How to avoid Disaster on Substack
By not staying idle for too long.
After we map out our lives we soon discover life takes us on unexpected detours. Eventually we find ourselves stuck at a crossroad questioning which way to go. If we sit too long at the intersection of anticipation and doubt it steals our sense for adventure.
It’s best to keep my foot on the gas pedal and plow through my uncertainties, but here I am stalled out on Substack.
My detour from Substack.
When life happens it is my Substack that seems to suffer. The last couple weeks I used the convenient excuse of a family death to avoid sharing to my Substack. Instead of writing a Substack post I wrote two blog posts. Both dealing with death:
Celebrating life that’s lived one day at a time is about changing how we view death and I used my father’s death as an example. Unbeknownst to me later that same week we would lose my father-in-law. My own words brought me healing by weeks end.
It takes two nobody should have to do life alone shares the need for companionship, balance and support from relationships. I reflect on my father-in-law and his marriages. It is a tribute to him.
The problem I have with Substack is that I feel invisible. When I share a post to my Facebook I am seen and my feelings are validated. I built a solid foundation of followers, the majority of friends who known me personally for years. I am not finding Substack to be an authentic place to share.
This is a personal problem and it’s hindering my growth. I find myself not interested in following other people’s (who I do not know personally) Substack journeys. I am not forming relationships. And it’s not you but me.
Ending one chapter before I start the next.
Our life’s story doesn’t usually follow the outline we plan. The three plot structure is a continuous, repeated cycle throughout our journey. Our stories are never-ending but for me ending one chapter is necessary before I start the next.
I am a woman always up for a new adventure and I love to meet people along the way. My intentions are not to allow my frustrations to derail my plans but rather plot a new trip. While maintaining the same mode of transportation I am choosing to take my Substack another direction.
Writing about my struggles and sharing to the world-wide web and social media is what works for my blogging. But Substack is a different platform and needs an unique approach. I am planning a trip that excites me and hope it inspires you.
Tying up my loose ends.
It’s been over a year since I started my Substack. I enjoy the creativity of writing and sharing my posts. The community is vibrant and I am amazed by the growth of watching other writers thrive. However, I am not seeing the growth that I hope for and realize that perhaps it’s because I am not doing something right.
Patience isn’t one of my strong points but when I allow it to steal my joy I know it’s time for change. I will be maintaining the same Substack with a different title and direction. The world is full of so many interesting people, many of which I look forward to meeting.
What is most important is that I enjoy the ride so as I prepare for a new launch in the next few weeks I ask for your patience.
Let’s travel together!
What I have discovered is that for many people like myself Substack can be a lonely place. In recovery I have discovered that people should not go through life alone. This new journey I hope to pick up many weary travelers along the way. It’s much more fun to do Substack with friends.
I’m back on track.
This morning I wrote this on the fly because I know that being idle on Substack is only going to hurt me. If you too are struggling being seen on Substack please reach out. I will be your traveling companion.
Here we go!