The first hiatus: Why I'm taking a break from blogging
Mark Schaefer
Top Voice in Personal Branding, Marketing strategist, keynote speaker, university educator, futurist, and bestselling author of "Marketing Rebellion," "KNOWN," and "Belonging to the Brand."
My cherished blog-reading friends,
Every week for the past 12 years I have written freely, openly, and passionately for you. With pride, I can say that I've never missed blogging for you over the last 650 consecutive weeks -- even through illness, life trauma, and extended overseas trips. For many of you, my blog has earned a tiny place in your life and I am forever grateful for that.
A little piece of me is proud of "the streak," but ending it is an easy decision because I can set a better example as a leader by taking a break. Did you know how many weeks in a row I had blogged? That's what I thought. It's not that important in the grand scheme of things!
2020 was a hard year for most of us. Toward the end of this mess of a year, I was feeling so tapped out from the accumulated stress, multiple illnesses (including COVID), and the intense process of writing a new book that I turned to my wife and said "I don't think I have anything left."
It's time for a break to rest and recover.
So, I'm trying a grand experiment! For me, not working is stepping out of my comfort zone.
I've decided to take my first-ever break from blogging during the month of January, 2021. I've rented a place on the beach with the intention of restoring my heart and mind through a few weeks of sea-tinged nothingness and copious amounts of seafood. If you want to see my seaside dinner choices and beach pictures, please follow me on Instagram.
I love writing for you ... almost more than anything. I blog because it is such a fun intellectual challenge. I adore the feeling of "I can't wait until they read this!" But there is also an incessant pressure of being great on a weekly basis.
So I intend to force myself to NOT blog ... to do not much of anything for an entire month ... because I know I can be better for you on the other side. It will go fast. So don't worry, I'll be back soon -- I still have a LOT to say.
Thank you for your love and support through everything. I never, ever take you for granted.
Pax,
Mark
I appreciate you and the time you took out of your day to read this! You can find more articles like this from me on the top-rated {grow} blog and while you’re there, take a look at my Marketing Companion podcast and my keynote speaking page. For news and insights find me on Twitter at @markwschaefer and to see what I do when I’m not working, follow me on Instagram.
Digital Growth Expert | AI & Social Media Strategist. Drive sales and maximize your online presence.
3yYou deserved it! Recharge your CPU battery. 😎
Strategic InfoSec & Privacy Leader 🔐 I boost cyber resilience at the human layer. CISSP CISM CRISC CIPP/US AWS
4yEnjoy your break, Mark. The fans of your posts — which definitely includes me — will be here when you start back up! Hope your 2021 is off to a fabulous start!
Creative Director at TraitWare®/ Executive Producer / Cybersecurity MarCom Professional
4yTake good care, Mark. Good on you! ... I look forward to hearing from you again soon.
Content Director | Content Strategist | Storyteller | Journalist | Thought Leadership | Podcast Host | Editor
4yA well-deserved break. Enjoy the respite!
Virtual CMO | HubSpot Solutions Provider | Growth Marketing Consultant | Chartered Marketer | Videographer and Creative Director of the award-winning #PitchSlap
4yHave you been effective? The answer often is: Would they miss you if you stopped? So with that in mind I will miss your blogs, but please enjoy the break and rest and recover so you can come back stronger. Or not. It's your choice to make.