5 LESSONS LEARNT FROM QUITTING THE BLOG
March 08, 2017
They say “experience
is the best teacher” and then they said “experience is the best teacher but the
wise learn from other people’s mistakes”. Well, we all know I quit blogging for
four years and I did learn quite lot during the time I was away till I returned.
Here are my top five lessons I’ve learnt from the experience. I hope you learn
from my lessons.
1.
People’s opinion matter, but only to
an extent: Don’t
let people talk down at you or what you do. “Fashion blogging?” “Yes, fashion
blogging”. “Do you earn from it?” “No, but I’m happy”. Or “Not yet, but pretty
soon” (Even if you have no idea on how you’d go about that). Try to always have
affirming answers to all their questions. Afterwards, you could go do your
homework (if actually you intend to earn from the blog). Talk to professionals
about whatever you are quite uncertain about. Thank God we now have forums and
platforms for bloggers to connect, learn and share their views. Bottom line is
if you’re happy with what you do, don’t let people’s opinion intimidate you.
2.
Do not rely on other people for
motivation: I came
across a saying some time ago. It says “other
people are not medicine” or drug, something like that though. And I tell
you this is absolutely true. To me that is. It’s a good thing to be motivated by others. Yeah..! But don’t rely on them to motivate you. Create
your own motivation. I know of someone who started a blog because I was
blogging. This person quit blogging because I did. Was this person relying on
me? I don’t know. I think I should find out. Or maybe the person wasn’t all
that passionate about it. Well, I hope “you” read this post and know I’m
talking about you. *wink* (Forgive me, I’m trying not to mention names or even
gender). Meanwhile, my motivation to blog was killed because someone refused to
help me shoot blog pictures. Now that’s because I relied on this “someone” for some
sort of motivation.
3.
When life gives you lemons, make
lemonade; my acne experience: If you read my post
on “why I quit blogging” you’ll remember I mentioned one of the reasons I quit
blogging was because I was battling with acne, incessant acne. Although that
phase of my life was a terrible experience and I shied away from cameras and
what not. I realized that I should have gathered just a little confidence and
shared my experience. As difficult as it may sound, it would have been better
to probably start a youtube vlog where I could share the whole acne experience. That is
from seeking advice and remedies, sharing advice I got from my dermatologist,
sharing simple skin regimen and sharing progress pictures (before and after) of
what was working and what wasn’t working for my skin. There are lots of people
out there who might have had terrible acne like I did, or who might still be
experiencing such kind of acne. So this would have gone a long way to impact
someone’s life. Rather than shying away from the world and hiding in my own
little corner of self-pity. So if you’re out there, going through one challenge
or the other (it doesn’t have to be acne, you don’t have to be a blogger in
fact) but rather than curling up in bed, try to make an impact through your
struggles. For there’s always a way.
4.
Be patient and put in the work: When it comes to blogging, one has
to be patient. But while you’re being patient, you still have to put in work. Create
a plan, create time, dedicate time so as to be consistent and promote the blog.
Don’t publish a post and fold your hands waiting for readers to magically
appear. In my case, after I publish my post, I’ll broadcast to only those on my
BBM contact and that was all for that post. I wonder if those on my BBM were
the only readers I wanted for my blog. I don’t think so. Well, what I’m saying
is audience will come in time, just be consistent.
5.
Be responsible, deal with the
pressure and never forget why you started blogging: Don’t let little pressure make you quit. Never
allow anything/anyone steal your joy. Take the blog seriously even if you don’t
earn from it. Assume you’re being paid and you’ll realize how well you’re
handling your blog. And the thought of quitting might just never even come to
mind.
I indeed hope my experience impacts someone out there.
xoxo
Maudleen
2 comments
I've learnt from your experience. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete-Bisola
Its good u re bck..
ReplyDeleteAnd back for gud