quality writing, and more of a diary than anything else, but it's writing. I do love writing. And it occurs to me, I would like to share more of my writing than I do. And I'm ready to do that. On a schedule? Maybe.
This post has very little purpose beyond fulfilling my want to start posting again. It's been over a year since I last wrote something in my to-post folder. It's been months since I even uploaded on a whim. Lots of my content here is me saying I'll be there. Apparently I have commitment issues.
Perfectionism
My biggest issue isn't just related to blogging, or writing. But sort of sits on all my projects and assignments, and nearly everything I do. I want so desperately for everything I put out to be perfect. I want to be useful and to run something successful. And I want it now. Patience and commitment go hand-in-hand, and I appear to be lacking both.
The Game Plan
I have a game plan. Or, an idea of a game plan. I'd love if someone else would follow it and make it successful!
Step One: Have a Blog
I read all these posts about having the right kind of blog, with the right hosting and the best domain and best everything. I don't have much of that, though I am fond of my domain and name. But to start and keep going are different. Start with what's free and what is available. Other people have grown and changed, and if that's what it comes to, you can too. It'll add to your story.
Step Two: Stop Obsessing Over a Niche
This is one of my biggest issues. I don't know what to write about. Write what you know, they say. I just don't know if I know anything worth writing to share. I'm still looking. But meanwhile, I'll write.
Step Three: Write for Me, Not to Please
I enjoy writing. If you want to blog, you should enjoy writing. It should be something for personal value and sense of accomplishment rather than to please an audience you likely don't have you. People read to learn, but they keep reading because they love your voice. It's easy to tell when someone isn't sincere.
Step Four: Keep it Simple, and Keep it Up
Bulleted lists with bold text and good images do just as well or better than paragraphs. They're easier to wrap your mind around. Pinterest-worthy titles are just a few words long, and the cover image can't be too junky. Simple is good. Continuing to keep on is even better.
Bonus Bit: Find an Accountability Partner
I had three people get me through high school. We FaceTimed and worked together. Text-yelled when we saw each other on Facebook during our working hours. This isn't high school, but it's so much easier to work in a productive environment. Find someone you don't want to disappoint and share your dreams with them. It's the best way to get anything done.
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Thus begins my blogging journey with new ideas bubbling in the back of my mind. We'll see where it goes!
Leslie!
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