The Benefit of Burning Out
I burned out on the 45-Day Boundless Living Challenge.
Because instead of deciding to work on what was important to me, I tried to work on what I thought should be important to me.
But I believe that I’ve learned more in my “failure” than I ever could have learned by “succeeding”.
If there’s one thing that I got from the burn, it was clarity.
I can finally appreciate the contrast.
I’m clearer, more focused on what I can offer the world and what I want to receive.
I’ve been very focused on the Free Personal Development Material blog, and the majority of reactions to it have been good.
I’m considering shutting down this particular blog (Creating a Better Life). Not deleting it, and not stopping my blogging… but this particular venue just may have run it’s course.
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One of my biggest struggles up until now was trying to be everyone but Lyman.
Write list posts so that I can pull in traffic… never really liked them much – now watch an idea for one pop up!
Post every day… nope, writing really takes a lot out of me, and trying to produce a full on, perfectly original, thought provoking, funny, blah blah blah masterpiece while working a full time job and trying to be a part of my family just burned me.
Write reviews… man, I can barely get through some of the books I’ve been sent to review, never mind having to write about them (no disrespect to the wonderful authors and publishers who have sent me books… I do appreciate you.)
It just stopped being fun. And dammit, I want my fun back!
Ahhh…. that felt good…
[ Thanks to Maria for her article on authentic blogging - it really helped in clarifying my thinking. ]
Creating a better life means making changes when changes are necessary. And changes have become necessary in this slightly skewed personal development bloggers life.
Good changes… exciting changes… fan-frickin’-tastic changes. 
This post has 11 comments
August 28th, 2008
***Creating a better life means making changes when changes are necessary.***
Wise words indeed, good luck with the changes
August 28th, 2008
I just write one post a week on each of my blogs. That’s plenty…it gives me time to think and to enjoy the process. My basic philosophy is
It sounds as if you’ve learned about doing what you love. Good for you!
August 28th, 2008
I like that. I’ve burned out a few times too. Always gained clarity when I did.
August 28th, 2008
Thanks for writing this. I also signed up for the challenge and I really did not know what to do with myself after a few blog posts. I also have not been into EFT which seems to be a big thing for Bob Doyle. I have nothing against it, it just gets so boring for me.
So I am glad you wrote this. In the past few months I have tried to get this internet marketing thing and social networking thing going so I have surfed the net more than ever and I am amazed how it is almost only about monetizing. You go to an experts site and there is nothing for you unless you buy something. I do not like that at all. I like authentic, transparent communication. How do I know you are an expert if you do not show me you are an expert?
Anyway, thanks for sharing.
Iyabo Asani
http://www.Blog.AuthenticChangeAgent.com
August 29th, 2008
Hi Lyman….
So as I read your post – I think – Gee I joined that group also the 45 day challenge — And I never made it there 1 day!
Why? Well — I guess I was busy doing other things — and I have learned — if I try to do too many things – I, too, will end up going down “burn out lane”
When you say this “But I believe that I’ve learned more in my “failure” than I ever could have learned by “succeeding”.” That is my mantra – Well what I say is — “There are No Mistakes….. Only Discoveries!”
So Bravo for you as you have made some important discoveries about how you want to live your life!
There are days I can get caught up in the shoulds – I should be doing this – I should be doing that…. And then I remember – “Ellie don’t should on yourself”
I absolutely subscribe to Abraham’s saying – “Life is supposed to be Fun!”
Hmmmm – I am hoping we will still be hearing from you – as you always are authentic in your writing!
August 31st, 2008
What makes writing for my blog is that I don’t focus on SEO nor do I care about getting “Digged.” I just write when I feel like writing (although I do have two posts a week that has become standard and readers have come to expect – Wednesdays for interviews and Fridays for my gratitude post).
Everything else in between, I just write when I feel like it. I put no pressure on myself (well, a little) and most of the time I enjoy the creativity associated with writing. It feels godo to have written the best possible article.
Lately I’ve been taking small risks that are a “no-no” to some people like revealing who you are supporting for president and giving them a little plug. I had one man send me a private email saying that was a “no-no” and that he thought my choice of candidate was an “empty suit.” And this man is pretty well respected….. To my surprise, I was very calm about it and said, “thanks for sharing your thoughts, I am 100 percent okay with your opinion.” In other words, I was okay with sticking out my neck like that, depsite the potential risks involved. That made it fun, maybe a little scary.
That’s how I’ve been trying to spice things up a little. Maybe you could do the same. Throw away the notion of becoming popular on Digg or whatever and just do what your heart says. If it means stopping this blog and creating a new one – go for it! Those you are meant to follow you, will. Those who are not were never meant to anyway.
Best of luck there my friend. You can do it.
August 31st, 2008
Dear Lyman,
Very wise words, your words.
Keep that road of self knowledge.
Honesty is something I value hugely.
Congratulations!
Patricia
September 3rd, 2008
I’m glad I could help you out, Lyman. Best of luck in your future ventures.
September 6th, 2008
Lyman,
What a refreshing, honest, authentic blog post! Good stuff, good reading, good tips…..
I felt the same way when I decided to stop trying to write several blogs and several newsletters – and just focus on one!
There is no right way…to do anything.
Bravo!
September 18th, 2008
Posting a fresh content in a regular basis is actually the only way to survive in blogosphere. But for me, the problem is the internet connection. I don’t have a good connection and it’s rather more expensive.
September 20th, 2008
Learing what it means to “be yourself” is a wonderful revelation. Only you can ever way what this means. The truth is not adequately expressed in words. You learn through experience.
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