Say No to NaBloPoMo. Ok not really. NaBloPoMo is a lot of fun but it is a lot of work. I signed up with high hopes. I wanted to find new blogs and increase my traffic here. Instead I got a life lesson on thinking before you commit and not biting off more than you can chew. I should have said No to NaBloPoMo
I made it through the first two weeks and then I hit a wall. I was feeling really tired and cranky. When it was time to do blog stuff I just did not feel like it. I did not feel like writing, edititng videos, replying to comments or even reading blogs in general. I just felt burned out. I pushed through and did a few more posts and finally figured out the problem this weekend after Thanksgiving. I had bitten off more than I could chew.
I normally write 3 blog posts a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday). NaBloPoMo took me to seven days a week. This would not be so bad if I did not have other things going on. For starters I am right in the middle of creating some really cool things for the Chasing Joy brand. I have a timeline and everythign to keep me on target. Then you have Thanksgiving. I cooked for turkey day. It was low key with only three of us but I still had to shop and cook the traditional foods and pies that take way longer than cooking normal meals. Also, you can’t forget I’m trying to concieve which inlcludes doctors appointments, blood work, and accupuncture appointments. I am a caregiver for my mom which means going to her appointments as well. Last but not least I work a full time 40 hour week job. You can see why I was tired and cranky.
I did not think about what my life really entails. I did not consider the holidays and my more important priorities. I saw a post about NaBloPoMo, got inspired and signed up. I overextended myself. I bit off more than I could chew.
NaBloPoMo was fun at first. I did find some new blog post and get a few new readers. These were my original goals. I also learned an important life lesson on not bitting off more than I can chew.
I will likely do NaBloPoMo again but next time I’ll make sure it makes sense with all that I have going on first. It’s safe to say I am happy it’s December.
Have you ever bitten off more than you could chew like I did? Did you participate in NaBloPoMo? Did you make it through the month?
I have confidence in you. You are a great person.
I can relate. I used to have more than one project going on but the power of no is very powerful. Just one if the things you mentioned is more than enough. I start ticking the optional things off the list. . . The extras.
this may hurt but the blog and t shirts are not life threatening. We will be okay even though we will miss you.
But your mom job and upcoming baby are more important.
You did all of the cooking?? Wow.
next year you will probably have a baby to take care of. Please do not cook.
I will be content with a monthly or twice a month post.
When your baby comes you absolutely will not be able to do all of these things so start tapering down now.
Your type A will have to become a type b or sometimes a type c with the optional things.
Remember the airplane theory you can't take care of others if you don't take care of yourself.
Thanks for your reply Less is More. I know once I have a baby things will be different. I manage pretty well now with everything. It was just increasing my posts along with holiday prep that took me over the edge. It will be interesting what changes I will have to make once a baby comes. Until then I'm powering on, without bitting off more than I can chew.