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The Dirty Little Secrets of Productivity Bloggers

“I trust so few that it is much easier to simply keep no secrets.” - Nathaniel Summers

Psst … hey, over here … I have a secret to tell you. Don’t tell anyone!

What I’m about to tell you is top secret. Please don’t let on that I told you, or I’ll be ostracized in the productivity blogging world. Promise?

I’ve been a productivity blogger for more than a year and a half now (related secret: I’m more of a simplicity blogger than productivity blogger, but don’t tell), and I’ve been keeping some secrets inside of me. But about six months ago, I began to realize that these secrets aren’t unique to me. In fact, every blogger I’ve talked to in this field seems to share them.

This is a generalization, of course, and there may be exceptions but: I think every blogger in my field has these secrets. Or at least some of these secrets.

I’ll tell you what they are. Don’t judge us too harshly. We’re humans, like everyone else, with secret desires and fears and hopes and flaws. The same as you, in fact. And again, don’t tell I told.

We’re making it up. Yes, you heard that right. Some of what we write about we read other places, and tested it out, and found it worthy of passing on. Other stuff we just make up as we go along, and see if it works. Sometimes it doesn’t work, and we move on to something else. But here’s the thing: no one in the world has it all figured out. Not David Allen or Stephen Covey or Merlin Mann or Lifehacker’s Gina Trapani and Adam Pash, not anyone. Certainly not me.
We’re deathly afraid people will find out. Yes, we’re afraid people will start pointing out that the Emperor has no clothes on, and we’ll be in the middle of a crowd, naked, with everyone laughing at us. Naked productivity bloggers — not an image you wanted to conjure up while eating breakfast, now was it? But because of this fear, we have to act like we know what we’re talking about. Truth is, we don’t know any more than anyone else. We might be more knowledgeable, only because we read about it more and write about it more and talk about it more than most, but we don’t know for sure what works best and we certainly don’t know what works best for each and every person.
We don’t always follow our own advice. If you had a fly-on-the-wall camera and could spy on the best in the biz — I’m talking about giants like Gina Trapani and Adam Pash and Merlin Mann and David Allen — you’d see that even they let their email pile up sometimes, I would wager. Even they have days when they’re not motivated, when they don’t follow their systems or tips or general productivity advice. Maybe they’re better than most, but not always. I will admit that I often let my to-do list go, that sometimes I have a dozen unreplied and unacted-upon email messages in my inbox (not lately — my inbox is clean!). I sometime let my life get complicated, and sometimes check email too often during the day.
We can be lazy and let things go. I’ll be the first to admit it. I take naps. I sometimes take a day or two off and feel unmotivated. I will let tasks pile up. Not all the time, not even most of the time, but sometimes. I’m not perfect, and neither is anyone else in my field. I can’t speak for everyone, but I do know that we’re all human.
We didn’t invent any of this. Merlin Mann’s Inbox Zero, for example, is based almost entirely on David Allen’s Getting Things Done. Allen’s GTD, in turn, is based on productivity advice that has been around for generations — each productivity guru improving on the previous one a little, but basically giving the same advice. GTD isn’t revolutionary — it’s a great system compiled from advice that’s been around for awhile. Allen didn’t invent inbox processing, the 2-minute rule, context lists, tickler files, or any of it. And I’m not picking on Inbox Zero or GTD — none of the stuff you read is original. However, we each give this solid advice our own little personal spin, based on what works for us, on our unique personalities, on the results of our personal experiments.
We’re just regular people, figuring things out. Think of our productivity posts as the preliminary results of an ongoing experiment. We try things out, and if it seems to work, we pass it on. If it doesn’t, we’ll let you know. But these posts aren’t the final results — we’re still testing things out, still trying to figure out what works when and for whom. It’s an experiment that will probably last for as long as people do work.
We really do love all this stuff. Despite all of the above, despite our flaws and secrets, this is a great job, and we love it. It shows in the enthusiasm and passion in our writing. All the bloggers I mentioned above, and the many more that I haven’t, are excellent writers. They throw themselves into this crazy, flawed, and wonderful experiment, and that’s a very cool thing. I personally love writing about these topics, and I hope I always will. I hope the day never comes when I have all the answers, when I no longer need to search for the truth, when I have perfected my productivity system to the point where it no longer needs tweaking and revamping. If that day comes, I’ll be looking for a new line of work.

—
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The Dirty Little Secrets of Productivity Bloggers

“I trust so few that it is much easier to simply keep no secrets.” - Nathaniel Summers

Psst … hey, over here … I have a secret to tell you. Don’t tell anyone!

What I’m about to tell you is top secret. Please don’t let on that I told you, or I’ll be ostracized in the productivity blogging world. Promise?

This is a generalization, of course, and there may be exceptions but: I think every blogger in my field has these secrets. Or at least some of these secrets.

We’re making it up. Yes, you heard that right. Some of what we write about we read other places, and tested it out, and found it worthy of passing on. Other stuff we just make up as we go along, and see if it works. Sometimes it doesn’t work, and we move on to something else. But here’s the thing: no one in the world has it all figured out. Not David Allen or Stephen Covey or Merlin Mann or Lifehacker’s Gina Trapani and Adam Pash, not anyone. Certainly not me.
We’re deathly afraid people will find out. Yes, we’re afraid people will start pointing out that the Emperor has no clothes on, and we’ll be in the middle of a crowd, naked, with everyone laughing at us. Naked productivity bloggers — not an image you wanted to conjure up while eating breakfast, now was it? But because of this fear, we have to act like we know what we’re talking about. Truth is, we don’t know any more than anyone else. We might be more knowledgeable, only because we read about it more and write about it more and talk about it more than most, but we don’t know for sure what works best and we certainly don’t know what works best for each and every person.
We don’t always follow our own advice. If you had a fly-on-the-wall camera and could spy on the best in the biz — I’m talking about giants like Gina Trapani and Adam Pash and Merlin Mann and David Allen — you’d see that even they let their email pile up sometimes, I would wager. Even they have days when they’re not motivated, when they don’t follow their systems or tips or general productivity advice. Maybe they’re better than most, but not always. I will admit that I often let my to-do list go, that sometimes I have a dozen unreplied and unacted-upon email messages in my inbox (not lately — my inbox is clean!). I sometime let my life get complicated, and sometimes check email too often during the day.
We can be lazy and let things go. I’ll be the first to admit it. I take naps. I sometimes take a day or two off and feel unmotivated. I will let tasks pile up. Not all the time, not even most of the time, but sometimes. I’m not perfect, and neither is anyone else in my field. I can’t speak for everyone, but I do know that we’re all human.
We didn’t invent any of this. Merlin Mann’s Inbox Zero, for example, is based almost entirely on David Allen’s Getting Things Done. Allen’s GTD, in turn, is based on productivity advice that has been around for generations — each productivity guru improving on the previous one a little, but basically giving the same advice. GTD isn’t revolutionary — it’s a great system compiled from advice that’s been around for awhile. Allen didn’t invent inbox processing, the 2-minute rule, context lists, tickler files, or any of it. And I’m not picking on Inbox Zero or GTD — none of the stuff you read is original. However, we each give this solid advice our own little personal spin, based on what works for us, on our unique personalities, on the results of our personal experiments.
We’re just regular people, figuring things out. Think of our productivity posts as the preliminary results of an ongoing experiment. We try things out, and if it seems to work, we pass it on. If it doesn’t, we’ll let you know. But these posts aren’t the final results — we’re still testing things out, still trying to figure out what works when and for whom. It’s an experiment that will probably last for as long as people do work.
We really do love all this stuff. Despite all of the above, despite our flaws and secrets, this is a great job, and we love it. It shows in the enthusiasm and passion in our writing. All the bloggers I mentioned above, and the many more that I haven’t, are excellent writers. They throw themselves into this crazy, flawed, and wonderful experiment, and that’s a very cool thing. I personally love writing about these topics, and I hope I always will. I hope the day never comes when I have all the answers, when I no longer need to search for the truth, when I have perfected my productivity system to the point where it no longer needs tweaking and revamping. If that day comes, I’ll be looking for a new line of work.

—
If you liked this article, please share it on del.icio.us, StumbleUpon or Digg. I’d appreciate it. :)

Posted on 24 August 2008 in Aboutzenhabits, GTD, Productivity & Organization |
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Comments (88)

John Rust Says:

August 24th, 2008, 19:26 pm

Amen…I’m about to start a series on GTD reviews on my own blog, and I was thinking of some of the same things you mentioned above.

This list should show up on Digg.

Jeff Says:

August 24th, 2008, 19:30 pm

I think this might be true for all bloggers, Leo ;)

Leo Says:

August 24th, 2008, 19:31 pm

@Jeff: You’re probably right. I just can’t speak for everyone — I know my niche better than others. :)

Shanel Yang Says:

August 24th, 2008, 19:35 pm

Yes, we are all human, prone to many mistakes; and, I, for one, am happy to make a lot of them b/c I learn a lot from them. But, I don’t make anything up; and, I’m not deathly afraid of anyone finding out anything about me. Anything there is to find out about me that people might find mortifying, I already disclosed on my blog. And, it was a big relief! : )

Stuart Says:

August 24th, 2008, 19:36 pm

I think that is why they are called “hacks” sometimes. It is just stuff people have tried and it worked for them. Thanks for the insight!

Vered - MomGrind Says:

August 24th, 2008, 19:39 pm

Refreshingly honest. Your love for what you do certainly shows.

Kris Says:

August 24th, 2008, 20:15 pm

Oh, I hear ya, Leo!
Sometimes when I have a moment of awareness as I am arguing with my mother (over the same issue once again), I think to myself, “Geez, Kris, how can you advise others, when YOU can’t get it right?!”

That’s when I also realize that I’m really advising myself with each blog post I write. And it does help…a lot!

We all struggle with living the way we know we should. I find hope in the fact that others struggle too, especially our leaders, gurus, etc.

Thanks for sharing your human-ness. I’m with you!

jak of stratius group internet marketing Says:

August 24th, 2008, 20:32 pm

too funny, too true. love it.

Darla Says:

August 24th, 2008, 20:47 pm

Gasp! David Allen doesn’t know everything?! I am afraid now. ;-)

"Motivate Thyself" Says:

August 24th, 2008, 20:51 pm

I think this can be said for anyone who has ever taught anything that wasn’t cut and dry, 1+1=2 kind of stuff, over long periods of time. At first you might have some proven everyday ideas that you can present. But over time you really have to dig down deep and do some soul searching to keep presenting your readers with solid, helpful content. But there’s no doubt that this part can get a little experimental. But that’s what makes it so great. As you said, we may be pulling from what others have already said, but we are also blazing new trails and giving our readers unique perspectives to aide in their journey.

There’s no doubt that writing about motivation helps me stay motivated just like I would hope it helps my readers do the same.

Albert | UrbanMonk.Net Says:

August 24th, 2008, 20:54 pm

Muahaha, good opening and great read Leo! I’m notoriously unorganized, and feel like getting into the whole GTD thing (although I said that million times), and start blogging about it - but I thought HOW do I compete with the Leos of the world? Good to know the first and sixth points in particular - don’t have to be perfect.

Cheers,
Albert | UrbanMonk.Net
Modern personal development, entwined with ancient spirituality.

Jin Says:

August 24th, 2008, 20:56 pm

Very true. Especially the last one. You HAVE TO love what you do, otherwise your blog will become a burden instead of joy. This is also why so many new blogs start every day, but very few of them last long. Those who truly love what they write about, will eventually have a huge following.

I’m finally starting a blog even though I’ve been a vivid blog reader. With only 5 posts out, I can say I have a new whole respect for successful bloggers. It’s much more difficult than I thought. It’s not easy to write a well thought out, researched article.

Kudos.

Corey - Simple Marriage Project Says:

August 24th, 2008, 21:02 pm

You are so right Leo. There really is nothing new under the sun. We are all standing on the shoulders of others and afraid others may find out.

Thanks for the honest look at things as always.

Julie Says:

August 24th, 2008, 21:03 pm

Your openness and honesty is MUCH appreciated. Thanks Leo, this is a great way to build trust and loyalty.

Ryan McLean Says:

August 24th, 2008, 21:16 pm

Well we are all human…that’s pretty obvious
You can’t be perfect.
I have a secret for you…..
I don’t follow all of your advice
SHOCK HORROR!
I am a blogger also, but sometimes let things pile up.
Most information online is rehashed stuff. I try my hardest to keep my financial advice new and fresh and not rehashed

Leo Says:

August 24th, 2008, 21:20 pm

@Ryan McLean: WHAT?! You don’t follow all my advice?!

I am shocked, and yes, dismayed. You are hereby banished from Zen Habits, never to return. ;)

Lisa | Finding Balance, Naturally Says:

August 24th, 2008, 21:39 pm

I admire when someone doesn’t claim to have all the answers. It’s such a switch from everyone, bloggers or not, leading the way with their egos, afraid that if they show a chink in the armour, they might lose it all.

While you say that you may not have all the answers, Leo, I think you have what I would call wisdom. And you share it gently, without arrogance, and with authenticity.

Charles Says:

August 24th, 2008, 21:46 pm

Its really funny that this came up. I recently started a blog with an element of productivity in it, and so far I am really just posting about what I see working.

Another funny point, even I don’t use my systems perfectly.

And yes, I do love it all.

Tom Starks Says:

August 24th, 2008, 21:56 pm

I really appreciate the veracity of this post. Sometimes the truth, while not intentionally flattering turns out to be very flattering. I found your ’secrets’ very enlightening and extremely helpful in understanding that we’re all human, and while some are better than others at ‘productivity’ or ‘cooking’ or ‘budgeting’ or whatever other kind of skill-set, none of us know everything about whatever we profess to be an expert in. Thanks for sharing these ’secrets’, that yes, I promise not to tell. :-)

The Baroness Says:

August 24th, 2008, 21:58 pm

Don’t worry dear, we still love you!

Michael Moniz Says:

August 24th, 2008, 22:21 pm

I think this is very true. A lot of time is not the new information we share but how we present it. We may all repeat the same stuff but it is how we present it that makes all the difference.

We understand and “get” different types of communication and the people writing it.

I really think it is great we are all out their blogging because we are just helping people to grow, develop and learn. Each of us have our own niche and that is what makes us great.

kujo Says:

August 24th, 2008, 22:24 pm

The simple fact that I was extremely unproductive as a result of reading this blog is testament enough to the “secrets” divulged. Your point has been proven.

Sheila Says:

August 24th, 2008, 22:31 pm

That’s one of the things that always been quite charming about your blog in the first place–the fact that you’re not really a ‘productivity expert’ as much as you’re a guy who tried some things out, found out they worked and wanted to share those things with the world. The fact that you’re NOT perfect–and willing to admit to that–makes it easier to try your advice out instead of waiting for perfection to arrive.

Hey, my inbox isn’t completely clean right now either. But what’s great is that I actually HAVE one now, instead of just stacking crap all over my desk like I used to do. And I have you to thank for that, Leo.

One Bag Nation Says:

August 24th, 2008, 22:36 pm

I would love to be a fly on the wall in the offices or homes of some of the productivity and organizing “gurus” - who knows what really goes on there!!

Leo Says:

August 24th, 2008, 22:56 pm

@One Bag Nation: All kinds of mayhem and shady dealings, probably.

The only problem with being a fly on the wall is being a fly. :)

Niles Gibbs Says:

August 24th, 2008, 23:06 pm

But… but…

NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

First Nietzsche kills God, th-th-then Leo kills blogging…

WHY?!/!?1?!

Where will I turn for meaning in my life? How will I live knowing the man behind the curtain?

WHY DO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO KNOW DON’T SPEAK AND THE PEOPLE WHO DON’T KNOW DO?

Guess it’s back to those good ol’ standbys… hedonism and rampant materialism…

;-)

Saravanan Says:

August 24th, 2008, 23:09 pm

Wow!!!!

Truth does not suck as we think!!

This is what I love to hear. I am sure with your writing you are changing lives of people for better.

cheers,
Saravanan

NJ Says:

August 24th, 2008, 23:18 pm

I am not yet a productive blogger. I just started my blog about awareness - it is called “The Awareness Paradigm” and have not yet advertised it heavily, partly because I have not researched how to do it.

I stumbled across this blog and think highly of it. I haven’t been through all the topics but I like ZTD.

I think the people who follow this blog would be interested in ‘The Awarenes Paradigm’ blog: http://awarenessparadigm.blogspot.com/ It is about how to best live our life - how to not just live but be alive. t is about awareness and mindfulness.

I think zenhabits readers and members are just the people who can help me improve my blog which is about a topic close to their heart. I would love comments and suggestions to improve my blog and to help me grow and make the content better. Thanks in advance.

Scott McIntyre Says:

August 24th, 2008, 23:25 pm

This is a refreshingly honest article, Leo.

With regards your ‘confession’ that you and other likeminded bloggers are just regular people trying to figure it all out- well three cheers to that!

While a degree of expertise in the topic is to be expected, if every article comes across as if the blogger knows everything, there is nothing left for the reader to say.

If you leave enough words left to be said, then the reader will be provoked to join in with the conversation…

Don’t you find that reading the self-satisfied writing of a self-appointed blog guru leaves you with little else to add?

Your Friendly Neighborhood Computer Guy Says:

August 24th, 2008, 23:38 pm

Wonderful to see the men and women behind OZ are nothing more than mere mortals. Haha…but seriously, nothing turns me off more than someone who claims to write about the ULTIMATE or BEST or ONLY method for something. I’m much more interested in hearing about a person’s trial and error and experience with multiple viewpoints.

My entire blog is one big experiment, and I’m never ashamed to admit it. In fact, in my most recent blog post I tested myself to see if I could handle working form home on my own. The results were actually quite humbling.

Eugene (Editor, Varsity Blah) Says:

August 25th, 2008, 0:16 am

“The public is wonderfully tolerant. It forgives everything except genius.” – Oscar Wilde

PhilipLilly.com Says:

August 25th, 2008, 0:21 am

Sometimes it is a bit hard to believe someone that can’t show results from what they preach. Would you accept a weight loss program that is being promoted by someone over weight? Would you buy an acne product with someone with tons of zits? I doubt it. I think to be writing about productivity you should be a bit better than the average person. I prize stories far more than advice alone. If someone has a story about losing 50 lbs easily, then I would take the advice.

I understand people can’t be perfect all the time, but just trying something and having success is worthy of writing about it. It gives inspiration too!

Philip Lilly

Daniel Richard Says:

August 25th, 2008, 1:18 am

Oh mi gosh you spilled the beans!

But we still love your writings here Leo. :)

Liara Covert Says:

August 25th, 2008, 1:33 am

If you believe that every human being is somehow connected, then anything you consider to be your secret is actually everybody’s secret. They may sense it already and choose to keep it to themselves when you may also be ironically thinking you conceal what turns out to be the same thing.

banji - Lesson In Life Says:

August 25th, 2008, 1:36 am

Leo, I will report you now to the Productivity Blogger Association. You have a lot of answering to do :)

In the end, I believe that there are always other ways to look at things. And amazingly our mind can come up with a different view to almost anything.

Procrastination can be bad for some due to unfinished work piling, but it can be good for another when used to avoid pointless argument.

Leo Says:

August 25th, 2008, 1:39 am

@banji: You weren’t supposed to tell on me!

@Phillip Lilly: You’re right on — showing the results of the experiment always makes advice much more meaningful.

Chris - Zen to Fitness Says:

August 25th, 2008, 1:49 am

Very revealing post, glad to see that all you guys aren’t perfect….LOL its funny how we usually think that any of the bloggers follow their own advice exactly as they advise but sometimes life gets in the way and its hard.

Amalgam Says:

August 25th, 2008, 2:59 am

Notice how he didn’t mention Steve Pavlina? That’s because Steve IS perfect in every way;) I know…..I’ve read his blog!

sunaina Says:

August 25th, 2008, 3:05 am

Very nice post, and its so heartening to know that there are people like me who feel unmotivated. I feel so motivated on days and on some days like today feel unmotivated. On days I am unmotivated, i just do not do anything and find it difficult to come out of it. Leo, do you have any more new motivational to inspire. I really like reading your blogs and ahve read all your articles. The days I read, I am on track , but sometimes those very articles fail to move me out of my sea. Leo, please advise.

Leo Says:

August 25th, 2008, 3:25 am

@Amalgam: Yes, Steve might be the exception.

@sunaina: Try these articles to start with:

* Get Off Your Butt: 16 Ways to Get Motivated When You’re in a Slump
* The Ultimate Guide to Motivation - How to Achieve Any Goal

Glen Allsopp Says:

August 25th, 2008, 3:49 am

I love the open-ness in this and you are exactly right. We (you) are all just normal people!

Love it

Cheers,
Glen

Jens Poder Says:

August 25th, 2008, 5:59 am

It’s funny, I have actually spend a lot of time thinking about this. I have tried to change my writing style into a more “I’m trying this out” form instead “Here be hard facts!”

Eventually I found that keeping up the facade was giving me problems. The level of quality I needed to produce was throttling my ideas for posts before they had a chance to get to a mature level.

I think I got to caught up in wannabee problogger mode :)

- Jens Poder

Anna Says:

August 25th, 2008, 6:24 am

Great post Leo :) I think the trouble with some productivity bloggers though is that they really don’t go to any effort whatsoever to practice what they preach. Steve Pavlina is a perfect example, read his productivity / self development blog and you’d think he’s a real life angel, but actually talk to him and you realise he’s a rude arrogant man living in his own world with not a clue about real life. He says one thing, acts another, and sadly his type give productivity bloggers a bad name!

That’s why I love Zen Habits, you’re so real and genuine, in your posts, in answering your comments, on your forums. You don’t have any pretense about you, you’re just Leo, trying to help people, not trying to get anything out of it, and that’s why I for one keep reading :) You’re the genuine article.

Samuli Says:

August 25th, 2008, 6:27 am

Again just as I see it. I will defenately use this stuff on my blog as I am anyway writing a post about why and what I am blogging about.

Pete Says:

August 25th, 2008, 7:51 am

I love the last two post for the blogging community. I love the fact you educate your readers on just what you do.

Thanks for the tips.

http://yinvsyang.com/

Wabi Ongu Says:

August 25th, 2008, 8:08 am

In black water of bog
Sits turtle on log
If you don’t brush teeth often
You’ll have breath like dog

semishock Says:

August 25th, 2008, 9:01 am

Great article, yet I find the humor in the fact Leo actually had to post this for people to know the “truth” about blogging.

I love reading comments on blogs about how a certain writer’s “fresh outlook” on things changed his/her perspective, when in reality, all the blogger does is twist the information.

Most of Leo’s stuff, best example being his workout tips, is the same stuff any professional in a particular field would tell you; all Leo does is tell you his story behind it and why it worked for him, which is why I like Zen Habits.

Leo is not trying to tell you anything you shouldn’t already know; he is just blogging about how the topic he’s writing about has affected his life, almost in diary format to an extent.

Exactly what a blog is supposed to be.

At least he’s not being like Pavlina and telling people he made all this shit up himself.

Kudos Leo!

Vadim Venediktov Says:

August 25th, 2008, 9:53 am

That’s exactly what I was thinking of some time ago. Thank you for this post.

Andy Says:

August 25th, 2008, 10:06 am

Thank you sir. That was a potent reminder.

Brandon Watkins Says:

August 25th, 2008, 10:21 am

I think too many people see blogging in the wrong light, which requires such a confession as yours. Readers on the Internet need to understand that most bloggers are thinkers and writers, not subject matter experts. In my own blogging, I consider myself a columnist. I’m there to bring up an issue, express my thoughts on it, and maybe even suggest a direction based on my own reading and thinking on the topic. I’m not blogging to provide free “consulting”. I think if we all settled into the idea that bloggers are the new media version of newspaper columnists, no one would have to fear being “found out” or having to “make a confession”.

Andys Says:

August 25th, 2008, 10:43 am

Great article and refreshing honesty. I recently wrote a piece covering my experience on how to succeed at blogging - you need to have passion and make the effort. If you believe in what you write about (don’t have to be the first), then rewards will follow.

Cath Lawson Says:

August 25th, 2008, 11:53 am

Hi Leo - Thats a huge relief. I had begun avoiding your posts because I felt completely inadequate.

Lots of things bloggers write is based on stuff others have already done or written. I do write a lot based on personal experience. But I had to read a lot before trying some of those things. And often, I’ve wound up telling people how not to do it.

I’m glad you’re not as perfect as I thought you were.

Laurent Brixius Says:

August 25th, 2008, 12:32 pm

Hi Leo, this remember me of two quotes:

“All intelligent thoughts have already been thought; what is necessary is only to try to think them again.” Goethe

“If I have seen further it is by standing on ye shoulders of Giants” Isaac Newton

Thanks for your sincerity

Jennifer Louden Says:

August 25th, 2008, 12:37 pm

The same is true about self-help writers and teachers - being one I find that what people like the most about my work is that I’m honest about my warts and struggles. Which I find somewhat funny because isn’t it obvious we are all making it all up? Some people embrace that while others are waiting for someone to have THE ANSWER that will finally solve EVERYTHING. Come to think of it, I wouldn’t mind that for myself…

Miguel de Luis Says:

August 25th, 2008, 12:48 pm

Well Leo, I told my kids at Religion class, that sainthood is like a road. You are a saint as long as you are walking on that road, but being perfect?

That’s a wee trickier ;)

c. Says:

August 25th, 2008, 13:10 pm

yes… copy/past i did….but the important is living

n Says:

August 25th, 2008, 13:31 pm

I think it’s a relief to bloggers, but not so much to the non-blogging readers. I’ve been noticing a lot of copy-and-paste with blogs these days, and I think people should always strive to produce original works, even if they are inspired by people from the past. I think a blog’s long-term success will be based on that. I’ve been skipping a lot of blogs that are becoming pretty repetitive.

Corinne Elletson Says:

August 25th, 2008, 13:36 pm

So true. For me, its not really the content that draws me into subscribing to a blog, as many blogs discuss the same things. For me it is how the content is presented. Your zen theme drew me in and captured me from the first post I read; it is presenting many ideas that I have heard before but in a new and interesting view. I am just breaking into the blog scene myself and am still finding my “view” and my voice. That is what makes some blogs more successful than others: their authors have a unique voice that stands out in the crowd.

Jaime Ibarra Becerra Says:

August 25th, 2008, 13:42 pm

OMG! I already knew all of the secrets!

Tracy Says:

August 25th, 2008, 13:44 pm

Leo,

but you see, the fact that you are human makes you just like us and that allows us to trust you. At least that’s true for me. That’s one of the reasons I love Trent at the Simple Dollar so much and really pay attention to what he says — because he lays it all out there. He’s been there. He knows what it means to be in serious debt. I’d much rather read someone who knows what it’s like to be an unorganized mess and then figured out how to get things under control than someone who’s always been perfect. And take you, for example — I figure any guy with the number of children you have that can have a few zen moments in his day has got to be figuring stuff out that I want to know!

So, feel free to share your struggles, your blahs, your slip ups, whatever. Then share how you moved out of it or got over it or struggled through it. ‘Cause that’s what we’re all doing.

Dot H. Says:

August 25th, 2008, 13:48 pm

I loved your secret. However, it’s been obvious that you were trying out a lot of the things you were recommending to us or were doing them with us, which means you were finding things out to share later.

Anna (above) has taken many of the words out of my mouth. I also don’t always follow your advice on any specific subject. What I do try much harder to follow is the example you set as a blogger — your humility, humanity, generosity, honesty, and sincere desire to help. Oh, and to make money. :-)

Emily Says:

August 25th, 2008, 14:42 pm

Thanks Leo!

Not just for this post, but for making your blog approachable. I think many productivity blogs are too preachy because both my husband and I are procrastinators by nature but lovers of getting things done at the same time. Your blog is a daily read for us because it’s not something we read and automatically hear echos of our mothers’ warnings and lectures.

And, for once, I would love my mother to admit that she was not always right and made things up as she went along. Thanks again!

Glen Says:

August 25th, 2008, 15:19 pm

I found this post inspirational in many ways. As a new blogger feeling a little daunted by what it takes to become successful, you’ve revealed that even a “master blogger” has many of the same feelings as the person just starting out…

Cheers:)
Glen Crosier
Brighton, UK

Chris Says:

August 25th, 2008, 16:06 pm

So how many people out there with the balls to admit this simple truth?

You can say the same thing about “Make Money Online” bloggers…

Leo, would you have been able to write something like this if you didn’t have close to 70, 000 subscribers?

Leo Says:

August 25th, 2008, 20:11 pm

I really appreciate all the feedback, guys. You know, writing something like this made me a little nervous — you never know the reaction you’ll get when you write something a bit more deeply honest than the usual post. But as always, you guys have responded with generosity and encouragement, so I’m grateful.

@Chris: would I have been able to write something like this if I didn’t have almost 70K subscribers? It’s a good question. It’s hard for me to say, because I’m trying to remember what it was like when I had a thousand or fewer subscribers … and in my recollection, I probably would have been to afraid to post something like that. So you’re right — maybe having some success has given me more confidence to admit faults and fears like this.

Colin Says:

August 25th, 2008, 20:39 pm

Your honesty is great on this story.

Personally, when I need a little re-focusing I find reading the various productivity and simplicity helpful.

None of us have all the answers. It is the collective experiences that are valuable.

Colin

Chris Says:

August 25th, 2008, 22:39 pm

Leo,

Many people think that in order to be liked and respected, you have to tell them what they want to hear. I say that the reason why people follow and respect you is because of your unwavering honesty and integrity.

Bamboo Forest Says:

August 25th, 2008, 23:20 pm

Cool article.

Bamboo Forest Says:

August 25th, 2008, 23:21 pm

Cool article. (Yes, I sometimes do like to write really short comments).

patricia gray Says:

August 25th, 2008, 23:38 pm

Thanks for being so honest and telling it like it is. Really that is what makes life interesting…trying it out and see if it works, if not move on. Maybe it is all about being engaged with life and to just keep moving!

DanGTD Says:

August 26th, 2008, 3:53 am

Nothing to be ashamed Leo. Everybody is human. :)

The inventions, anyway, are made just by finding two different already existing things, and combining them together.

nudgeme Says:

August 26th, 2008, 5:58 am

I love the straightforward honesty of this post Leo, and that you just say it how it is rather than some other blogs where things can sound like they’re being overly carefully crafted. I especially like your no. 6 - we’re just regular people figuring things out - and that at the end of the day we’re all just human and doing the best that we can. Thanks for sharing.

Summy Says:

August 26th, 2008, 8:08 am

While we’re admitting dirty little productivity secrets I admit I violate the Empty inbox/a> (Email Zen, Inbox Zero etc) rule. But I think it actually makes more productive and human.

@Chris, @Leo I’m admitting mistakes and I don’t have near the readership of zenhabits. but I think no one expects anyone to be perfect all the time. All we can do is keep trying to be a little better each day.

Mary Kutheis (kooth-ice) Says:

August 26th, 2008, 10:49 am

Leo,

You are spot on. I love that you put this out there.

tzu Says:

August 26th, 2008, 12:56 pm

good stuff -thx leo

reminds me of one of my favorite picasso quotes
“good artists copy, great artists steal”

many people don’t seem to understand that or even take offense to that quuote.

indeed great artists steal concepts and repackage - good artists are mere copy cats. no ingenuity. since there are essentially no totally unique thoughts - it’s how you repackage these concepts making them most learn able, teachable and adaptable to the times. you’ve done this well. synthetic imagination predominates our times

djw Says:

August 26th, 2008, 13:45 pm

as a writer I always find it difficult to showcase or display anything, even if it’s just to a friend, because there are so many different ways to be, to take, and things to believe. It’s easy to get shot down. I feel a little more human after reading this, maybe I’ll finally make the push to publish or get out there.

salkis Says:

August 26th, 2008, 14:36 pm

very honest! true to the point

Carole a.k.a. Mother Says:

August 27th, 2008, 0:37 am

Had to laugh.

But hey, I don’t make up everything!

We do the best we can do everyday, and try to help others to do the same along the way.

Amber Says:

August 27th, 2008, 1:46 am

All us bloggers want to do is get information out their to help other people. We state our opinions, hope you get a good laugh, gain some tips on how to tone your butt a little better or eat more nutritious food. We love what we do because it helps others. We get to connect with the world of readers…we get to connect and share. Fabulous!!

Helena Denley Says:

August 27th, 2008, 4:14 am

Thankyou for sharing that. I thought I needed to be an expert to blog and that people wouldn’t want to hear about my topics from my point of view.
This has given me renewed confidence.
Cheers

Pär Says:

August 27th, 2008, 7:26 am

Much of this post is true for knowledge workers in general.

Mike Says:

August 28th, 2008, 3:55 am

Quite right. Agree totally with Amber. I enjoy reading these blogs and I doubt anybody takes too much too seriously.

Smart Boy Says:

August 29th, 2008, 1:01 am

Thank you for the post. Great insights.

Lisa Hallman Says:

August 30th, 2008, 20:57 pm

Here I am reading this and thinking, wow at least I don’t have to be the more well-known person on the planet to have people be inspired by what I write. My fear is that someone will tell me, why do you have the authority and or education to be teaching me personal empowerment. I just started my blog and I need to spend a lot of time reading other blogs just to get my ideas.

Kim Says:

September 2nd, 2008, 16:27 pm

You revealed the secret…banished from the society of special gurus & keepers of wisdom!

The Well Says:

September 6th, 2008, 7:23 am

You Wish Media 2.n0

yes thats true and its that easy, but since the ave iq is only a hair above 100 they will never duplicate or simulate. So follow sheep.

http://www.weeklywishingwell.org

Ron Lambert Says:

September 10th, 2008, 0:30 am

I like to come over to Zen Habits to be refreshed. Your style and approach to writing is so free. I’ve been at this blogging stuff for less than six months and have to say some of it is great fun and some is just toil. I’m working on maximizing the fun. Keep it up.

Cannis Lupus Says:

November 22nd, 2008, 1:39 am

Awesome post. Call it a “disclaimer”, a “reality check” or a “wake up call”, it makes us all remember what we know - or should - but choose not to (as humorously posted by Niles Gibbs).

We are all looking for means to proficiency and productivity and it feels good to have someone lead the way. Once we find one thing that makes sense in whatever preaching we get from self-proclaimed masters of the subject, we tend to stop reasoning by ourselves and everything else becomes the absolute truth.

“It is true; I read in a book!” became “It is true; I read it on the Internet”. And while we would love to deny being amongst those who say that, we don’t really think we just adapted the our statement to “It is true; I read it on the Internet. But it was from a reliable source, written from someone who is internationally recognized as an authority on the matter”.

We don’t question whether that is true anymore. If everyone else says it is, then it is! Why verify credentials? Why bother validating what is written? If the ‘preacher’ is well known, gives seminars, presentations, attends events and, most importantly (!) has a nice looking web site; then she/he MUST be a guru!

So, I get your point and I truly hope readers will get mine.
I am trying to say: Thank you!

Thank you for a great post. Thank you for being so honest. Thank you for the ‘follow my advice if you will, but remember I am not enlightened’ message. Thank you for your dedication and love for the subject. Thank you for all the good advice that worked AND for the ones that didn’t. Thank you for the hints, tricks, hacks, suggestions and whatnot that you tried OR made up since they save my time in trying (or making up); Thank you for opening our eyes. Thank you for all the work you do (have done) and for - despite all the work you do (have done) - not putting yourself on a pedestal. Thank you!

I will continue reading and following all the ‘experts’ mentioned (you inclusive) for their work is invaluable. I will continue enjoying the reading and following (some of) the advices here, there, anywhere. I am still an admirer of all the minds working on this (somewhat) new line of business. And now, I am a bigger fan of yours.

Cheers!

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