Successful Blogging in a Crowded Field

Recently I read a blog post written by Jon Morrow of boostblogtraffic.com about why some bloggers are more successful than others. Mr. Morrow’s theory is that some bloggers are “dumb” or rather more successful bloggers approach their craft from a different, smarter way.

This idea is that bloggers who are successful are those who seek information all the time,  both in their niche and many others areas. They read widely on a variety of topics. The author of this particular blog post had a schedule of study. Between listening to audio books, reading nonfiction and fiction and paying attention to the world around him, he was able to approach his blogging smartly. Here is a link to the article.

I took this as a challenge. I realize that no matter how smart I am I can enhance my body of knowledge. Often, reading is the last thing on my list. I have also been known to avoid newspapers, especially local ones, because of much of the negativity that accompanies the local news. However, this keeps me unaware of what is happening in my world. I want to change this.

The last thing I read were some of Virginia Woolf’s short stories. I was able to finish these because they were short stories. Sometimes, I have the problem of beginning books or articles and never finishing them.

Here is my plan:

– To be more open to the information around me. That means reading newspapers and reading different types of blogs. I do realize that I need to be discerning but closing myself off won’t help me be more aware of the world around me.

-To read more. And my more I mean, both fiction and nonfiction, in my area of study and outside my immediate interests.

-To finish what I’ve begun whenever possible.

This challenge seems like a lot but, for me, it is part of being successful. And, since I enjoy reading it shouldn’t be too painful.

Challenge: What are you reading now?