As the community here grows, from time to time, I’d like to talk about the boy behind the blog: how I’ve grown, what I’ve learned from others, and what challenges lie ahead.
Note: Winter break starts and school’s out for 3 weeks (Yay!).
What I’ve learned (after almost a year of blogging)
It’s been a bit hectic. Reading other blogs, studying for classes, giving time to my friends, cramming for tests, and getting enough sleep: it’s a lot to fit into one day. I haven’t even mentioned writing on the blog, which can take anywhere from 1 hour to 3, depending on what I have to say.
My project is nowhere near complete. Remember that website I said I would work on? I haven’t even got past the first piece of content, let alone having time to think about what to write. There’s just so many other things to take into consideration.
Kudos to those of you with blogs AND jobs. Congrats to those of you who have full-time jobs and still find time to spent with your loved ones and write on the flip side. I’m a college student, and it seems like I’m always running out of time. There’s always something that I haven’t completed or could stand to work more on.
Blogging is NOT easy. It’s almost been a year (three more months after December) and I’m still surprised at how much thought it takes just to write a 500-700 word post. My mom says “Anyone can write”, but I’m starting to think she’s wrong. Everyone has the ability to write… but not everyone can write well. You can’t just write a book or blog post without any effort and expect praise. It takes real work to invoke emotion in your writing.
Remember the social “surprise” I mentioned? Yeah, it’s kaput. I was planning on doing a 365 day challenge on Flickr and bringing you along for the ride while I take exciting pictures everyday. Unfortunately I left my camera at home when I came back after Thanksgiving so, yeah, it’s no more. (If you don’t remember, fine by me 
)
It doesn’t matter if I met you online or offline. You’re still a person to me. I’ve met great people who are always more than happy to help. I don’t discriminate (Oh, him? She’s my ONLINE friend. We’re not real friends.) Sure we may not always talk face to face, but the emotional connections are what keep us together.
What I’m doing for the next 3 weeks
Write more posts. This is a no-brainer. More posts, more guest posts, more everything.
Work on the project. I have some really great ideas I’ve been putting on the back-burner. I have no idea if people will like the finished product, but I might as well try. I’ve purchased the website domain name last week, so at least I’ve done that much.
Reflect on my life up until now. Who I was, what has changed, and the obstacles overcome: they are all important to me. I haven’t had any time to truly be introspective.
Play in the snow. I’d like to do this without thinking, “Oh crap, I have a final exam tomorrow!”
That’s all folks!
Leaving for winter break tomorrow afternoon. I can’t wait to be home
“Raise your head and draw up your chest. The future you desire will come.” – Masashi Kishimoto
photo credit: chelseagirl
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24 comments to “Plans Made and Truths Learned: A Winter Break Update”
Hi John:
Congrats on making it through the semester! I remember my college days well. Few things are as challenging as balancing all of your homework assignments and trying to have a life. I can’t imagine trying to blog, too. Writing is something I enjoy, but it is challenging to come up with new content all the time…I’m sure you feel the same way. In any case have a great winter break!
Tim´s last blog ..The Magic of Showing Up
I’m thankful for your congratulations. It’s been tough, I hung in there. It’s a challenge, but I have gotten tired of writing yet!
Winter break has been great so far. Thanks for the encouragement.
Sounds like you’ve learned a lot of awesome things! Thanks for sharing your lessons!
positively present´s last blog ..when you want to cry, laugh instead
Life is the best teacher
I’m happy to sharing anything I’ve learned.
John,
Good Stuff here. I think it’s awesome that you’ve been at it for one year. I’m at about 8 months right now. One thing I will say is that you will get more and more refined at your craft as time goes on. If you didn’t listen to my interview yesterday with Sid Savara, I recommend it only because he talks about the Hockey Stick of growth which is a really interesting concept.
Srinivas Rao´s last blog ..Guest Post: The #1 Mistake About Productivity
It’s not quite a year. I’m basically at 8 months like you. I was too busy during the school year, but now I have plenty, so I’ll definitely check out that interview
Thanks Srinivas.
I know what you mean by cramming everything into one day. I’ve learned that you can’t. So, I get all my business and blogging done during the week and family and friends on the weekend. Except the ones at home. I relax and spend QT with them everyday.
Plus, I have learned to accept the fact that I will never get it all in.
Gerlaine´s last blog ..Manifest by Moonlight
Yeah, I’ve learned there’s no point in trying. More hours in the day just won’t cut it. I guess sleep going to have to be sacrificed. Nighty night, sleep
Your enthusiasm is infectious John. I love how you shared that you have a relationship with eacha n every one of us…makes us all feel so so special. Thank you fro that
I have never never played in the snow…we arent blessed with that climate where I stay 
As for your new projects…I’m excited to see what youre going to come up with from that brilliant mind of yours. Oh..and i was looking forward to your flickr thingy…but ok..maybe in another few weeks
Enjoy the snow while you can…and play some for me too
Happy Holidays.
p.s. Youre right about blogging you know..it is hard work…but so satisfying…na
Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s last blog ..The Decision To Be You
It’s how I really feel. My college friends would ask me, “How do I know you’re all real people?” But I don’t listen to that. I trust you guys
And don’t worry. The flickr thingy might still be possible.
Oh and I really really don’t like winter. The snow’s fun, but consider yourself lucky that you don’t have weather that goes below zero.
P.S. This friendship is part of the reason blogging is satisfying. I never would’ve have known you otherwise, Zeenat
Hey John!
Yes, life is chaos, isn’t it? I love that you are setting goals and trying to see them through.
Sometimes some of the goals just aren’t realistic in the current time frame, so go on you for saying “ok, I will have to do this another time (or not at all!)”.
Enjoy your time off!! K
Ps. Play in the snow for me too! It is currently 34deg C and stinking hot!!
Hey Kirsty, thanks so much my friend! I hope everything’s going well. I’m just glad I’m on break so I have more time for the blog now.
P.S. I’m going to make a big snow angel just for you
But FYI, you are lucky. I love the heat ten times more than the cold. But if you want, come over to the states. There’s more than enough below zero weather for everyone!
Good set of truths. I’m one of those that works full time and blogs in the off time. It’s defintately hard. It’s a constant challenge to balance work, family, firends, and blogging. I’m in it for the long haul, so I make time for it and set deadlines for myself. I do wish I had a winter break though.
Eric | Eden Journal´s last blog ..I’m having a great week and a horrible week, the good with the bad.
Eric, a big kudos to you. I really don’t know how you keep doing it. Keep going man.I believe in your efforts. I’m so grateful for the winter break I have. I only have a few more left
I hope your break is amazing. Take one day at a time on this blogging stuff. Success doesn’t come over night. The rabbit and the hare story remember.
Tess The Bold Life´s last blog ..50 Ways to Simplify Gift Giving This Holiday Season
Tess, how could I ever forget that story? Thanks to you, I’m going to keep it more in mind now
I’m having a great break. I haven’t forgotten about that guest post. I’m sending it over by the end of this week.
John, I love your picture of the snow. It snowed here in Houston which is a rare event anyway. It was the earliest snow in history. It really wasn’t much of a snow because at my house all I saw was flurries. Nothing stuck.
I like reading about blogger’s personal lives once in a while. It makes me feel like I know them better.
Stephen – Rat Race Trap´s last blog ..The Investment Banker and The Mexican Fisherman
Yeah, I loved the picture, too. Just a midnight snowball fight. I wish I could have been in it. On second thought, I feel like starting one. I’ll get back to you on that…
I don’t dig the cold much anyways.
I like hearing about other people’s lives. It’s just so much more interesting to see what personal development has affected us. It’s something you can actually perceive instead of just reading a static post on the web.
Hey John it’s great to see a general mapping with what you are doing for the next 3 weeks.
I like that you will be reflecting your life, that is something many people are missing these days.
Anyways, enjoy the snow and I’m looking forward to your finished product.
It’s just plain cold with no snow here in Vancouver…:(
Steven´s last blog ..7 Misconceptions of Life
You live in Canada, eh? Ha ha, I couldn’t resist
You should stop over in Chicago.. you want snow that’ll turn into ice when it gets below zero, you’ve got it!
I’ve been thinking about what I want in life. It’s not about cars, women, clothes, or mansions. I don’t now yet what life means to me yet…but I’ll get back you on that.
This is awesome cant wait to read another post.
BunnygotBlog´s last blog ..Sleeping With Your Business Partner
Bunny! Where have you been? How’s life treating you?