This weekend, I took some time away. And by time away, I don’t mean I went to a spa and relaxed. I mean I went to a conference and learned a lot. Hours and hours of information was packed into one day, leaving me with a long to-do list of things to work on over the next couple of weeks.
You wouldn’t think this would be refreshing. But honestly? It was.
Just about every 6 months, I get into a slump. Mind you, I love what I do– I’m passionate about my work, about my blog, and about my industry. If I weren’t, I’m not sure I could keep doing it. But every 6 months, I hit a wall. I struggle to do those essential parts of my job that should be routine enough that I don’t have to think to do them, but for some reason, trying to accomplish them feels insurmountable. And then I get in a rut. I’m going through the motions, working to get things done, and I’m pulling my hair out because nothing feels right. A post that would typically take me minimal time to crank out takes countless hours of writing, deleting, re-writing, editing, deleting, and trying one last time before I scrap the idea completely, or just choke out a post that I’m questioning if I did right.
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Then something happens. I take a new class, a new course, connect with someone new, or go to a conference. And my slump disappears. The world brightens. Writing becomes joyful again. Life becomes easier.
I talked about this with my mom. Sat down and explained my struggle and slump every six months, then explained how renewed I felt after this weekend’s experience at the conference. I thought maybe there was something seriously wrong with me. And you know what happened?
My mom affirmed that sensation. She shared stories of how her life changed when she would attend conferences or meetings related to her career, or more importantly, to her faith. Those conferences would remind her why she started, renew her passion, help her connect with like-minded individuals, and get her back on track to move forward.
What strikes me about this is that she and I work in completely different industries. But what I’ve found is, the more people I mention this to, regardless of their industry, the more that people resonate and agree with this.
It’s about the details. #gbsxkc2016 #goblogsocial
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Right when you hit that slump, no matter what you do– whether you’re a stay at home mom, a business owner, a customer service employee, a manager, anything… having that conference and that time away with others who do what you do, growing, sincerely helps you move forward.
We all get to a point where we’re doing what we think is best, but going and connecting, learning, growing, finding out the new trends in your industry, it provides an opportunity to shift and renew your focus. It changes you, not just on the surface, but to the core.
And I’ll be honest, I’m an introvert. I’m terrible at making friends, and I’m not that good at meeting people. The night before I attended the conference, I told my family, who was watching my son for the day while I was gone to the conference, I told them I wasn’t going. Surely it’s not that important to attend, I’ve been blogging forever, and really, what does it matter?
My family and my friends urged me to go… even if I didn’t learn anything or make new connections, a day away would be good for me, right?
Having a little fun between sessions. #fetebox @myfetebox @indieolivepress #gbsxkc2016 #goblogsocial
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Them forcing me to go was the best possible thing that could have happened, because at the conference:
-I did grow. I made a to-do list of things to tackle this week based on the tips and suggestions I got from speakers at the conference.
-I found out new things that were trending in the industry, and set a plan to grow in those areas.
-I made connections. A lot of them. I swapped business cards with tons of amazing women who I cannot wait to continue connecting with.
-I bought stuff. Who doesn’t love buying a few special things to remind them of that renewal?
-I took time to just take time for me.
-I dressed professionally, and took a day off from sweatpants and a tee shirt. I did my hair, my makeup, and my nails beforehand.
-I said “yes” to extra dessert.
-I laughed. I laughed and connected and talked, and shared, and took ridiculous pictures and got hands-on with creative tasks.
-I turned off my computer. I know that’s counter-intuitive for a conference for professionals who have jobs that are primarily online based, but I did. I turned off the computer and took notes by hand.
I realized that it didn’t matter what it was that I do… I mean, I’m a blogger and a conference for bloggers is what drives me forward. But just the opportunity to get away and grow in my respective industry signified a shift for me, which got me out of my slump and helped me move forward.
I love how good this company smells! @handandland
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The key is to find the conference that fits your needs– whether it is career based, faith based, family based, politically based… it doesn’t matter. Find what fits your needs, and GO. Find a sitter, pay the money, make the plans, don’t let yourself talk you out of going… just GO.
For me, the conference I attended this weekend and really got so much from was Go Blog Social. If you’re a blogger or an entrepreneur, I highly recommend attending one of their events. If you missed out on the Kansas City conference, there’s still St. Louis May 14, Des Moines August 6, and Chicago October 1. If you’re not a blogger or entrepreneur, that works, too– find your niche, find your conference, and make things happen. I promise it will bring a renewal you didn’t know what possible.
Have you been to a conference that renewed your spirit? Tell me about it in the comments below!
So I don’t remember if we officially met at the conference on Saturday, but I found your IG through the GBSxKC16 hashtag and I, too, was there! Pretty pictures from the conference and very nicely written! So glad the conference gave you back your blogging mojo. 🙂 Look forward to following along!
Beautiful snaps! It was great meeting you!