Why I Don't Publish

It's been two weeks since I last published a post.

That's not earth-shattering news, but when I realized so much time had lapsed I took a step back to ask myself why.

You see, conventional wisdom (and social media gurus) tell us that if we're writing, we should publish frequently — at least weekly — in order to maintain an audience of followers.

Oops.

But I've come to realize that there are good reasons why I'm not publishing.

I'm Gathering Material for a Future Post

My posts tend to be introspective and based on an event or circumstance I find myself in, or even things that I've read that have struck a chord. Sometimes I piece together many of these moments because they weave together nicely around a central theme. In every case, there is a common thread that runs through my posts and provides a bit of insight, often a new way of viewing something.

When I'm in the midst of doing this, you won't see me publish. Instead, I'm gathering material for a future post.

I'm Not Ready

I write when something really strikes my fancy and engages me. Oftentimes, I'll write my entire post in one sitting, coming back to it later to reread, rewrite, and refine. I love feeling that burst of inspiration and the rush the comes with bringing a story to life.

But this doesn't happen every day.

Most days I feel like there are a dozen potential posts working in the background of my subconscious, all in varying forms of completion but none of them quite ready yet. Heck, I even have 13 drafts on LinkedIn.

Rather than rush to publish, I prefer to hold off until it all comes together.

Even if that means waiting. For two weeks.

When I feel that the post — and its message — are ready to share, I do.

I'm Enjoying Life Away From The Screen(s)

Like most of you, I lead a fairly busy life. Work, kids, husband, dog, extended family, friends. You name it, I've probably got it (and a couple of my daughter's doubleheader softball games to go with it).

It's during these times that I find it especially difficult to carve out time to write without sacrificing someone or something else who/that desperately needs my attention.

Though I'm guilty of having three screened devices (not including that big screen TV on the wall), I try to make a point of putting all those things away when I'm with my family and friends.

And being away from the screens allows you to be with real people and build memories, to enjoy those moments of real human interaction.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to step away from the screen. My nephew is about to be born and I'd like to be fully present.

Don't worry, I'm sure he'll provide inspiration for a future post that I look forward to writing — and publishing — when I'm ready.

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Why don't you publish? Do these sound familiar? Have any others to add to the list? Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Amy (that's me on the left) is the president of rbp consulting, a consultancy specializing in helping transform people and organizations in transition. When she doesn't publish, it just means that something's still cooking...or that a major life event like, say, her nephew's birth, is imminent. In the meantime, feel free to contact her at rbpconsulting.org.

? Amy Blaschka and www.rbpconsulting.org, 2016. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Amy Blaschka and rbp consulting with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.