Every new blogger feels it. Or thinks it. At least once, but probably more like dozens of times. Or everyday.
Am I good enough? Is it worth it? Everyone else seems to have it all figured out. They know ALL the things!
Well, having blogged for almost a decade now (four of those here), I can tell you…we all think that. And even though I may not be as seasoned as a lot of the bloggers I rub elbows with, and that I look up to, I would bet $100 that those thoughts still run through their minds more often than they should.
Ultimately, as long as you’re blogging (or writing, or doing whatever it is you love) because you want to and because you’re passionate about it, and you’re willing to continuously learn (and make mistakes), that’s all that matters.
I realize this is easier said than done. It’s hard to remove self-doubt as a new blogger. The grass is always greener, right?
Self-doubt is a slippery slope. It keeps you content, and from moving forward. Or it keeps your moving backward.
When I filled out my Promise Form for The Green Couch Project, it read: I won’t allow CONTENTMENT to stop me from TRYING NEW THINGS. I have this simple sign hanging at my desk at work. I look at it daily. It pertains to my day job, and also to my freelance work. Contentment feels good…for a limited amount of time. Being gutsy, taking a leap even if you don’t make it, that’s how you move forward.
I shared the first preview for The Green Couch Project last month, and the next video was just released this week. In it, I “spill my gutsy” about self-doubt in the early days of (a)Musing Foodie.
I also talk about…. Well, you’ll have to watch to find out. Ha!
Self doubt and trickle in a little self pity, and you’ve described how I felt about “it all” for the better part of my journey online, but I’m grateful to be at a place where I’ve conquered the doubt, and lack of confidence, and everything I imagined is taking place before my very eyes! It’s okay to feel down and uncertain on some days, but this is the way of the entrepreneur so, it’s best to focus on shifting those emotions into action, especially when it seems like you’ll never make it. I understand how taxing life is because contrary to popular belief, online entrepreneurs are people too, but if its going to happen, you have to impose your will onto it!
So true, Dion! It’s hard to be brave and try new things, or to be different – but generally that’s when the good stuff happens. 🙂
You are awesome, Liza. #thatisall
Thank you, Kristin. 🙂 Likewise!
Love this!!! 🙂
🙂
I just love this! It is amazing what we can do when we allow ourselves to stretch beyond our comfort zones. It is a daily process for me. Thanks for sharing!
I have to work at it too – it doesn’t come naturally, that’s for sure! 🙂
We all struggle with self-doubt and worry. Kudos to you for taking a stand against it!
Thanks, Joelyn!
Thanks for the pep talk! You are absolutely right about how bloggers feel and I suspect that even uber successful ones have these moments, too. I’ve been on this journey for 19 months now and fight the self-doubt monster all the time. Thanks for telling us all that we are not alone!
There are power in numbers! Or, misery loves company! LOL! Regardless, it helps to know you’re not alone. 🙂
I used to self doubt my blogging all the time. And then I remembered why I loved it to begin with and I did not care about anyone or anything 🙂 I just wrote and blogged because that was what I loved to do.
Wow, this is exactly what I needed to read today. I have just started trying to write about food, and I love it – mostly because I love food – but i am struggling with descriptive words and today found it to be super hard to keep up with.
Thanks for this – oh and the brussels recipe… My fav!
Oh, I’m so glad! Speaking of descriptive words (it’s so hard to write about food, truly), have you picked up Dianne Jacob’s book “Will Write for Food?” It helped me SO much when I was first getting started. 🙂 I wrote about it here: “Reading: Will Write for Food”
What a great suggestion! thanks!
Thanks for your recommendation… I have been perusing.
Excellent!