This guest post is by Chris Kahler of bloggeritus.com.
It doesn’t take a genius to stroll around cyberspace and quickly find that the World Wide Web is littered with junk. There is a lot of “stuff” out there, most of which isn’t very good.
On the flip side, though, there are still many amazing gems hidden beneath the rubble. The magical ingredient that marks the divide is creativity. Creativity isn’t just part of a fairytale that only children believe in. It really exists, and is the one thing that will polish you into a masterful blogger.
The gems you will find online are from the few bloggers who have found their own creative abilities and applied them masterfully towards the many processes that grow a blog. They have their own special style that everyone instantly recognizes.
“Run of the mill” is a term used to describe work done by others who try to imitate someone else’s style—their work becomes obscure and much less effective.
Originality is not attempting to be different, but rather doing what you want to do the way you want to do it. Originality is only effective when approached with creativity.
A blog is created through many small steps, wouldn’t you agree? Depending on how you approach them, these steps can either produce “run of the mill” results and put your blog in the pile of rubble, or they can produce results of original creativity and polish your work to be one of the few gems to be found.
What are the benefits of creative blogging?
Blogging is a medium thriving on the expressions of originality. Those who can create their own unique style stand out.
You create your own style by being creative with your content and unique with your presentation. The creativity in your content will act as your originality, and over time your style will resonate with people.
For creating a unique style you must quit following trends, trying to fit in with specific groups, or attempting to fit a personality mold you weren’t made for; rather, embrace the idea of creative imagination and flow where you really want to be.
When you become creative with your ability to express your thoughts, your style will carve a path of its own.
As you practice being creative many drastic changes will occur in your life. Here are some of the more noticeable changes creativity can bring:
- Creativity can reduce stress (if you learn to enjoy it).
- It helps to unlock hidden potential in your brain.
- Creativity helps rejuvenate your vigor.
- It boosts your motivation.
- It will help you build and maintain stronger focus on what you need to get done.
Another main benefit, which in my opinion is one of the best, is the fact that you will actually grow to enjoy the process of creating. There is a fine line between work and play that produces the most efficient results toward any goal.
Creators of great achievements walk along this line.
They understand the importance of focused objectives yet are able to have fun during the time they spend “at work” getting them accomplished.
As you learn to be more creative you will grow to enjoy creating just for the sake of it. Results are just results and shouldn’t be the focus of your efforts.
Creators focus on the creations, not the potential rewards
It helps to provide real value when your overall focus is applied in the right places. If you have a goal in mind that you want to reach, by all means remember it constantly.
However, when you find yourself in the trenches trying to make the life you want to happen a possibility, don’t work with possible results as your main focus for inner drive.
Disappointment sets in when you work for results. But even worse, your work will be totally misguided due to the lack of controlled focus for direction.
Now if you have a dream, which everyone should, do keep it in the forefront of your memory; when you visualize your expectant life and realize certain things must initially take place for you to get there, you will understand what’s next—you must create those “certain things” to help you move forward.
This is what visualizing is for—to help you prepare yourself for the skills you’ll need to gain and to give you a direction to begin creating that dream.
As you create your way through the smaller incremental steps giving you advancement towards the dream, make those individual processes your sole focus.
Creativity will help define a passion for you
Being creative will help to create a since of pride in you, yet the process of creation will always leave you humbled. The result of this is the constant urge to continue.
When you learn to enjoy the creative process and feel a great deal of satisfaction from your creations, that’s the birth of passion.
Creative passion is one of the most powerful driving forces for producing effective, high quality content in record time.
Furthermore, you will also strive to exceed any current “limitations”—this is just how the creative process is!
Applying creativity towards any kind of work you do will allow you to spark a new connection with what you’re doing, and your progress will grow positively.
No matter what side project(s) you are involved with, such as a blog project, some form of art you want to try out, or any other kind of objective—if you search out a creative aspect in it, you will see things in an entirely new perspective.
The best part of creativity: a new-found perspective
Creativity gives you flexibility without expectation. This gives you a full enjoyment for what you do.
As a creative blogger:
Rather than creating blog posts just for the rewards of blogging, you will find yourself stretching your limits to create the best post you can, just for the challenge of creation.
Rather than focusing on distant realities in your mind you will develop solid concentration on tasks that are enjoyable.
You’ll also begin feeling passionate for these tasks.
Also, a lasting impression for seeking creativity is the new mannerism developed for modeling the success of others.
Rather than seeing limits that seem to impose themselves on you when considering yourself in comparison with a notable leader, you’ll just see the distance as mere obstacles that you will overcome in increments … creative increments, that is.
The only steps separating you from the most established professionals are the many smaller and focused processes of creation, which have given these professionals every asset, tool, and skill they use to travel the path of achievement.
Your steps to becoming a more creative blogger
To become a more creative blogger is a very wise thing to do. However, it takes time and effort to establish and build a mind that leans towards creative thinking.
Here are the things you must do in order to be more creative:
- You must be more positive with your outlook on everything. For any situation, try to find the positive aspect or potential outcome. This is key for creative people.
- Stretch yourself past what you may perceive as limits. There is a simple mindset to consider for doing this effectively. You need to learn this mindset in order to expand your own abilities.
- Observe any professionals in your field or niche. Try to discern what makes their work different. Whatever it is that gives them a pizazz comes from creative thinking.
- Master the aspect of innovation. By learning how to take an idea and improve it you not only give yourself room to expand the originality of your own ideas but also can benefit from observing the professionals you admire.
- Practice the habit of writing every day. Writing a journal is one of the best ways to initiate a creative spark. A lot of ideas come to us every day, but only those who discipline themselves to organize their thoughts in ways that can be referenced are able to hold on to the good ones.
- Learn how to be flexible. Allow yourself to take on new ideas, allow yourself to question your inner beliefs, but don’t change who you are for anyone. Flexibility just opens you up to new channels of thought and is not meant to make you have a different belief system, only a more acceptable one for good ideas.
- Learn how to experiment. Experimenting is the essence of creativity. When you do something that’s different than everyone else, you will not know how the results will be. Learn to do this and improve from it.
- Learn to accept criticism and how to give criticism. Find positive results either from yourself or others who critically analyze what you do is a great way to make improvement.
- Above all, enjoy the process of providing quality content to the rest of humanity. You will grow as a passionate person and will establish a lasting legacy on this planet if you can do these steps.
Let creative blogging help you
As you can see, creative thinking isn’t something you can expect to master overnight. There is a lot of information pertaining to our imaginations, most of which we have yet to discover.
According to what I’ve gathered from modeling success and acquiring new skills is that those who balance their thinking by relying more heavily on creativity than average people tend to stand out as above average.
These people are the ones who establish influence, trust, and higher levels of success using originality and boldness—both directly gained through creative thinking.
Unfortunately space is limited here, I like to keep my posts from turning into small novels! However, comments are a great way of continuing this discussion.
In what ways do you think you are creative already? How are you working to improve your creativity?
Chris Kahler has recently discovered the definition of a creative personality. He has also discovered that there are a million things still left unsaid which you should know about. Maybe subscribing to his RSS feed is a good idea? He thinks so, oh and while you’re at it follow him on twitter as well.
Problem with blogging success is translating thinking, emotions and ideas into a concrete piece of posts which not many can do. Certainly I am one of them. :(
A good skill to learn is copywriting. It’s a difficult one, but will only benefit you in your ability to do everything you’ve just mentioned! I am myself practicing this and it is definitely bringing me some unique insights on writing more compelling content.
Great post. I think all bloggers who produce their own contents to some extent are all creative bloggers. You need a trace of creativity to be able to sit down and charm a post out of no where like a magician.
However, as you mentioned, the creative prowess of bloggers can be extended, stretched and widen to achieve substantial results…
I think I am creative blogger but there is more room for improvement on my creativity and its speed.
Hi Chris!
I agree, creativity is something I have noticed to set the bar in standard and quality of blogs from one to another. I am doing my best as well to increase my creative qualities… sometimes going as far as to dabble in areas that are not a preferred medium.
I’m not a painter, but I’m trying it.
I’m not a sculptor, but I’m trying that also. Lol, I think trying other things helps to improve creativity even beyond some of the tips I left in the post.
Thanks for reading and including your input! Good luck to you in growing your creativity :)
I agree with you. Creativity is really important. However, our daily lives don’t give us the chance to be creative. We end up being boring and repetitive, instead of writing something really interesting, in a way that will make our readers really enjoy reading our article.
I found a solution for this problem by writing slowly. I stopped publishing my daily articles after writing them and sending them to my editor the same day. Now I begin writing an article today, but I will only finish writing it tomorrow.
This way I’ll have the time to think about what I already wrote, and how I could improve what I said. I also have the chance to remember many important details I should have mentioned in this article, but I forgot to.
I also have the chance to improve my sentences, and link all the information in a very attractive way.
Time is necessary when you want to create a really attractive article for your readers. Art is not something that can be done in a hurry.
On the other hand, I believe that your content must be substantial. You have to write something good, without merely ‘playing with your words’.
Of course, depending on your topic, if you are a good writer and you are creative, you’ll surely have many readers, independently of how useful the information you provide really is. This is why so many bloggers are having success. They managed to discover a special style that attracts many readers, even though their words are basically empty, or their messages are not really helpful.
I believe that good content in a very creative way is a perfect combination.
The problem is that there is a fierce competition online in all fields. It’s very hard to reach your audience. Many times your content is excellent, and you are a very creative writer, but your readers are busy reading other posts because your competitors are stronger than you.
Do you believe that good content alone can beat Adwords ads, and many other powerful marketing strategies?
Thanks for the deep insights Christina!
You are right, good content IS necessary right along with the ability to creatively get your point across.
The approach you have taken to increase your content’s quality is a good one. I too have started slowing down my writing process just so I can contemplate my ideas further and find any weaker areas in the post before I submit it.
As far as your question, I do believe that good content alone can beat Adwords… there are other ways of marketing great content, such as guest posting, becoming more sociable across other blogs, and so forth. After awhile, people will gravitate towards your content, especially if you are creative with it.
Then they become marketing power… I feel that a strong community is the best way to grow your blog further. Can’t beat word of mouth (or click) marketing!
Thanks once again for your thoughts,
Chris
Another amazing post from Darren. Even after I know these stuff I enjoy reading these posts. They are still interesting to me. I love sharing his article with other people at facebook, skype, twitter, and even myspace. I just want to tell more people about ProBlogger.Net
Darren didn’t write this. I agree that Darren writes great content though.
Haha wow, I take this as a great compliment actually! We know Darren as the “Pro Blogger”, so if you wanna put me in the same category, by all means THANKS! haha
Glad you enjoyed the article my friend :)
Well done, Chris. In a productivity-crazed world, creativity is sometimes brushed aside. In blogging, I’d say it is far more important than being productive. Why? Being productive is productive, but boring. :-)
I’d rather read the work of a creative blogger than a productive one.
I agree… I am making the shift in mindset myself! I enjoy more thoughtful and less frequent articles to read, so I feel that as a writer I should make stretches in providing the quality as well.
Thanks for your insights buddy, take care!
(BTW people, Mr. Guise is one of the most creative writers I’ve come across in a long time, and partially one of the inspirations behind this post. Do check out his blog for some very inspiring posts!)
The only downside to that perspective is in this world, both creativity and productivity are needed. Try to open up and accept the possibility that you can be creative while being productive. It is the very reason why experienced internet marketers suggest that you pick a niche that you are already interested in, so that it is not boring.
I agree with what you said, but that was never my perspective. I said that creativity is “far more important” which is a comparative phrase. I know and agree that productivity is important. Probably 20% of my blog posts are on the subject.
Look, I know that the internet is a feel good place and that we are all trying to help each other out and make each other feel good and that it’s a real bummer when someone comes along and disrupts the party, but I would classify this as something that didn’t need to be said, again, since it has been said 80 trillion times since your mom said it when she stuck that awful picture of a butterfly made from your hands being traced up on the fridge. More and more, I’m seeing that pro-bloggers sell to wannabe pro-bloggers, travel bloggers sell to wannabe travel bloggers, and life coaches sell to people who are at the end of their wits. We’re all here because we want to make some money blogging, right? How does this help anyone make any money? Most of us are just commenting because we want a bump in traffic off Darren’s deal, right? Like that guy who read the whole post without realizing that it wasn’t a post Darren would write or even that it said it was a guest post at the bottom and the top of the post.
I come here, I read this stuff, and sometimes it is good enough to make me glad, but sometimes, it’s just feel good B.S. Guess which I think this one is.
~Vago
Hey it’s cool, we are all entitled to our opinions! Apparently your opinion and mine differ, and I won’t defend my writing anymore than you’ve made your claim against it.
I will address some of your points though, as I have that same right. You are here to make money blogging, correct? Do you know the steps to doing that?
I know you come here looking for hands on tips for blogging and earning income, but you can’t do that without going back to fundamentals. A lot of new bloggers come to this site looking for advice on how to make money, but some are also looking for inspiration and a snap to reality as to what’s required.
If you want to make money, you need an audience. You need people who enjoy your blogging as much as you enjoy to blog yourself. You make money blogging by not trying to blog for money. You blog for your audience, you blog for your passions, and you become a likeable and trustworthy person. THEN you can start making money because you’ve built respect, authority, and a certain level of likeableness.
Creativity is one part of blogging that a lot of people DO overlook. A lot of bloggers forget that being unique in how they present information and formulate their ideas will actually help them stand apart from the rest and attract a crowd of eager readers. No one wants to read mundane writing, and no one will pay you FOR mundane writing.
So, this post is not BS, it is actually a beneficial post to the right people. You may not need to be creative, you may not need this post. I completely understand.
Also though, you’ve got to realize that posting a comment such as this is doing neither you nor myself any good, and especially no one else who reads this. You make yourself hard to approach, but I don’t take offense. Just saying, next time try to be a little more respectful of someone else’s hard work.
I appreciate the way you responded to this Chris, but I thin we will have to agree to disagree on our views and on whether posting something like this does any good. Without criticism we tend to not know where we need to improve or grow. If everyone had taken ‘your mom’s’ approach and told you that your ‘hand butterfly’ (to use my own example) was brilliant, you might not have focused on other things. It’s a funny thing, but I’ve been paid much more for my mundane writing (technical, copywriting, how-to) than I’ve been paid for my novels or other creative writing. Another point I disagree on is the need to be likable..frankly, I’d rather be skilled than liked. There’s a reason why nice guys finish last, it’s because they are more concerned about what others think than about what they want. Anyway, I looked at your site, lots of good relevant content there and you seem like a hell of a nice guy. I bet that makes you a great father too. All the best to you, ~Vago
Yeah I do agree with you on a lot of what you’ve mentioned. I like what you’ve said about criticism, and a lot of young bloggers may not realize how important it really is. I don’t think that taking the time to ensure you are more creative really deters away from the idea of accepting criticism though. In fact, I believe taking the time to be more creative helps you to accept criticism better.
But yes, you are correct, the “your mom” approach (I like how you put that lol) does get old. It gets old because a lot of those who take it don’t have the best intentions at heart, that’s the only way they know how to write.
I didn’t realize I actually sounded like that, my goal was merely to get the readers here to actually ponder the title, the question, and take a look at their own stuff. Is there writing creative? You don’t have to be a novelist to be creative with writing.
And as for mundane writing, I would have to say that copywriting is definitely NOT mundane. That actually has to be one of the most creative forms of writing there are! Nothing but pure emotion makes copywriting work best, and creativity IS required to draw that emotion out, in addition to a few other things such as the writer’s own mood and so forth.
But, like you said we can agree to disagree. I didn’t really leave this comment to persuade you otherwise, I just like the atmosphere of debate… that is what I asked for with this post at the end, and with good reason! The value of the post is not only found in the writing, but in the discussions as well, so I’d have to say even though you may not have agreed with the POSTS message, you may be able to agree that there is value to be found in the discussions. Can we at least agree on that? lol
Best of luck to you, and thanks for the kind compliment! I try my best as a father, which is really all I can do!
Chris
Thanks for the pep talk of sorts! It’s so easy to get into a rut and “forget” how to be creative.
“You must be more positive with your outlook on everything. For any situation, try to find the positive aspect or potential outcome. This is key for creative people.”
I got as far as that line and had to give up I’m afraid. I had a nightmarish vision of a www where everything was awesome, authentic and/or extraordinary and had to go and lie down in a cool, dimly lit room with my dogeared copy of Brave New World.
I am forced to disagree with that. Although in most cases that is true, sometimes it helps to be negative in order to find a solution to a problem.
As far as blogging in a creative way. How many people here can say that they’ve tried using their scanner more, learned animation, made videos? – instead of staying within the same bandwagon as everyone else and kept writing words.
creative niches also earns better also
I post a creative writing/journaling prompt at my web site every day if anyone is looking for ideas for their daily writing. It really will boost your creativity and help your blogging process.
I agree with you totally on the point that creative thinking is done when we stretch ourselves beyond a point we think we can.
Mani, I disagree with you. Being creative doesn’t mean that we are no longer within our own boundaries, it just means that we’ve discovered an answer to a question where most people never think to look.
Jeffrey, that is a very good way to put it! I do think though a little of both is required… only because a creative idea sometimes comes from an inspirational source outside of what your boundaries are.
It’s my belief that creativity is more natural for some, but others may need to work on finding the desire to be creative.
This post probably leans more so on finding that desire or urging those who may not feel like they are creative to embrace the idea more than they previously have than actually teaching how to be creative.
Your insights are definitely correct though, and anyone who is interested in finding a more creative spark can benefit from this realization. Creativity IS inside of us already, we just have to want to bring it out and let it happen naturally.
Thanks for sharing your opinion :)
My bad it’s Chris… sorry, it was my bad, either way GREAT POST
That is fine by me, didn’t make me feel a bit upset :D
Great post you got here Darren, I believe that you are more creative when you focus and invest your time and energy in what you know how to do best.
Absolutely agree 100% with that, but don’t forget about those occasional brain farts some of us have when we get distracted or think about something funny that happened in the past at the worst times to laugh, like at a funeral.
Chris, this was a great post that’s got me thinking more positively about why I want to blog! Although many bloggers (including myself) ultimately want to make an income from their efforts, focusing on being creative makes the whole process far more rewarding. Thank you for the list of actions. I’ll be trying them out!
Thanks Neil, that’s a great thing to hear!
I think you are right about creativity making blogging more rewarding. Not only more rewarding in a materialistic way, but also psychologically. Sometimes we end up competing too hard against one another when we should be competing with ourselves to get better… I think taking a good long look into your creative side is a great way of engaging yourself for improvement!
I hope you do try some of these actions out and benefit from them. It makes me feel good knowing this post has brought a more positive outlook for you!
Chris
I really like the part about having a unique presentation. It’s very easy to get lost in just creating content, but you need to have a unique perspective in your content and a design that stands out and provides your readers with the best platform to be engage in.
Creativity is definitely a process that can be invigorating and inspirational all on it’s own, and the more we practice creativity the more we find ourselves enjoying it in all it’s forms.
As you said “Creators focus on the creations, not the potential rewards”. One of the fastest ways to lose focus and inspiration is to look only at the bottom line end result and not on the creative elements.
That’s correct Patrick!
I’ve noticed that nearly every post online is a repeat of another post’s points.. Some of them are unique, but for the most part the content is the same.
What makes the good ones stand out though is how the information is delivered. Some people are able to write more compelling content, and I feel that creativity helps increase that edge to be compelling.
Focusing on the creation makes the process more enjoying! I find that my stress levels really have plummeted… you tend to quit worrying about the outcome AND are able to provide more overall value this way!
Thanks for reading, have an awesome day!
Agreed! Blogger should be more creative especially on topics how to create a great atmosphere in their community from their blog.
actually this blog has generated some quite creative comment activity!
“When you visualize your expectant life and realize certain things must initially take place for you to get there, you will understand what’s next—you must create those “certain things” to help you move forward.”
I think that last point is crucial, and as I develop my voice as a writer and speaker, it’s been one of the most valuable lessons. That it’s up to me to create the circumstances surrounding my success.
Thanks for your thoughts, Chris. I really enjoyed reading this. It gave me a lot to think about.
Yes I agree with you (not just because I wrote the post lol) but it is up to you to create those circumstances.
Most people are waiting for their opportunities when really they should be hard at work creating them to the best of their abilities. I know most people won’t say they think this way, but that’s the actions they are getting from themselves.
I think its a blast to pursue more creative ways of expression. I may be more of a right brain thinker, but I feel anyone can benefit by considering some of these thoughts and balancing their mind a bit.
I’m glad you are thinking because of this… I have been dwelling on the subject myself for quite some time and it is just now starting to sink in for me in a usable way lol. It’s hard when you realize your personality is totally different than what you once thought it was (I used to consider myself more logical and rational, but now that’s changed… that’s the point behind the bio lol)
Glad you enjoyed the post Brandy!
Chris
I’m as creative as it gets.
I’m new to blogging and love this post! I guess my main goal right now is to learn how to write better and get my own creative style going. I don’t think I will ever stop growing and have a couple ideas for some great original blog posts that I should get working on right now. =)
Hey Shaun!
I’m glad you enjoyed reading it! It was a fun one to write, and honestly it’s right where I’m at in my business too. The other half of this is to act upon what you know, so I’d have to agree with you on getting to work!
Your goals for now are perfect. The better you can write and the more creative you bring out your writing, the better your skill will be to construct the perfect sequence of words! I think it was Ted Nicholas (extremely wealthy copy writer) who coined the phrase “…turning words into money.”
That’s exactly the point behind blogging for income, and essentially what you’ll be doing. Might as well gain every edge in being the best at it, right?
Good luck to ya Shaun!
Chris
I am definately a creative blogger.Creative bloggers study there market and find ways to approach their targeted market in a unique way just like i do in my site
That is really good to hear :)
I am finding it is almost essential to be somewhat creative in almost any business. You can benefit from it in many different, but important areas: your product offer, your pricing point, your marketing plan, or general public relations with others – creativity really helps gravitate people towards your cause!
Glad you shared your thoughts!
Chris
Some great tips here, Chris. I’m working at writing every day, even if the day’s writing doesn’t make it to my blog–it’s the writing habit that’s important. Your advice to experiment is spot on. There are so many bloggers, and we are all reading the same ‘how to blog’ blogs and ebooks. To stand out we need to try different ways of presenting our content. Also: experimenting is fun! If you can’t have fun on your blog, what’s the point?
Thanks for the great read.
Hey Dave,
Really awesome comment here! You’ve basically touched on every belief I have and preach on lol.
I write constantly, either on one of my million pads laying around the house, for my blog, newsletter, or practicing copy. It’s almost non stop lol.
I agree, the habit is what’s important, and the stretching yourself to be creative is what makes your habit one that’s efficient and not just a bunch of wasted words. The whole point is to have fun, just like you mentioned. Creativity definitely helps there! It improves your quality AND enjoyment, and that just brings results :)
Yeah I’m almost done writing pure inspirational/productivity posts and am about to diverge into blogging / internet marketing specific series. Before I do though, I do want to cover the topic of Experimenting & Adaptation. That’s really the last part to add on to the idea of creativity, which has sort of been a recent theme for me lol.
Glad you enjoyed the post Dave, and thanks for the awesome comment!
Chris
First of all, all content in my blog is about tips for ESL students, I’m not the owner of tips there, anyways, you can help me out promoting my blog for friends, about your blog, I have no words to describe how helpful it is, you can always count with me. Carlos from Brazil.
Darren,
I agree with the majority of your post. I differ on the always being “positive” issue simply because when people seem TOO positive TOO much of the time they might end up getting a visit from the DEA. Seriously, I think, sometimes we can take a moment to be less than “Happy ! Happy ! Joy ! Joy !”
For instance, I did a recent editorial on American Health Care complete with a bullet photo. Kind of hard to be positive about American Health Care.
On the other hand though I took my trusty camera to the river and shot some photos of people having fun.
I run the gamut on my blog: politics, religion, local history, editorials and some times I’ll even post short stories. I push my creativity to the max. I write an article almost everyday, but, I wordsmith it until it has the luster that I want, so I may not post everyday.
Being a retired military newspaperman, I go more with a newspaper approach as in I try to find different topics to interest readers at my Sam I Am Blog http://samwarren55.wordpress.com/
Thanks,
Sam