This has been a bit of an elephant in the (virtual) room for me.
In fact, I’ve started posts and emails on this topic a number of times, but usually find a great reason why the smart thing to do is chicken out and say nothing.
Here goes: I’m what you might call an inconsistent communicator.
And the proclaimed backbone of building a memorable and successful brand? Consistency, of course. This is my shame.
But in the process of pulling this whole situation apart, I’ve had some realizations that I want to share. They have shifted the way that I think about this golden rule of consistency, and I know I’m not alone in sometimes beating myself up about this.
Cycles & Seasons
I am becoming more and more aware and appreciative of cycles, seasons, and rhythms in personal and business growth.
Yes, you have to show up everyday and do the work, but I also believe that there’s a time to reflect, a time to listen and learn, and a time to speak up and create.
And, when you’re a one-person show (as I am at the moment), you really have no choice but to respect these times as they naturally occur for you. It’s silly to try to hide the fact that your personal nature is a contributing factor to how you run your business.
An Air of Change & Spring Cleaning
“Spring cleaning” feels like a good way to describe what’s been on my mind these last few weeks; this place I have found myself at mentally and intuitively.
Something new, something great, is happening. I can feel this promise of critical clarity and change in the air – a familiar sensation from over two years ago when I first started my business. Whatever this brings, I know that it’s going to require some “out with the old.”
When these stirrings happen, we know we need to stop and listen. They might be unclear, but they are rarely wrong.
But to really listen, we have to stop talking.
A Time to Share
Truth is, when I’m deep in reflection or feeling the call to shut up and listen, I have a heck of a time writing and sharing. Drafts sit abandoned on my WordPress dashboard because nothing’s measuring up.
It feels forced. It feels superficial. Then I stagnate altogether because procrastination steps in to save me from my perfectionism.
I don’t invite friends into my home simply because it’s expected of me, and I don’t want to be the kind of marketer that communicates just because I’m afraid of how it will look otherwise.
That’s not how real connections are formed or relationships built.
The Cost of Inconsistency
Communicating at consistent intervals is a best practice. When you’re a perfectionist like I am, you tend to take these best practices to heart as laws that cannot be broken without losing your right to be an entrepreneur.
But the real cost to being inconsistent is simply a slower growing business. You will lose momentum, you may get forgotten, and you might look slightly less credible to certain kinds of audiences.
For some people, this might be unacceptable, but for most of us journeying the imperfect sands of building our own businesses, it’s going to be inevitable.
And I have a feeling that honouring your innate rhythms and cycles will come with its own multitude of benefits — possibly even surpassing the value of stringent consistency.
Take a little slack (and do great things with it!)
One day, I’d love to become a more seasoned and prolific creator of content. But until then, I’ve freed myself up from the ropes of blogger’s shame.
Because many brilliant leaders have changed lives while departing from the “twice monthly minimum” expectation.
Because forced communicating really doesn’t suit my style or how I want to serve you.
And because I know I’m going to deliver the very best resources and insights I can create, when it feels right to create them.
I invite you to join me in these more forgiving and patient pastures.
Right now, I’m a listener.
I am gathering information and riding a passion for new perspectives and knowledge that will very likely bring great clarity to where, exactly, I’m going next.
And I can’t wait to share what I find! But for now, perhaps you can share something with me.
What articles, books or other resources have you really benefited from recently?
And, if you can you relate either to my blogger’s shame or this learning curve of wielding the cycles and seasons of business growth, I’d love to hear from you in the comments as well. What have you learned about all of this?
18 responses to “Blogger’s shame (and an air of change)”
I just LOVE LOVE LOVE what you’ve written here Lisa, especially in regards to respecting our internal rhythms and cycles, SO IMPORTANT. There is a time to listen and there is a time to share! And a big yes to acknowledging FLOW vs CONSISTENCY : it’s definitely a delicate dance, and like you I’d rather be authentic even if the growth is slower!
These days, I’m steeped in lessons we can learn from fairytales and mythology which has been tremendously eye-opening.Also on the bedside table is Mark Nepo’s Book of Awakening and some Rumi. All great books for tuning into the inner self!
Thank you so much, Amy! Oooh, lessons from fairytales and mythology sounds so intriguing! I’m such an archetype nerd and they’re the original source.
You’re such a master at finding inspiration and enlightenment from unexpected places. I really appreciate you sharing!
Lovely, Lisa! This really resonates with me. Perfectionism battling consistency, allowing room for, ebb and flow…and what feels right. Keep being true and vulnerable. Huge respect to you, my dear!!
Wow, thanks Shana! When you put it that way, it really highlights all of the internal battles we face on a regular basis. I’m so glad that the post resonated!
I’m with Amy- my dad just mailed me a big book of Rumi, that is getting attention on my nightstand. I’m also going over conference notes and my notebooks from the last couple months. Looking for nuggets to blog and vlog. I am just starting this road to consistency after taking the first 3 months of the year off. Oh and I love simplicity so I will be calling you about the simple way to rebrand your biz. Thanks for the post Lisa!!
Hi Summer! So great to hear from you! It sounds like Rumi is definitely getting added to the reading list. Did you go to any conferences that you would recommend?
Great post Lisa! Over the past year I have been listening to my intuition instead of what all the “experts” say we should be doing. I never want to communicate with my people just because of a date on the calendar. I have been embracing my imperfections and know that the people who continue to connect with me are meant to connect with me. It can feel scary at times, but so far I like it much better!
Thanks for the comment, Charlene! I’ve been seeing so much encouragement lately to embrace our imperfections — there seems to be a general cry for freeing ourselves from all these common rules that are ruling the business world.
So happy that you’re finding your own groove!
Thanks for sharing, Lisa! When I’m in a personal “low tide”, I find a lot of comfort and insight in Charlotte Beck’s “Everyday Zen” — highly recommend picking it up. And as one of my first mentors often said, “be gentle with yourself.”
Hi Rob, really appreciate the kind words! Everyday Zen definitely sounds worth reading. Thanks so much for the suggestion and taking the time to comment!
This just healed something inside me. And kinda blew my mind a little. Off to contemplate.
Adrianne, that’s music to my ears! Thanks so much for your note :)
Oh how I needed to read this :). I’m actually having my homepage redone to remove the date from my latest blog posts because I feel SUCH SHAME when I see the dates but then realize it’s because of the season I’m in and I’m ok with that.
My business is growing. When I”m consistent it grows faster. When I’m inconsistent it grows slower. I know this and accept it. I’m far more successful as a human being when I listen to my intuition and right now my intuition is saying it’s ok to be inconsistent.
<3
Jen, yes! This is so exactly the page that I’m on right now, and it really feels great to see it in somebody else’s words. I’m thankful for your comment and so glad that you got something valuable out of the post!
I really enjoyed this post – forced communication is not something I want to do either. I think we’ve really lost the “art of listening” both in person and online. I think when we stop talking long enough to really listen, then we can better serve our clients.
Thanks for the comment, Christine! What a great point to add: you can’t truly serve anybody well without listening! But you can easily forget that part when you’re wrapped up in the fury of deadlines and best practices.
…stuck just trying to begin a ‘comment’ so, I feel for you Lisa. Your writing is so clear and filled with inspiring thoughts and lessons. This post’s candor is even more inspiring because I’m already concerned with how I’m going to manage my (ADHD) schedule as business grows. ;-)
What I take away from each of your newsletters is how much you value the quality of your message over its quantity. So much so, that I NEVER delete them because there’s always a gem inside.
Bottom line… You’ve got, and will continue to have my attention and loyalty and I really don’t care if the frequency of your newsletter changes. I’m a LH brand fan.
Sincerely,
Steve MC
Wow, Steve, I’m speechless! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your words. I’m so incredibly honoured and lucky to have you as a client and supporter!
The best way to set a sustainable pace for yourself is to keep remembering the value of simplicity and start SMALL. We often add too many “nice to have” efforts to our products and brands without critically asking ourselves “why?” and “why now?”
Just some words I wish somebody had drilled into my head ;)