A Slacker’s Guide to Getting Things Done
I’m excited to present this guest post by Jean Sarauer of Virgin Blogger Notes. Jean has been a huge supporter of my blogging and I consider her a dear friend. She offers inspiration and hope to bloggers, new and seasoned, but more than that, Jean offers wisdom for living life. Her humour and insight can be applied to anyone’s life.
Written by Jean Sarauer.
By all appearances, I’ve been slacking lately. After all, hours spent lounging in the sun + loads of time with family and friends = slacking, right?
Well, not necessarily. Although I’ve had front-row seating at Slackerpalooza a time or two in the past, I’m currently taking massive action towards my goals and building momentum while still enjoying plenty of time to relax.
What’s the secret?
Well, for a mere $27.99, I’ll be happy to reveal . . .
Wait . . . What’s that?
Oh drat. Katie says I have to tell you about it for free.
Seriously, I’m happy to share the details. After all, things weren’t always so rosy in this neck of the woods. No, just a few months back when I first started blogging, I was short on results and long on overwhelm. Much as I loved blogging, the technology was foreign and clunky to me, and I avoided taking action. Sure, there were rare days I flitted around like a hummingbird on a caffeine drip, but most days I moved more like a centipede wearing cement socks.
Let’s face it, whether we’re creating a blog, starting an exercise program, or cleaning our closets, most of us struggle with taking consistent action. We’re all revved up at the outset of a new challenge, but a few steps out of the gate when we catch a glimpse of that first hill, our legs wobble, our resolve dwindles, and we pull off at the first Slackerville exit.
I’d be sitting on the front porch of the Slackerville Hotel right now if it weren’t for the sheer luck of stumbling across some old group coaching materials. Flipping through the pages, I glimpsed a passage where we’d discussed the difference between authentic and inauthentic action. Our coach said authentic action comes from empowering goals and energizes us. Inauthentic action stems from outer expectations, as well as from our own ’shoulds,’ leaving us draggy and drained.
Now, I’m not the sharpest tack on the wall, but I could see right off I was approaching blogging with inauthentic actions. Rather than focusing on my own empowering goals, I’d taken my cues from others and created a massive, energy-depleting, ’should-do’ list.
I realized that if I was going to move forward with my blogging goals, I needed to change my approach to getting things done. Slowly but surely, I replaced unhealthy thoughts and behaviors with better choices until the process evolved into a 4-step plan for taking authentic action in all life areas.
Here’s how it works:
Reconnect with the reason.
My original blogging purpose of providing information and inspiration to beginning bloggers had taken a back seat to plug-ins and page views. Revisiting that core reason reignited my enthusiasm and helped me focus my actions on the few simple tasks that aligned with that purpose. I’ve since learned that reuniting with my original reason for pursuing a goal restores my passion and shines a light on the best way forward.
Be an original.
Because I knew so little about blogging, I was a sponge for any advice. The trouble is, everyone told me something different, which left me confused and resistant to action. Fortunately, I realized there’s no one right way to blog, just like there’s no one right way to lose 10 pounds or get a college degree. Our most effective action steps always occur when we walk in our own shoes.
Plan, schedule, and focus.
My creative side rebels against structure, but without it, I’d been diverted by distractions and was spinning my wheels on low-priority tasks. I laid out a long term blogging plan, created a work schedule, and started using an online timer to maintain focus. Being able to see how today’s actions fit into the big picture fired me up, and by working with focus at scheduled times I accomplished in minutes what used to take me hours. The truth is, creating a structure frees us to bring focused energy to our tasks.
Step away from the work.
One day computer issues forced me to take an extended break. As I did yard work and puttered around the house, my mind was flooded with new ideas for blog posts and for streamlining my activities. Now, whenever I’m faced with a particularly daunting dilemma, I get away from the situation for a while and let creative solutions chase me instead of the other way around.
As with any plan, you’ll experience the best results when you test, tweak, and personalize these steps to fit your goals and circumstances. Gradually, with practice and patience, you’ll find yourself gravitating towards authentic actions that allow you to tend to those things that matter most in your life.
Meanwhile, I’ll get another lounge chair set up out on the patio. You’ll be needing it soon 
Your turn: Have you ever found yourself getting off track by living according to expectations and ’shoulds’?
When she’s not lounging around, Jean Sarauer provides information and inspiration for beginning bloggers at Virgin Blogger Notes.
Photo by Greg Pye.
69 Responses to “A Slacker’s Guide to Getting Things Done”
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delightfully inspiring Jean! I too like to rebel against structure, yet things don’t work out so well for me without it. It’s a love hate relationship between myself & structure. It just works so well, but I can’t seem to love it consistently. I have a similar relationship with “shoulds” after the breakup they still find their way back in.
Your 4 step plan is great!
.-= Aileen´s last blog ..Snakes Shed Their Skin and So Do We…Breathe Through Life’s Changes =-.
Hi Aileen. Even though structure doesn’t come naturally to me, I’ve had a much better attitude towards it since experiencing the positive results it brings. Stepping away from the work is still my favorite part of the plan though
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..What My Father Taught Me About Blogging =-.
Awesome post. It was unique, useful and UPDATED! LOL. Are you watching SETH GODIN?
I find STEP AWAY FROM THE WORK, is absolutely crucial for me.
PLAN, SCHEDULE and FOCUS is the toughest but getting better.
Thanks Jean and Katie!
: )
Hi Elana. I think I’m one of the five people on earth who hasn’t read Seth Godin yet. That’s something I need to remedy soon from what I’m hearing. One thing that helps me with focus is to play around with different timers, the length of the focus period, the type of project being done, etc., so it seems almost like a game. I’ve never outgrown my need for play! Then again, Katie said in her cleanse this week that I don’t have to
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..What My Father Taught Me About Blogging =-.
I love this post! I find myself slacking when I get caught up in results instead of the experience. If I have a blog due and I focus on getting it done I suck the joy right out of the act and dawdle and fall behind. If I look at it more like, what can I learn while sharing this, I tend to come back to a place of balance. I so agree with your point about getting away for a bit. The ideas tend to really flow then. Congrats on your first guest post!
.-= Clearly Composed´s last blog ..~ Thoughts on Rebuilding Trust =-.
Focusing on outcomes is a quick route to misery for me. I can always tell in my gut when I’m on the wrong path there. When I’m into the process, things have an ease and flow. It doesn’t mean everything is going perfectly, but more like I’m okay with where things are and that I trust things will turn out okay. When I’m in ‘outcome-mode,’ I’m basically packing my bags for a trip to Meltdown City
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..What My Father Taught Me About Blogging =-.
Ahhhh. It’s about time you guest posted, Jean! heh. I still have yet to.
As far as my blog goes, I’ve had two times I seriously jumped ship onto the “I should do this” check check boat. Once in January, once a month or two ago.
Funnily, as soon as I was looking to the future, I lost so much motivation and interest in writing in the present. So now, I just look forward to my next post.
What you’re talking about is applicable to all of life though…I’m going to have to think about that some more…
] chloe [
Well, it would have ruined my whole slacker image if I’d have guest posted too soon
And you hang out with a bunch of laid back rabbits, so taking your time is pretty much of a given!
This plan definitely does make any area of life simpler and more relaxed and rewarding. I think that’s mainly because it helps set us back on our own path where we can honor our individual style and rhythm.
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..What My Father Taught Me About Blogging =-.
Wow, #’s 3 and 4 are what I struggle with. And I burn out because of it. But I’ve gotten a couple good lessons in it this past week: Due to storms and other issues, three times I was without internet access at crucial times. The last time being today. I have taken the sign, though, and am committed to establishing a schedule in which I can focus. And relax. I’m always so much better off when I do, but it’s so counter-intuitive that prioritizing it has been quite difficult. (Okay, it’s not happening at all!)
I’d like to hear more about how you schedule your work time for success!
.-= Jeannie @ Take Childbirth Back´s last blog ..Weekly Roundup 6.21.2010 =-.
Hi Jeannie. Those storms (electrical or life) that take us out of our work routines are great teachers, aren’t they?
In regards to that schedule . . someone else asked about this on the A-List forum, so I’m pasting my reply to them here:
I almost always begin my day with two hours of distraction-free writing. Coffee too
After a little break I do my ’rounds,’ where I tend to comments on my own blog, read and comment on others, do email and social media, and participate in forums. Depending on the volume, this takes 1-2 hours.
Time for another break now and then I spend two hours doing client writing, learning something new, tweaking the blog, checking email/comments again, etc. It varies based on the needs of the day, but most of the time is for clients.
By now it’s noon (I start at six or before normally), and I’m done for the day other than 1-2 hours later in the day (usually broken into 15-30 minute segments) to respond to or leave comments, check forums, schedule posts, and reply to emails.This makes it look like I’m working all the time, when I’m totally NOT working
In case you’re curious, afternoons and evenings are for friends and family, gardening, walking, meditating, fiction and creative non-fiction writing, reading, and general mischief making.
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..What My Father Taught Me About Blogging =-.
You are right when you say “electrical or life”, as I’m getting hit with both lately! It looks like you are too, I’m sorry for your loss.
Thanks for sharing your schedule. I have just managed to spend 2.5 hours NOT on a schedule yet, but getting a feel for how long I should expect stuff to take me, and will either schedule that or adjust what I’m doing accordingly. Today I’m just happy I woke up rested, and then more because it I did so well before my alarm clock went off!
.-= Jeannie @ Take Childbirth Back´s last blog ..On bravery =-.
Hi Jean,
I find it hard to believe that you are a slacker. Maybe slightly intimidated by a huge learning curve, but never a slacker. I read something today by Chris Guillebeau in which he suggested that you are the most productive when you really leverage what you love to do, rather than forcing yourself to do things that you resist. If you love blogging, you find a way to figure out the technical stuff. I did that too. We are usually slackers in areas that we find find boring! Great post Jean. Keep guesting.
Barrie
Hi Barrie.
I’m in 100% agreement with Chris’s thoughts. How that shows up in my blogging life right now is that I’m outsourcing technical work whenever my time is short.
This week is filled with family obligations, plus there are a lot of extra gatherings due to a death in the family. Meanwhile, I have several things (not all that difficult even) I want done on the blog.
A few weeks ago, I would have either been paralyzed into inaction or forged ahead and risked a meltdown if there were glitches. This time, I contacted the A-List Blog Clinic and am free to do the writing and connecting I love, tend to my family, and know that the technical work is being handled.
Maybe I’m more of a smarty pants than a slacker after all
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..What My Father Taught Me About Blogging =-.
Definitely know what you’re talking about! I admit my initial response with just the first paragraph was something like a groan: I was like OMG this girl is such a workaholic! LOL! Come on–time with family and friends isn’t just important, it’s priority! I had to go let the dogs out, and I sat out back with them for awhile (to guard the baby robins in the rhododendron bush–hey, I have my priorities!
, and I was thinking about all the long trips I’ve taken over the years, weeks on beaches or hiking around, days planning gardens and landscaping and other stuff, which I love, but….well then I read some more. Good stuff 
To answer your question, yes, I’ve been off-track many times due to “expectations and shoulds.” Not too much right now–though I admit that I spend time that I wish I didn’t (sometimes) taking care of my yard and landscaping or snow shoveling because I care what my neighbors think! lol Can’t be a slob, ya know. More like when I was married, and I had to do a lot of travel because of in-laws out of country….when I should have been writing or focusing on my own career. Did I have to? No, I love travel and I’m better for it and I could have made different choices but…yes, I got off track due to expectations, some internal, some external. So I know what you mean! From a slightly different angle.
.-= Leah McClellan´s last blog ..Cops, robbers, and traffic tickets =-.
Hi Leah. I’ve been called a lot of things in my life, but workaholic has definitely never been one of them
Glad you kept reading so as to dispel that terrifying image! What you experienced with those external/internal expectations when you were married is something so many of us deal with. Our creative side often gets swept under the rug while we put the best of ourselves into making a great life for our loved ones. In some ways though, I think we come out as stronger creative forces in later years because of that.
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..What My Father Taught Me About Blogging =-.
Simple brilliant advice Jean.
I’m a huge fan of authentic action. Every now and then I catch myself doing things for the wrong reason. This is when I hit the pause button and refocus.
The thing that I struggle with the most is scheduling. I am not a big fan. It has come up more than once in the past week. This is a sign that it’s time to deal with it–soon.
Your advice is timeless and apply to all facets of life. Hope to see more guest posts from you. You know I’m a groupie and will follow you wherever you write.
Hi Manal. Doesn’t authentic action have a great feel to it? One thing that might help you with scheduling is to only schedule small chunks of time at first and ease into the new structure. I’m big on the power of baby steps when it comes to making changes. Hey, we should really get you a nice tour bus to ride to these guest posts if you’re going to be a groupie
Seriously, thank you for always being such a bright light.
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..What My Father Taught Me About Blogging =-.
Warning: This comment will be of the highly confessional nature.
When it comes to blogging, I feel exactly like the centipede with the 100 pairs (or is it 50 pairs) of cement socks. Day after day, posts go up in my reader of what I “should” be doing, of things if I’m NOT doing my blog is destined to fail and die the most agonizing of deaths. My blog “To-do/Should-Do” list is sucking the life out of me.
Your post was the reminder I needed that this isn’t working. I DO realize this every now and again and step back and say, “Okay, CG. Why did you begin blogging? When do you love it? Okay, now let’s go from there.” But more often than not, I’m trekking up that blogging mountain in my cement shoes.
This post has spoken to that problem, and I am grateful for it.
Beautiful guest post, Jean.
.-= Chania Girl´s last blog ..The Big Break-Up =-.
When I was reading your comment I could so relate to that ’sucking the life out of me,’ feeling. That really nails how it feels when we start living in the land of ’shoulds.’ There are a zillion point two great ideas out there for our improving our blogs and our lives, but in reality, there are usually just a handful that resonate with us enough to belong on our lists.
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..What My Father Taught Me About Blogging =-.
Jean you’ve done it again. Knowing what we’re going through and then solving it. Darn you’re good! What resonated with me was the ‘be original’ aspect as we do tend to follow a trend or copy a theme i.e. law of attraction or inspiration as a whole. Know you niche is you and communicate that. Secondly the ’step away’ suggestion is spot on. Leave things alone for a while and get some fresh outlook on things or give your head a ’spa break’ kind of time for a few hours. I always do that. Just surprised you got a booking at Slackerville Hotel as it always seems to be full. Ho hum.
.-= John Sherry´s last blog ..3 Steps To Feeling Good In 30 Seconds =-.
Hi John. Those ’spa breaks’ for our brains are surprisingly powerful, aren’t they? Time away always brings me a fresh idea or solution and helps me realize I’ve gotten caught up on expectations or comparathons. They’ve adding a new wing to the Slackerville Hotel by the way
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..What My Father Taught Me About Blogging =-.
Jean: Great post and great story. I thought what you said about reconnecting with your reason for doing something was powerful advice. Once we are really able to tap into that honest and genuine passion that is behind our rationale for doing anything, that really is when things unfold in so many amazing ways. It was very motivational to hear how things just opened up and started falling into place for you once you changed your approach. Thanks for sharing your story. I really enjoyed reading it.
.-= Sibyl – alternaview´s last blog ..How to Really Experience the Current Moment =-.
Hi Sibyl. I’ve experienced this in other areas of my life, as well, like practicing good health habits or tackling a home project. If I just stop to remember the ‘why,’ that usually helps get me out of thinking of how I ’should’ be doing something and helps me find that sweet spot of authentic action.
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..What My Father Taught Me About Blogging =-.
Hi Jean,
As always – you’re so brimming with insight.
This morning as I meditated I asked myself what I could do to ease some of the stress and pressure I am under the answer came: Pull back on your list of what your “supposed” to be doing with your blog.
I knew this meant stop commenting on 100 blogs a day; Focus only on the topics you meant to write about when you created the blog; Hire someone to do all the technical things you have no interest in learning.
I feel liberated and validated by this post. Thank you Jean!
.-= Angela Artemis´s last blog ..Global Healing June 21, 2010: Urgent Call to Action =-.
Thanks for telling us about your awakening! Your life will take on a much greater sense of ease and your actions will be far more powerful when you follow that inner wisdom. It’s tough to trust in those urgings sometimes, but in reality, they’re like a GPS showing us the route to a rich, joyful life. Here’s to traveling your own road at your pace!
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..What My Father Taught Me About Blogging =-.
Wonderfully insightful post! I am actually hyper-structured and organized which is for the most part great, but also lends itself to my drowning in the “shoulds” without leaving any time for contemplation and sometimes gets me away from what my original intention was. Thanks for reminding me to take a step back. I always say that the best tool for productivity is the rest in between – time to start living it!
Thanks, Royale. Stepping back far enough to get a fresh view of the big picture is always healthy. I know too well how easy it is to step off the right path when we get caught up in the day-to-day details. Here’s to regular productivity rest stops!
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..What My Father Taught Me About Blogging =-.
Jean what an inspirational post. I love the idea of authentic and inauthentic action. I will be using that thought with my clients.
Many thanks!
.-= Marion Anderson´s last blog ..The Pen is mightier than the ……Prozac? =-.
Hi Marion. The concept of authentic vs. inauthentic action ties in beautifully with working on empowering vs. disempowering goals. In all cases, we move towards things that resonate and come from within and away from things that feel heavy and come from outside ourselves. It definitely brings a lightness to life when we go this route!
I’m still quite new to blogging but this post really helped me. I try so hard not to succomb to the ‘Shoulds and Oughts’ but the ‘How To’ posts are very alluring and usually valuable.
I’m beginning to find my voice I think, and trying also to be original in my writing style and content.
Now all I have to do is set up a ‘Schedule’ that works for me!
For me the mian thing is, I enjoy it!
.-= Linda´s last blog ..9 Things… And One More =-.
Glad you found the post to be helpful, Linda. I find lots of valuable info in ‘how-to’ posts too but am learning to filter things for my own personal preferences and niche. Plus, I’m practicing the concept of ‘letting go of good to make room for great.’ That means I might ignore nine great tips and wholeheartedly embrace just one.
You have a fabulously original style by the way. Your posts are easy to read, have universal appeal, and that joy of yours is evident!
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..My Virgin Guest Post =-.
Hey Katie, thank you for hosting Jean!
!
Jean, I am so happy to hear that you have found your authentic voice. Following the crowd does not seem to be your thing anyway!
Thank you for embracing a little bit of laziness in the sun (Summer here after all) combined with that conniving planning in full swing. Jean, you are a dynamite in slow motion
Hi Farnoosh. It’s always such a treat to see you pop up. No, I’m not a very good crowd follower by nature. I think we creative types tend to do best with plenty of time spent under our own shade trees and swimming in our own streams. Do you sense a summer theme here???
Not just a summer theme but a summer post….Ways for bloggers to enjoy summer. The flexibility of blogging from anywhere is great, but the laptop under the sun gets too much glare so maybe we need to sit in the shade, and then again, reading a classic beats blogging (shhhh!) so I will be completely useless under the sun but boy do I get a gorgeous tan….All this to say, yes I hear the theme and it’s just as lovely to see you everywhere, dear Jean!
Jean, Jean! This is exciting. All the energy and comments and sunshine you’ve spread is just contagious. Thanks so much for a wonderful post! Let’s do this again soon!
I’m having such fun here, Katie. It’s like a sleepover at a best friend’s house where we all stay up entirely too late because there’s so much to talk about. You won’t have to twist my arm too hard to get me to come back here. You might have to pry my fingers off a lemonade glass to get me to type though
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..My Virgin Guest Post =-.
Hey Jean,
Glad to see you here.
Awesome Post. I really like the point 3 “Plan, schedule, and focus”. Great Point. You’re really doing awesome Job Jean. Keep it up.
Thanks for sharing this great Post.
~Dev
.-= Dev | Technshare´s last blog ..7 Effective Ways to Get Quality Traffic to Your Blog =-.
Hi Dev. Thanks for coming over. You are one of the most productive people I know, so I could likely learn a thing or two from you about focus.
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..My Virgin Guest Post =-.
Jean,
Although I just recently got to know your blog, I am amazed how much you know and I see your presence in many of my favorite blogs. I can attest to this post, as I am feel like still newbie blogger and have lot to learn.
It is hard to keep going when you are writing to yourself without readers but if we keep follow through it, we will find out destination. Thanks for encouraging post. I am a fan.
Katie,
You have a new subscriber, me. I thought I was already but now it is corrected so I do not miss any of your and wonderful guest posts such as this.
.-= Zengirl @ Heart and Mind´s last blog ..101 changes: Change 5 – Smile when you wake up =-.
I’m so glad you’ve subscribed to Katie’s blog, and can guarantee you’ll be glad you did! I’ve been going through her 7-week cleanse, which can be started at any time, and it’s given me many fresh insights.
I know what it feels like to be blogging into a void with no one listening. If you check back through my oldest posts you’ll find a lot of dust in the comment section and not much else. Just keep up your good work, get out and about to comment on great blogs like Katie’s, and soon you’ll have so much company you’ll find yourself refilling the lemonade pitcher every five minutes
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..My Virgin Guest Post =-.
You sure know your slackers! I feel like that “centipede with cement socks” on some days and I keep plodding when I should step away.
Love your post style Jean. You disarmed me with humor and finished strong with some great advice. Some post I just scan, yours I read twice to enjoy every morsel.
.-= Dr Joe @Toronto Dentist Blog´s last blog ..Dental Sins and Dentists to Avoid – Pain Exploiters II =-.
Yes, I definitely do know my slackers and recognize them coming from quite a ways off
We all would do well to step away vs. plodding some days, but I guess we just have to live and learn. Thanks for your kind words, and I thank you for reading and commenting.
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..My Virgin Guest Post =-.
Unparalleled accuracy, unequivocal clarity, and undeniable imopartnce!
Hi Jean,
Glad I found your guest blog over here! You bring up a great point about stepping away from our work. When I try to force or grind it out it just comes out flat. Mood is everything. If I am in a lousy mood I am better off stopping and taking a walk. Infinite intelligence will never flow through us if we are stuck in a sour mood. It becomes easier and easier to access creativity when we truly know ourselves.
I’m glad you found your way here too, Rob. You always liven up a party
I’ve spent more time than I care to admit trying to force creativity and the results are indeed flat and completely uninspired. Blech. Walking is sort of a magical remedy for that though, isn’t it?
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..My Virgin Guest Post =-.
I’m glad I didn’t stop reading after “$27.99″ because I would have missed some good advice and inspiration. I’m glad you’ve returned your focus to blogging rather than plug-ins and number of visitors.
.-= Jake LaCaze´s last blog ..Why We Can’t Afford To Get Stuck In The Past =-.
Hi Jake. Thanks so much for coming over, and I’m glad you didn’t stop reading too. Although the $27.99 would have been nice . . . oh, I guess Katie won’t let me get by with that in the comments either
Keep up your own good blogging work, Jake! You come up with some inventive posts and are on the right track there.
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..My Virgin Guest Post =-.
Hi Jean
excellent momentum and even better gathering! Your post does really provide some good insights, I totally agree with you with the action to get away from the things which are blocking you to open up your mind and open up again for creativity. This is something IT people like me frequently experience – starring for too long at the same error doesn’t solve it. Shuting down the computer or explaining it to others does help to “reset” the mind.
And sure expectations and shoulds are all around – the worse are my own
but following your advice to test and tweak helps.
Hi Francoise. I tried to do some simple HTML coding a couple weeks ago and can appreciate what you’re saying about staring at the same error without seeing the issue. In my case, I finally posted the code on a forum and got help that way, but hey, that’s sort of a creative way of ’stepping away,’ right? Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..My Virgin Guest Post =-.
Hi Jean,
Congratulations on your first guest post
You raise very important points here. You mentioned how when you plan and focus, you accomplish things much faster, this is so true. When we plan and focus on accomplishing the required task, we finish our tasks a lot faster. Thanks for sharing Jean
.-= Dia´s last blog ..5 Ways to stay energetic throughout the day =-.
Thanks, Dia. I was nervous over this. First time jitters and all
Planning and focus saves my bacon every time! Well, technically, since I’m a vegetarian I suppose it saves my tofu, hopefully you know what I mean. I appreciate you stopping in, Dia.
Hello Jean and congrats on the first guest post and the awesome response it has generated! I’ve just emerged from the sawdust and plaster of a minor kitchen remodeling project and wanted to check this out before it was too late!
Great post, and totally spot on. For me, “Be an Original” is the most important one at the moment, as I sort through all the information I’ve sought out and the info I’ve been given. A lot of it is conflicting and a lot of it is confusing, too. Like you, I get overwhelmed by the technical side of things. Need to be careful that it doesn’t get in the way of remembering the reason for the blog in the first place. But if that happens–
Iced tea or a wine cooler on the porch takes will put it all to rights ;D
.-= Meg´s last blog ..Grace in a Bad Economy =-.
Thank you, Meg. I’m an advocate of minimalism in all things except comments
The conflicting advice when I started blogging just about drove me bonkers. Thankfully, it gets easier later on when a person is clear about what they truly want, can choose mentors who share the same values and goals, etc. I’ll keep some spare beverages handy in case either of us get off track in any way! 
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..7 Signs That Granny Hijacked Your Blog =-.
Really nice post nice to see you jean here.
Thank you, Alamin. I appreciate you stopping by!
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..How to Turn Life’s Lemons Into Blog Post Lemonade =-.
First and foremost congratulations on your first guest post. That’s awesome!
And might I say you have a lot of comments here so that’s wonderful too!
Personally I have to just sit myself down and think about why I’m doing it and keep going. I’ve been in a rut lately myself and lost almost every idea I’ve had so I sat down and read some blogs (surprise with that coming soon on my blog) and wrote down some more plans that I think a lot of bloggers are absolutely going to benefit from.
What do you think about that?
.-= Eric´s last blog ..Three Reasons To Absolutely Start Blogging =-.
Hi Eric. Good to see you here! Anytime you can come up with ideas that readers will benefit from, you’re going to do well. Plus, you’ve got a way of being honest about what’s happening in your life (like the rut you mentioned) and that transparency is a big plus too.
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..7 Signs That Granny Hijacked Your Blog =-.
Jean, things certainly don’t seem so rosy here in my nect of the woods at the moment (even though I know there’s much to be grateful for). I can relate to feeling “short on results and long on overwhelm.” The technical aspect of getting my blog where it needs to be has been like being thrown into a foreign land where I don’t understand a word than anyone is speaking.
Each day, I have remained committed to taking authentic action. Since Leo’s review of my blog, I feel that my actions have been the most inauthentic ever. I suppose if I never developed thick skin growing up between 5 brothers who could be absolutely brutal at times, it may not be part of my evolutionary process.
I’ve had to step back and reconnect to MY reason. I definitely want to be an original and can relate to “feeling confused and resistant to action” with so many different perspectives and suggestions from others. I have learned that structure and a time frame to work in has helped me to stay on task and complete more in a shorter period of time. The important missing link for me is that my plan is rather sketchy.
I have also found that when I’m forced to step away from work that seems to be going no where fast, I am able to welcome in fresh new ideas and inspiration. I loved it when you said that you “let creative solutions chase me instead of the other way around.” Perfect!
I enjoy reading the messages of simple, daily, authentic actions that lead to a more vibrant life that you and Katie share so beautifully from your heart!
Congratulations on this first fabulous guest post, Jean!
Hi Lynn. I can relate to so much of what you say. Not the five brothers though because I only had two
Reconnecting with our own reasons is the only thing that really cuts through all that other chatter. And I’m not saying ‘chatter’ in a disrespectful way because there are many excellent, valid points of view out there. But, in the end, that’s what they are. Points of view. And what one pro views as an improvement to a blog will be the exact thing that another pro insists must be done away with. It’s enough to drive a blogger bonkers if we don’t remember to heed only that advice that resonates with us.
I’ve got my own list of suggested improvements to the blog that various folks I respect have offered. I am grateful for those suggestions and the spirit in which they were offered, yet my own gut instinct, reader preferences, and a bit more experience will lead me when it comes to implementing those changes.
Stay true to yourself and you’ll always be a winner
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..7 Signs That Granny Hijacked Your Blog =-.
Jean I have only recently joined A-Listers and already you and Katie are becoming my inspiration.
I like what you say about stepping away from things and doing something different. I know for me, that going for a walk or a jog is amazingly freeing and I always come back with ideas that I might not have thought of.
Like you, my creative nature (at least that’s my excuse!)frees me up to do other things simultaneously, but in truth, I am not being the productive person that I need to be.
So thankyou for the advice and hints. I have now written on my whiteboard (true!) “Because Jean says so”! Maybe I need a photo of you with a really stern look!!! it would serve as a reminder of all that I have to accomplish.
Have you read “The Four-Hour Work week” by Timothy Ferris? I’m sure he wrote it with me in mind! Just maybe he collaborated with my husband!!
Hey Maria, I’m so happy to hear that Jean and I are helping to inspire your blogging journey. She definitely inspires mine. “The Four-Hour-Work Week” is certainly on my list. Thanks for visiting and keep on blogging.
And you inspire me every day! Just knowing you’re out here with me, even if we’re doing separate things, makes me smile
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..How The Daily Brainstorm Will Rock Your Blog =-.
I’ll try to get a real stern look on my face when I’m out back in my lounge chair and snap a pic
I have read the 4-Hour Work Week, and I did pick up some tips from it. Most of what I do (writing, communicating) can’t be outsourced, or at least I wouldn’t want to outsource it because it’s fun! I am, however, going to outsource housecleaning at the earliest opportunity 
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..How The Daily Brainstorm Will Rock Your Blog =-.
Oh thank you for this post. Ive been reading for over 4 years now, researching, studying. I owned a coffee shop 10 years ago. That was 10 years ago! Im still in my Fathers “shoulds” at 40 yrs of age. ( He was a Doctor.). Ive cut some quotes from your post and Im hanging them on the mirror. I think all the reading is messing me up.
Too many shoulding’s.
My biggest challenge is that my life revolves around my husbands schedule. We live part time on the east coast , we live at home ( San Diego) in the winter.
I relied on those beach walks for a mood boost. But now, Im challenged to find new ways to feel inspired.
The weather here is not conducive to outdoors, we have only one car, and we travel so a nice routine has been hard to come by. This in itself can be something to overcome and noticed how the uprooting can interfere with my creativity.
I find my time being spent, schlepping, errands, finding something healthy to eat ( hunting and gathering). ha. Packing, driving, and the day to day “things that need to be done” are roadblocking. Wondering how I can turn this into a something rather than an obstacle.
Great post!!!!!!
Hi Susan. Isn’t it something how those ’should’s’ stick with us and end up steering our lives? I can relate to your weather-related challenges too. I live in Wisconsin, and have many months of the year where snow, ice, and cold keep me from being outdoors much. In those times, I’ve learned to withdraw to a quiet corner with a cup of tea, light a candle, and let inspiration find me there.
Could you use your experiences/challenges/blocks as material to write about? If you can carve out even a half-hour in your day, sit quietly, and reflect on how you feel inside . . . the yearning to create . . . the frustrations that stand in the way . . . these are feelings others can relate too. I have a feeling that as you do this–taking just a short time each day for reflection and journaling–some solutions will appear. Then you’ll have more time to create, as well as a great ‘How to Get Your Creative Groove Back,’ type article