If I Knew Then What I Know Now: ROW80 Update

I would manage my expectations.

This is true in all aspects of my life. I am an over-achiever and set expectations high. Although I am hardest on myself, I tend to put high expectations on others as well. This isn't fair to them or me.

I believe I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. Same for my kids. I might even believe it more for them. But I forget to factor in life and all the things outside my control.

Today is a WordCount Blogathon theme day: If I started blogging today, I would...

SourceFollow a 3-4 Posts a Week Schedule
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and the occasional weekend day (like ROW80 check in Sundays). Since I booted my blog with last year's Blogathon, I set the expectation of blogging daily. It's tough, and depletes a lot of my creative juices. I'm writing more than I ever have (bonus), but I want to focus on the two novels I'm working on.

Choose Blogs to Follow More Carefully
I know that doesn't sound nice, but... in the beginning, I followed every blog in a challenge and every blog of people who commented on my posts. It seemed the friendly thing to do. Unfortunately, I ended up with way too many blogs to read and another too-high expectation. There are a LOT of wonderful blogs out there, but I can't possibly read them all.

Write Posts Ahead
I've started to get better at this. I find fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants blogging stressful. My goal is to take a few hours twice a week to write the bulk of my posts.

Keep Posts Short and Sweet
I tend to pontificate (I even love that word!). My writing isn't necessarily wordy, but I have a lot to say. As a blog reader, I don't have time to read long posts... even if they are amazing. I'm learning now to break posts into multiple parts. Plus, it's a great way to post more often.

On that note, I think I'll listen to my own advice and wrap it up here. Short and sweet.

I'm looking forward to reading other Blogathon blogs today and picking up some tips.

If you started blogging today, what would you do differently? Or the same?

*****
Time for my Wednesday A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) update:

Writing
I had an encouraging writing day on Monday with 956 words. It was a pivotal scene, so I was glad to get it done. Tuesday was my daughter's all-day first grade field trip, so no writing then.

Editing
Set aside two solid hours today for editing. I wanted this post done first, so I could focus.

Blogging
Every day and twice on Mom in Love with Fiction.

Social Media
Drowning a bit (see my tip above on blogs to follow). I'm drowning in great posts, so there are worse things! I've decided I can't possibly catch up overall, so I'm going to do better going forward (and catch up on a few favorites).

Reading
Just started a lighter read for some fun, Sarah Dessen's The Truth about Forever. I'm hoping for a Judy Blume-vibe. Speaking of Judy Blume, I was so honored to see a friend had pinned my book (on their Books Worth Reading in Pinterest), Depression Cookies , right next to Judy Blume's Are You There God It's Me Margaret. I am not worthy. *squeals*

Exercise
Kicking it. Doing much better on sugar consumption, too.

My goal is to visit 15 ROW80 blogs today! Here we go...