It’s time for another installment in my Bloggers Who Inspire series. I have truly loved creating this series for you because it has allowed me to get to know some of my favorite bloggers a little bit better. This month I’m featuring the legal badass Jackie of Jade & Oak. Through her blog, Jackie seeks to equip her readers with the technical know-how of protecting their blog. I won’t say much more, so Jackie can do the talking. Enjoy 🙂
Name: Jackie
Blog URL: http://www.jadeoak.com
Being a fellow part-time blogger, it can be hard sometimes to remain motivated to crank out content. Do you get this way too sometimes? If so, how do you motivate yourself to create new posts?
I definitely have felt blogger burn out! I used to post 5 days a week and it was just not sustainable for me. First off, I told myself that it was okay to cut back on my posting schedule so that I could concentrate on quality over quantity. Then, so that I can use my time wisely, I keep a running list (I use Evernote) of blog post ideas. When I have the time to write, I then don’t waste time wondering what to write about. I can sit down and get going instead of wasting time. Giving myself that allowance to post less has been a huge weight off of my shoulders.
In addition to being a blogger, you are also a licensed attorney. What inspired you to help bloggers understand the legal aspects behind blogs?
I always kept my “day job” and blogging separate, but then I realized I have knowledge to share with other bloggers. I like being able to make the legal side more accessible and understandable for bloggers. I especially like helping this group out because I know bloggers who are just starting out don’t have the resources to go out and consult with an attorney on their own. {Check out one of Jackie’s most helpful posts here}
(More on the blog: Bloggers Who Inspire: Savannah)
How do you avoid feeling overwhelmed?
I have deadlines for certain things, but if something isn’t urgent, I don’t pressure myself that I “have” to do something. I used to try to do EVERYTHING, but now I know that will just make me crazy. I remind myself the world won’t end if I don’t respond to that email right away or get up a blog post every week.
What does work-life balance mean for you? How would you recommend others to find their own work-life balance?
I tend to love to always be working on some sort of project, so I am working on stepping away from my computer more. I try to do blog tasks, like responding to comments/emails or scheduling social media, when I have breaks during the day. I take public transport, so I get lots done on the train. This frees up my evenings after work, so I can have dinner and hang out with my husband and dogs. I also make time to watch my fave shows and read before bed every night to wind down. It’s hard to put down my phone, but I know I’ll be better at everything if I make sure I get enough sleep!
(More on the blog: Bloggers Who Inspire: Kallie)
Do you have a motto/mantra you try to live your life by? If so, how do you embody it in your day-to-day life?
Just get it done. I can tend to be a perfectionist about things, but then I know I’ll get nothing done if I wait for it to be perfect. It’s better to get things off my list and have them done well than to never finish anything if I’m waiting for it to be perfect.