My mind was triggered. My heart hurt. My own father had just told me, "I've had too much Gabe lately." He was referring to my daily blog posts and how I share so much on social media. "I want to miss you."
At the time, I was both defensive and curious. Defensive because I felt unsupported by the man who's approval I still seek at times. Curious because maybe he's on to something.
For a time, I continued to share my daily blog on social media despite his comments. Once on Instagram and once on Facebook, every day. The analytics showed that although not every blog was a hit, at least 1 person clicked on it (and hopefully read) each blog I posted that day.
But...even I began to feel that the blog could lose its perceived value if others were feeling the same way my dad was - UNAPPRECIATIVE (jk hahaha).
To be fair, there does seem to exist a human trait that wants distance, separation, time to miss what we once had. For example, TV shows only air once a week. Furthermore, there's a lengthy break between the season finale and the season premiere.
It's that build up of not having it for so long that makes having it again so rewarding. Almost crack-like.
So, although I write a blog every day still (minus a couple days here or there), I only share the "really good ones" on social media.
By "really good ones" I mean ones that have the highest perceived value in my opinion. For example, the blogs I write after going on crazy 22 mile hikes or training with Elite24.
Milestone blogs, so to speak.
And, so far, I think it's working!
I recently had a friend of mine say she'd been eagerly awaiting the blog I just posted. The one about hiking Mt. Whitney (the highest peak in California and the contiguous U.S.).
I'd need to ask her to get the full context of what she meant, but the way I took it is that (a) she is a fan of the blog, and (b) there is an anticipation for the blog to come out for her, at least for certain topics.
The one thing I value is consistency. As I reflect on it, that's a big part in why I chose to share on social media every day. However, now, I don't need to share the blog every day in order to meet the need of being consistent. I can feel consistency just by writing a blog without sharing.
And, as I've been doing, sharing what I now call "Milestone Blogs" every week or so seems to be the recipe for generating the most audience retention.
Plus, people KNOW the blog is updated daily. They can access it on their own if they REALLY want to.
That way, the ones that make it to the social media-sphere are only the "top quality" blogs and will attract more 1st time viewers! DOOOOPPPEEE, I just realized this now.
So yeah. Creating the experience of "newness" is why I only share Milestone Blogs once a week, and not every day.
THANKS DAD.
Jerk. lmao. Just kidding. I love that man with all my heart.
Anyways. Thanks for reading fam!
Much love,
Gabe Santos
