5 Lessons I learned From Blogging

I have learned different lessons since I started blogging. I turned 45 last month. And as I reflect back on the things that happened to me and through me, I realized that I was not growing alone. The blog was growing with me. I learned a lot from writing, researching, and reading other blogs. My husband always says if you are not growing you are dying. And he is right. But in order to grow, you have to learn. You have to have an open mind and welcome change. Anything new is a challenge, but it’s okay to accept it.

5 Lessons I learned From Blogging

#1 Lesson I learned from blogging: Being able to see what others see in me

I spent years playing small because I didn’t think that I had IT in me. I didn’t think that I had it in me to write a blog. I didn’t think I had it in me to turn the blog into a business. But when brands approach me, the first thing they say is, “I love your blog. It has character.” It still surprises me every time I hear it, but it’s true. The blog does have character. It took me a minute to understand that. I was told that I am a pretty damn good writer, too. But that’s debatable. My point is, pay attention to the things you get compliments on and try to use these things to your advantage. Accept the fact that you have skills and use them. That’s a very important lesson I learned while blogging.

Lesson #2: To not quit when things get hard

I am sure you have learned this saying before, “quitters don’t win.” As long as you are in the game, you have a chance to win. My husband reminded me the other day that I once thought about selling the blog. In my defense I said but I didn’t. The truth is, you will have moments like that. You will have moments when you just want to throw in the towel. But don’t. Taking a break doesn’t mean quitting. It means recharging. It means fueling your engine so you can get back on the road.

Lesson#3: Learning as I go and teaching others

The first time a brand approached me with a $500 campaign, I was not quick to accept it. I hesitated because of fear. The fear that I was not good enough. What if I mess it up? Then the What-if-I-fall and what-if-you-fly quote came to mind. Gotta love Erin Hanson, right? I accepted the campaign not knowing how I was going to deliver. But, I spent my time learning how to write a blog post about a beer company, without making sound like I was selling something. And by accepting to write the blog post, I was also able to teach others. Guess what else? $500 collaborations don’t scare me anymore. Now I am waiting for the $1000-campaigns! Lesson learned.

Lesson #4: Accepting challenges and setbacks

I think the best lesson that I have learned is accepting challenges and welcoming setbacks. Everything will not always go as planned, and it’s okay. I challenge myself every single year. I set goals. Even if I don’t reach the goals by the set dates, I still set them. After I migrated this blog from BlogSpot to WordPress, I took a long break because was so discouraged. The traffic to the blog dropped. I had to go back and update my old blog posts. I also had to learn about SEO and how to use affiliate links to monetize my blog. Making good money with Google ads requires good traffic, and I was not getting that. But because of that setback, I was able to learn new things.

Lesson #5: Facing my fear and moving forward

With each day comes a different situation, or a set of problems. But the only way to know if the water is hot or cold is by testing. When it comes to blogging, my biggest fear is rejection. I take it pretty hard when a brand rejects my first draft. One time I submitted a draft and the brand rejected it because the blouse had wrinkles on it. I had to rearrange a whole new photoshoot. But that did not stop me from accepting campaigns. I collaborated with more brands, got paid, and moved on. Do the things that scare you the most! Don’t run away because you are afraid. Growth happens when you decide to do the things you are most afraid of.

What is a life lesson that you will never forget?