For the past two months I've constantly put myself under self-inflicting pressure. It started when we left for Orlando In June - the plan was to wake up early, go for a quick run and post a Holiday Update every couple or so days. I liked this. It was a chance to record my days (I was reading loads too) and share some cool thing I'd found on my travels; packaging, beer, sights...you know. The stuff I enjoy sharing.
On the back of my mind was the tonne of "to-dos" left waiting for me when I arrived back - Did I say simply say "yes" to too much? This blog has given me many incredible opportunities over the past six years, which has been a truly humbling experience - To work with brands is extremely rewarding, collaborations + sponsored posts (when done right) make for great content and contribute towards my income and the chance to interact and meet like-minded people from across the world, well that's just unreal! It's been the perfect way for me to keep creative after graduating too. But when did blogging become so high-pressured?
My freelance work suffers because I've got it into my head that if I don't post daily and I'll lose readers or get left behind, but that's not the case. That's not the blogging community, it's stickier than that. It was Rosie's post that really hit a nerve.
I got so caught up with saying "yes" to every request that I've started to subconsciously neglect what this blog is all about - sharing the creative ideas (be that menswear, packaging, travel, beer...) that I'm most enthusiastic about. I turned into the Yes Man without realising, when really I should be prioritising the things that matter most. Sharing and developing relationships with brands + bloggers, concentrating on freelance work + growing my personal brand (cos that pays the bills). I need to prioritise.
This doesn't mean that I plan to stop taking on partnerships or accepting gifted items–it's an important part of what we do and when done honestly it adds value, as well as contributing towards to running of Buckets & Spades. But from now on I'll consider everything opportunity with a more critical eye; "is it 100% Buckets & Spades and will you guys enjoy it?" I'll continue to feature the brands I believe in - for instance, here I'm wearing a watch by Shore Projects, which I was lucky enough to be sent a couple of weeks ago. I felt under no pressure to feature it because I adore the simple design and genuinely feel it's up our ally. This works. Featuring something because I feel under pressure, doesn't work.
So, have we taken on too much as bloggers, why have we let it become so stressful? Do you feel the unwanted pressure?
Wearing - Albam Sweatshirt | Universal Works Trousers | TRiCKETT Ebbets Cap | Converse First String | Uniqlo Socks | Watch c/o Shore Projects
This doesn't mean that I plan to stop taking on partnerships or accepting gifted items–it's an important part of what we do and when done honestly it adds value, as well as contributing towards to running of Buckets & Spades. But from now on I'll consider everything opportunity with a more critical eye; "is it 100% Buckets & Spades and will you guys enjoy it?" I'll continue to feature the brands I believe in - for instance, here I'm wearing a watch by Shore Projects, which I was lucky enough to be sent a couple of weeks ago. I felt under no pressure to feature it because I adore the simple design and genuinely feel it's up our ally. This works. Featuring something because I feel under pressure, doesn't work.
So, have we taken on too much as bloggers, why have we let it become so stressful? Do you feel the unwanted pressure?
I know exactly what you mean, I was in the same position a few years ago, and I had to assess why I was blogging. I always said I would stop blogging when I stopped enjoying it (thankfully I am nowhere near that stage!) - it has always been a hobby, somewhere I could escape to. It was a space to think about things, to share the things I love, and as I saw things running away from me I had to take a step back and really focus.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful garden can quickly become a jungle if you're not looking after it and cutting down every so often, and that's what I had to do. Now I post less, and whilst I have nowhere near the same page views or comments or whatever, I receive way more emails directly from people thanking me and continuing on the conversation on a one-to-one basis. That is far more rewarding, because the people who keep coming back actually look forward to each new post, and always want to read more.
So great to come back here after so long to hit such wonderful post. I understand what you mean and I'm happy for you that you've found the "problem" and is finding your balance point. I guess you're a victim of your own success, uh? 'Cause, look at the outfit! Look at these photos quality! Your taste, my friend, is undeniably good. I wish you nothing but success.
ReplyDeleteThat watch is a KILLER!
You couldn't have expressed my feelings any better! I have been super busy with work and even a social life (unheard of!) recently and blogging has suffered as a result BUT considering I started blogging when I was a student and had LOADS of spare time, I'm not really surprised! I guess my blogging has to reflect my new life and schedule and not just stick to my old one and my posts should match that!
ReplyDeleteMaria xxx
I think it's a good time for me to retake hold of what I set out to do. The blog is my main source of income currently so I just have to make sure I'm taking on the right partners and opportunities, all the white staying true. I agree actually, there's nothing like than personal email, that something has taken their time out to write. Thank you Syed.
ReplyDeleteHey Kelly, it's been a while! Where did you go? Last thing I remember is you were handling your business and concentrating on that? Success I hope? Thank you for the very sweet comment - maybe you're right yes, more people wanted to work with me but not always for the right reasons, I need to be more considerate and question if it's right for me. Glad you like my style and our photography is coming on, that's thanks to Hollie!
ReplyDeleteI don't know how you guys do it! I always knew when I started this blog that I had to keep it very casual with absolutely no stress. I suppose if it's something you absolutely love, the motivation is easy to find, but it is pretty hard when you are juggling it with your work.
ReplyDeleteSaskia / girlinbrogues.com
It’s important to stay true to yourself, your blog and do what you think is right. Thanks for this post and the insight you shared! :-)
ReplyDeleteHelen
| Helens
Fashion & Beauty Blog
Many thanks Helen, you're dead right.
ReplyDeleteIt does, it should reflect your current position if you blog about personal stuff. That's the progression and what keeps people returning to your blog. Thanks for the feedback Maria.
ReplyDeleteI write and blog full time so it's all I've know for a good year now. Stick to what you know and try not to be infulenced!
ReplyDeleteStick to your guns and if the opportunity comes up then make sure to question if it's right for you. Social media is such a easy and quick way to stay in the loop!
ReplyDeleteI like this, blogging is like this magical place in the universe where people's minds meet somehow. It's vitally important to stay true to yourself. Essentially, you are Buckets & Spades. The chance to interact and meet like-minded people from
ReplyDeleteacross the world really is unreal. It's vitally important to stay true to yourself. Essentially, you are Buckets & Spades. Looking forward to more finds Mat! :)
Ahh, I think it's important for bloggers like us, to jump into several opportunities from the beginning. They help us grow and we get to know how to work with brands. But remember, it's also important to stay true to yourself. I wouldn't work with brands that don't really speak to me or my readers in terms of style. Just try to take the right partners and always stay true to yourself! :)
ReplyDeleteDefinately! I think it's when money becomes involved it's more temping to say yes to something which may be financially benifical but not 100% the right move. It's about finding a balance.
ReplyDeleteThank you Louise, I truely believe this too, and it's been an incredible jounrey thus far. Who knows where my path will lead next. Thank you for always stopping by.
ReplyDeleteReally good post and I agree with a lot of the points you've made. I think it's very easy to take on too much and then feel pressured to write about something.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the process of changing things on my blog. Recently I've felt it hasn't been me. I think it all changed when I moved to Norwich around 2012/2013. I took on a lot of review style posts and starting hiding more of my life. I didn't want my work friends to now too much about me. It was a very strange situation.
I'm now taking the time to think carefully what I post about and who I work with. I've just ended a few relationships with a few brands and since doing that I've really been able to relax. I've stopped blogging daily just to give me the time to get organised and sort out the blog and make it 'me' again.
I really enjoy your blog and I'm looking forward to your future posts!
Anyone else feel that blogging has had its day? Compared to a couple of years ago, I only read a tiny number of blogs on a regular basis. And those tend to be especially unique, rather than the usual review/memes that are ten a penny. I wonder too if mediums like Twitter and Instagram with their bite sized content, are the future for information sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love your photography Daisy. I hope you showcase more of that.
ReplyDeletePersonally I don't think it's had its day, I just think you need to think more of the bigger picture and how we can grow via blogging and all the social networks. I guess it will die off as it can't last forever but I hope to carrying on progressing my career though my page. I can't imagine how hard it would be to start a blog in 2014 though, where to start!
ReplyDeleteI think you nailed it when you mentioned the word "relax". I work on this joint full time so I only really answer to myself if it's not going well or I'm not enjoying it - by relaxing, planning and researching I think I can find the balance right. Same with the brand relationships, and I hope that continues with them - it's the ones that just use you that you never hear from again that get you down.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this and I look forward to your new business and the progression of your blog.
Loving the watch. But, I feel the pain, juggling between freelance work, standard work and my other websites has meant less time actually focusing on my blog. If I do not post as much as I hope to, I get that itching feeling where I need to actually finish off set posts. Or, write new ones. But keep it up Matt, you're doing a great job!
ReplyDeleteYES. I can absolutely relate. While my blog is *tiny* and doesn't take as much time as I'm sure this one does...I still found myself stressing about posting on a strict schedule and competing with other blogs and just posting for the sake of posting.
ReplyDeleteI finally realized that I need to blog for me, with no pressure. By doing that my content and blog are more enjoyable for others.
This was an interesting read. I don't really work with brands but I read a few blogs who do and lately everyone's been sort of stepping back and assessing how they take them on, I think it's great that everyone's self-aware and conscious about it! I get what you mean about feeling the pressure and stress to post, lately I've started shifting things in my blog a bit so that all my posts are ones I've had fun putting together, which has made me remember why I started blogging in the first place.
ReplyDeletenice post indeed. I´m blogging for almost five years... and I still love it ;)
ReplyDeleteYes that's totally right. I don't think I want to get back to where I started but yes, use the enthusiam and naturalness we had in the first years. I actually really love your blog Jane, it's just the sort I really enjoy reading cos there's loads of travel stuff but you don't talk in an unrelatable way.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Good to hear :)
ReplyDeleteNice post mate. Follow you on Twitter. Where did you get the watch from?
ReplyDeleteThink I'd like to discuss something with you as well. Email us if if you can. Thanks @DesignaBoutique
p.s just see the links in blog ;-)
ReplyDeleteHi guys, if you could email me on bucketsandspadesblog@googlemail.com that would be great.
ReplyDeleteThen it's still making sense, keep it up!
ReplyDeleteAce post. Honest, introspective and straight to the heart of the matter. I like that.
ReplyDeleteFor me, blogging is about enjoying the sharing of ideas, communicating stories and learning as we go. So, with that in mind, I refuse to allow it to become stressful for me. I want to be able to be free to take a break if I want and not feel guilty about it. Everything we do has to come from the heart otherwise I don't see the point? Also, I always want to enjoy blogging. The day I no longer do is the day we walk away.
I know it seems so easy for me to say all this and I hope to God that you don't think I am being priggish and in anyway sanctimonious in my opinions. I learned the hard way when i used to be a beauty blogger so i know how you feel. The pressure is not nice. Worse when you let it build up. But you are a level-headed chap with a big heart so keep it real mate. Like I always believe that you will!
Totally agree with you, I find it hard to photograph things because I work 10-6 and there isn't good light at home and that leads to delays with posting. I now only say yes or work with brands that I feel are 'me' and that my readers will enjoy.
ReplyDeleteIt's true, blogging is hard work. Even if you're not earning a single cent from it, the amount of time and creativity it takes to conceptualize, shoot, create and write a post you're content with is no joke. I think it's important to step back once in a while to remember why we blog in the first place, like what you're doing here. It helps keep everything in focus, because the reason why we blog in the first place is because we like to share our ideas and the things we like and not because of the money.
ReplyDeleteI'm new to blogging and am doing it on a small scale so I don't have this problem yet!
ReplyDeletealicekatex ♥
Just go with the flow!
ReplyDeleteI guess I do come at it from a slightly different angle but our core values are very similar Yasumi. Obviously I (try) to make a living out of blogging and freelance writing so I have had to make decisions to work with certain projects which maybe didn't fit 100%. I've started to look at things differently these past few weeks and hopefully it will be a change for the better. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteTaking on what you think will work it the best. If you say yes to everything you soon start to see it pile up.
ReplyDeleteI think that's just what I'm doing, I now know I don't need to fight to post each day, I'm doing good stuff and I just want to keep on going and enjoying the ride. Thank you for always visit.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this comment Kath, I appreciate you taking time to read the post and comment in such a way. I guess I started the blog with just the simple and to share, but as it slowly turned into, effectively, a business I had to start thinking more "business-like" and some things started to blur. I've taken a step back and started to be more considerate, still taking on opportunites but only the ones that fit 100% and I'm happy with. It's about integrity and not forgetting the reason you started.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback Sam. Yes it's a vicious cycle, I haven't perfected it yet but I've taken the first steps to take my blog where I want it to go. Thanks for coming by.
ReplyDeleteHey Nick, thanks so much for the feedback on this. I appreciate you taking the time out to comment. How did you find my blog? Sounds like you're seeing both sides which is a unique experience in itself.
ReplyDeleteWould love to chat further to see if you feel we could work together regarding your professional role? Do you fancy emailing me?
Hi Matt,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reply, I've just dropped you an email regarding my day job which I hope will be of interest to you.
Incidentally I stumbled across your blog on bloglovin'.
Nick