Everyone I know seems to be twittering. From large organizations to fellow writers and bloggers. The benefits are undeniable – from solid media contacts and social networking to getting paid assignments and gigs.
In a sense, I feel like”What am I waiting for? sign up and tweet away!“……
As my workload has expanded exponentially over the last few weeks, this got me thinking. The last year, I’ve been forging on aggressively trying to build my photography and writing resume while working full time.
Feeling overwhelmed leads to procrastination. Procrastination leads nowhere.
By stepping back, re-evaluating, and re-focusing, my initial vision is now back in focus, and I’m beginning to narrow my focus to address that vision. Lots of exciting emails have been coming in this week. New contacts and relationships are being built.
I wish I had more time to do everything and be everywhere, but I can’t. Only God is truly Omnipotent. And I’m totally fine with that 
Ironically, I’d just given the following advice to a new friend testing the waters of travel writing – One of the things to watch out for is getting overwhelmed quickly. There are so many options and magazines. There are many blogs of other travel writers to follow. It can also seem discouraging once you start reading other people’s breaks and such. I fall into that trap once in awhile. Remember to go at your own pace and things will happen naturally and at their own time.
So I’ve cut down on some blog subscriptions that suck up valuable time. I’m a lot more discerning with my time and efforts, and those decisions are already yielding results that are positively impacting the photography/writing resume.
In summary, I’ll probably twitter down the line, but for now, if it distracts me from giving 100% to previous and upcoming commitments, I’m willing to hold off for awhile.
And I’m honestly fine with that.
Picture from Roskilde, Denmark.
Comments (7)
Lola- Just catching up after a few days with limited online access– love the Fire Republic photos and clothing– gorgeous all the way around. Your sisters are lucky to have your photography skills!
Yes – focus, focus, focus. And never forget what pays the bills. All this social networking CAN be addicting (look at me, posting a comment!) but one should proceed with caution
I’ve also been on the fence about Twitter but have given it a pass for the time being. A full time demanding job, a travel photography biz on the side and building a travel writing resume keeps me busy (and happy). I agree it is best to focus and do a few things well than to spread oneself too thin.
you’re right about procrastination! twittering does sound kinda dreamy. i just came across your blog today (via matador) and wanted to commend you. your photos are stunning. in short i want someday to do what you’re doing.
best wishes to you.
I’d like to be in blogging for the money, but at less than $1,000 a year it’s not really enough of an earner for me. I lack marketing skills.
In any case, twitter’s benefits are solid, but I appreciate it really is a time and focus issue. Good on you for not following the crowd and doing what you need to do.
wendy-escapeny – sounds like we’ve got similar situations (fulltime gig, travel photo/writing on the side)
everyone – thanks for your comments!
Phew…I’m not the only one. I had the same dilemma, but I too said no to Twitter. I’m also cutting back on the querying and freelancing for now. I had originally thought that as we traveled around the world, I’d be pitching lots of articles. But before we left, I made a decision not to do that. I became worried that I’d spend the whole year looking for articles, rather than just experiencing the world. If something jumps at me or if something comes out of it in the end great, but otherwise, I’m just going to travel, experience the world, talk to people, make memories, and keep up my little ol’ blog. So what I guess I’m saying is I am totally on the same page as you…taking a good hard look at the priorities and whittling things down to what’s most important.