The biggest fear that prevents people blogging

Without question this is the thing that all people teetering on the edge of blogging say... "I wouldn't know what to write about... I don't know what I would say"... or "I need to learn how to blog".

The response is always the same... we have so many things that happen each day but we don't recognise them as blog posts. That's a skill we have to learn...

Recognising a potential Blog post... how do you do that?

We blast past 100 potential blogs every single day without even batting an eyelid. That's because we've never needed to do this before. So it is a new skill... it's not hard... and once you get into a habit you'll just have far more blog ideas than you can possibly write.

So here's an example... You are having a conversation with someone about how you got into whatever it is you're blogging about (1)... then you explain how you are now writing a blog and how exciting it is (2) ... and that someone said the other day they had read the blog and it caught you by surprise as you hadn't imagined anyone would (3) ... and that now you have been spurred on to write more because of that (4) ... and then someone asked how they could start a blog like you (5)

5 Blog Posts out of nowhere

There are 5 blog posts above. Each is a story in itself... not big stories but each has an underlying message which is important.

1. How you became passionate about what you do... conveys your energy, enthusiasm and expertise (or not) in what you're blogging about. This has the effect of being seen as the person to go to about this subject, it raises your profile... if you are learning something new, then it shows vulnerability, but the desire to improve... and perhaps inspires others to think about what they can do too.
2. Why did you decide to use a blog to share what you are doing? Well... you know there are others who are probably experiencing the same, want to do something similar to you... need some encouragement... and when we know we are not alone then it reassures us and perhaps 'doing it with someone else' is the bit we were missing. A Blog is a great way to do this.
3. The realisation that what you were told is true. The audience for a blog is whoever finds it... and whoever finds it... comments, shares, finds it interesting, is the person it was written for. Most people start blogging with the thought they don't know anyone who would read their rubbish... they're right (not about the rubbish) but about the people who read it. Like as not they won't be people you know.
4. When you realise your thoughts and writing is useful for others it really takes the whole thing to another level. Huge boost to your self esteem and confidence right there. We all matter... there are always people who want to do what you are doing but just didn't meet the right people to encourage them... or they might empathise with your situation... We are absolutely not alone here... blogging helps to connect us with like minded souls. When new bloggers realise all of this they become prolific very often.
5. You get people saying to you... I always fancied writing a blog... or I was thinking about doing a blog myself... or.... I just don't know anything about it, where to start, how to get going... how did you start? ... followed by very often... "I wouldn't know what to write though, what to say... I don't think anyone would want to read my ramblings?" .................... and so it continues.

Get practicing... develop the habit

If nothing else Blogging gets us thinking about what we are doing. Probably the greatest bi-product of writing (or VLogging) is that we are conveying a thought about something that has happened. In the examples above I have attempted to illustrate how in a very simple dialogue with a friend some hugely important and significant thinking is exposed.

It's about giving ourselves the space to reflect in our lives. Blogging gives us that space to reflect, write and then convey... and you know the most important thing? Those thoughts connect us with others... those people who already thought the same, and now know a kindred spirit... those people who needed the stimulant of your thought... and are grateful for you bringing to them...

So as you go about your day... at each exchange, thought, or lightbulb moment... if you say to yourself 'that would be a great blog post' ... write it down. Use something like a note space on your mobile phone entitled 'Blogs to write'. Get good at noting these things as otherwise you'll torture yourself later trying to remember something you were excited about, and now just can't put your hand on it. WRITE IT DOWN!

One of the most rewarding things you'll do for yourself

Reflecting, writing, sharing ... can be some of the most rewarding and important work we do for ourselves. Whether ultimately you publish your thoughts or keep the blog private (yes you can do that too) as a personal journal, it is entirely up to you.

Blogging isn't really about selling (9 times out of 10) ... that is a convenient by product in many cases. Blogging is a fabulous opportunity to reach inside yourself. Whatever you write about though do it with Intent... the real purpose might reveal itself a bit further down the path....