Stop Reading Blogs: Go Create Something

Stop Reading Blogs: Go Create Something
Written by Samuel in Online Business

Back in a time when life had less cynicism and more Ramen, I imagined that being a writer would be a noble profession. So I began reading books about writing, from the classic The Elements of Style by Strunk and White all the way to On Writing by Stephen King. Of course, I soon gave up that aspiration once I found that my web development skills had greater marketability (and I had bills to pay). However, there were more than a few lessons I took away from that time. For example, every book I read shared the same two points that each made very clear. First, if you ever want to be a writer, you must be an avid reader (as King wrote, "If you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time or the tools to write"). This point was made in yesterday's post about blogs to read. Secondly, and germane to today's post, is the fact that at some time, you must stop reading and begin creating. More specifically, King wrote that you should find a place where you can be most productive and just write (or perhaps in our case, create a website or start a business). From his book:

We do best in a place of our own. The most important feature of this place: a door that you can and are willing to shut. No TV, no phone and no video games. Curtains closed. Write first with the door closed. Write for yourself without worry about theme, symbolism or accuracy of details.

This is sage and sensible advice that escapes most people including myself. There are far too many people that are intelligent, talented, and well-read in the industry in which they hope to one day start a business. But in the end, they always move on to the next book or the next blog, using the success of others as a surrogate for doing something themselves. Like anybody creating anything, their strongest deterrant is the fear of failure and the "wasted time" that accompanies potential failure. So instead, they keep reading blogs and books, "prepping" for a day which they never allow to come.

So with one day of 2008 behind us, and many more ahead, consider how much time you do reading and surfing, and how much time you spend creating. And if you find an obvious leaning towards the former, perhaps you should take a temporary but definite break and put your knowledge into action. And remember this one last quote from King:

The scariest moment is always just before you start. After that, things can only get better.

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Community Comments

derek rogers
1/2/2008 9:14:53 AM

well said

q4
1/2/2008 9:55:47 AM

yeah, thats true.

Andre
1/2/2008 10:07:15 AM

Great post! I find that it's easy to lose myself in the world of magazines, books, and blogs.

As a new web designer, I love reading this blog. Thanks for the good writing.

Sean Hodge
1/2/2008 10:48:24 AM

I find I have to approach my own projects similar to how I would client projects. Assign due dates and set aside time to complete the tasks. And check them off. I also studied writing alot in College. So for me setting up a task to write an article is the same as setting up a task to design a website.

I find less fear an issue and more of an issue that I just don't feel like working at that moment and would like to do something entertaining. Reading blogs is entertaining for me.

Sometimes work is entertaining. And sometimes you just need to get it done and feel like procrastinating.

So I usually read a blog article after I do an hour of work. And then jump back to working again. Its like a break.

As far as advice. It is essential that to be successful you need to overcome your fear and be able to accomplish work in your chosen craft. So, good advice. Thanks.

Also, sometimes fear comes from an idea of perfection. I've found that shooting for good quality work, rather than perfection works really well for getting things done.

Samuel
1/2/2008 11:22:04 AM

Procrastination/laziness is a problem for myself as well.

Although, I wonder if even procrastination is just a subtle form of fear -- fear that the time necessary to do something will not bring the same "return" as the time spent watching TV, or hanging out with friends, or playing video games...

Sonali Agrawal
1/2/2008 8:10:07 PM

This is so very true. I am so scared of writing anything, rather nothing comes in my mind, and that is the reason I still don't have a blog of my own. You are A GURU for me...Thanks for this encouraging post.

Josh
1/2/2008 9:41:35 PM

Well you pegged me.

PassivePassion.com
1/3/2008 4:05:54 AM

Very true - my latest blog post touches upon the same thing. I've reached a tipping point where my output has to exceed my input.

Lucy Dee
1/7/2008 1:41:05 PM

A number of factors come into play when it comes to the creative process with me.

I end up putting up inspirational quotes on the wall or mirror to motivate myself. Although, those reminders aren't helpful if you're not in the proximity of the quotes to read them (lol).

One thing I find that works, at least for blogging, is taking notes while walking/traveling places, in the middle of invigorating conversation, and when I have that stray odd thought. Being adamant/diligent about writing down those thoughts is where the discipline is really needed. Keep track of where you wrote down that thought can also be a bit of a task.

I also find getting out of the house or office space ideal for waking up that muse.

Stephen King's ON WRITING was a huge help, but again, remember--that is what works FOR HIM. It can be frustrating to conform to someone else's work methods. That's why so many people hate their jobs. If they could do work on their own time, we would have a lot less disgruntled postal workers, but a lot of unhappy patrons.

Great article! Thanks again for the inspiration to get off our backsides! Merry 2008, everyone!

Christine OKelly
1/10/2008 6:08:08 PM

Sage advice Samuel - just pull the trigger!

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