Bloggers and Writers, Keep Consuming, and Keep Contributing
I make no apologies for not being the most original guy on the planet. I look around and learn from everyone and rarely ever have a completely original idea myself.
And I'm okay with that.
The fact is creativity isn't so much a matter of coming up with completely original ideas as it is building on existing inspiration.
If you're a writer or blogger, you know how long you can spend staring at a blinking cursor while trying to think of something else to write about.
My most creative moments, when I really have what I would call a writing sprint, is when I'm in the middle of consuming content from others.
It isn't that I'm copying anything they're saying. It's just that their content stimulates my own creative thinking and my mind starts racing with different ideas. In that moment, I have to take some notes!
For me, there are seven major sources of content I try to consume daily.
- Books, from a variety of authors and niches - 2 or 3 a week.
- Blogs, hundreds of them using Feedly to create my own micro-internet.
- Podcasts, using the Casts app - about 70 of them.
- Social media - Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
- Courses, so I'm learning new things from new people.
- Email newsletters, for which I have a second email address.
- Conversations, which I invite from people smarter than me all the time.
There are other sources, but these are my big seven. And when I stop consuming, I tend to slow down in contributing.
Obviously, we each have to find a balance to strike, but make room for both in your day - consuming (learning, reading, growing) and contributing (writing, sharing, adding value).
I'm asking for your help on this post in several ways:
- Tell me, in the comments, a source or two I should add to my list - could be a blog, a podcast, a newsletter, a book, etc. And yes it can be yours!
- If you have an email newsletter related to blogging, marketing, leadership, entrepreneurship, etc., please add bacoxbiz@gmail.com to it (I'm opting in).
And by the way, if you don't have a list, why not? Get started building it today!!
Recent Comments
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So true Brandon, that as bloggers we get to learn new things constantly. Blogging is a great excuse to have to stay informed!
I am an "inspirational drug prevention speaker" who speaks to all ages, and I'm certified for speaking to youth. Because of my two sons' stories, this is my passion.
Perhaps you and the people you help would be interested in my success systems, based on neuroscience and other studies and experiences. You can find my site on my profile, since I don't want to be promoting it here against the rules.
If you like it, you can send a contact form and I will make sure you get my new posts as they are published.
Thanks for another good post here on WA. Keep up the good work!
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Wow, this is great list you've set up. I love the cycle of creation and consumption you made for yourself.
Thanks so much. Still works well for me!