Recently, a friend asked whether she should continue her fashion blog. She’s been posting for a while now, and has had the same small group faithful readers since her blog’s inception. Because her readership hasn’t grown, she wonders whether to keep going.
I know a thing or two about hitting the “should I go on” spot with my blog—heck not just with my blog, but other life stuff too. It was only about a year ago this month, I found myself at the same crossroads.
Asking the Important Questions
An important question comes to mind: Is my friend happy creating content? I don’t know whether she really loves to write, whether she loves clothing, putting outfits together, organizing photo shoots—only she knows her heart and her resources. This is the question I started with when I was at my own crossroad.
Life has a way of sparking our interest in all sorts of things. My favorite test, when I get one of my “bright ideas” or am at a crossroad is to “just start walking” doors start to open and close, and if you pay attention, you see that life has a way of unfolding, of drawing you along, and bringing you to the places you are supposed to be. There’s an important “doing/not doing” element that is full of answers and possibilities.
As an ice skater, I hit the “should I go on” spot just a couple of years ago. I had purchased new skates, but one was defective. Not being able to trust the boot scared me to death, and in spite of several attempts to adjust it, I was stuck—I could not return it. I wallowed in fear, beat my self up over having spent so much time and money only to have hit a dead end. Instead of improving with the new boots, I had actually regressed and I was considering quitting. For some reason, I kept turning up at the rink, where I met Roger- who is not only my photographer, my boyfriend but also my ice dance partner. (On our first Christmas together he bought me a new pair of skates-and I’m loving skating even more than before.)
What About the Value of Perserverance?
Growing up, I was taught to stick with what ever I started; that hard work and perseverance would pay off in the end. There was no consideration for things I wasn’t good at, I was made to stick it out, to endure. Because of that, I’d hold on to failed projects, destructive relationships and going nowhere jobs, giving the breath of life as the undertaker lowered them into the ground. Clearly, there’s a fine art to knowing when to “hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em” like the song The Gambler, by Kenny Rogers so aptly states.
It wasn’t too long ago that I was involved in several situations that had reached their end, but I had kept trying to hold on. An image of beating a dead horse kept coming to my mind every time I thought about the situations. Ultimately, I pulled myself away, even though I was conflicted with my habit of persevering at all costs.
When All Else Fails, Listen
When I considered pulling the plug on my blog last year, I did a little analysis, starting with my gut. I love to write, I felt deeply that I had something to share, something to bring forth, and that my blog was that place I felt called to express myself. I had lunch with my friend Laura Woodard, who I knew would tell me the truth kindly, if she thought the blog should be retired. Laura has spent her career in marketing, represents the demographic I hoped to serve and is bright and insightful. She urged me to give the blog six more months—and in those six months, a lot happened.
Make Adjustments and Keep Moving Forward
I looked at the content I was creating, read through the comments left by my readers, took note of what was working and what didn’t and made adjustments. I spend time learning from other bloggers I admire and incorporate what I’m learning. Its a lot, and I love it. Its not for everyone though, and ultimately my friend the blogger will work out whether blogging is right for her.
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I’ve had a few of those moments, especially when blogging takes up a lot of time and my husband gets annoyed with me. But then I guess it’s all about striking the right balance – never an easy thing to do. When I feel like that I go back to why I started the blog in the first place and how far I’ve come since then, as well as all the skills I’ve learned.
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
I know what you mean about trying to achieve a balance! I spend a lot of time writing and creating, and know I need to also spend more time with Roger. Luckily we work together so I try to make it fun…and you are right about rolling back to the beginning, why you started the blog, and all that you’ve learned in the process. Thank you for your thoughts, and for stopping by!
Yes .. .my hubby gets annoyed too. We need a support group for blogger husbands! 😉
I can so relate, Nina!! I do think as long as we are doing it because we love it, it does make it easier to continue.
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
ps…your second photo is sideways 😉
I love blogging more and more!
I’ve had a few of those moments and heck I’m still a newbie. It’s seems when I do have those thoughts something good happens that makes me see I should go on and preserve (that’s my word for the year).
And you should keep going Janet! You have an important message!
Oh yes, I’m there quite often, but then, I live in two countries and am often either away from my children or my better half, and so keep writing and photographing for myself to remember and for all of us to be together. And that’s the more important thing. Write for oneself and for family rather than for a wider, unknown audience. Also, what I do doesn’t fit a mould so quite possibly the target audience is impossible to pin down…lol.
Wow, what an exciting life! I’d love to do more travel, sorry you are away from your family so much though. It is a labor of love, for sure!
Wow! This article is spot on for me! Such great pointers and encouragement! Thank you!
Thank you, and blessings as well!
Love your post! Thank you. I have been wanting to start a blog for a very long time now. I Just wasn’t ready. But, now that I am starting over at 57, I have taken the initiative to begin following my dream of writing. I’m going into this without any expectations. I’m doing this for me. I’ve always felt I had something to say but all the words were just thoughts in my head. Writing would make what I think real and the truth was I didn’t believe in myself enough or think I could write well enough or if… Read more »
Wow! We have so much in common! I left my marriage of twenty seven years three years ago. I worked from home so I could focus on raising my daughter who is in her first year of college. I moved just a short distance from the home we lived in for our entire marriage. Even though it is about thirty minutes away, the move was a huge change for me. I have loved my blog and meeting wonderful people like you. Many blessings as you make these changes in your life. I hope your blog brings you as much richness… Read more »
Thank you so much, Nina, for this post. I love writing a lot, but English is my second language and sometimes it is so hard for me to express myself in the right way. I’ve been thinking a lot that I should quit blogging because I can’t say too much. I have so many thoughts in my head, but it is so hard for me to create a right sentence.
But, at the same time, my blog is my chance to start writing in English about what I love doing the most – create outfits.
Tatiana
https://myfabforties.blogspot.com/
I follow you on Instagram, and your photos are magnificent! I love your style. You have to find a way to keep going. You are amazing.
Thanks for joining the Top of the World Style linkup party with your awesome outfit. Great points.Don’t forget, summer is always a low time.
It’s always a pleasure to stop by http://www.highlatitudestyle.com on Thursdays! I have been doing pretty well with numbers this year–last year was a different story!
Good advice here Nina, I think we all reach that point at some time in our blogging journey. I did a few months ago when I was faced with a pile of technical problems. I nearly walked away but then I decided to push through and I am so glad I did; I learnt a lot in the process and gained a lot more confidence once I had better resources behind me.
Thoughtful post! I have decided I blog for myself because I enjoy writing and kind of keeping a online (somewhat public) journal of my life. With only 5-10 readers, it isn’t like the whole world knows my deepest, darkest secrets. Ha!
Your top caught my attention. I have one similar that I just love. You wear it beautifully.
Thank you Leslie! I have the blouse in white and when I saw the floral, i got it too.
My husband is my main photographer too!
I love working with Roger–it helps to have someone who knows the business a little as well as taking really great photos.
Great advice, Nina! Thanks for posting.
Thanks for stopping by John, we don’t get many men here–glad my post helped.
I’ve considered quitting blogging a few times, and it was hard because my family and friends haven’t really understood the draw to it until I started making money. And even then, their support is wavering because the income fluctuates so much. That’s why I need posts like this, because when I don’t see my blog growing, my loved ones are like “yeah, stop wasting your time on that blogging thing.” Thanks so much for the motivation!
It’s my pleasure, Nicole. Hang in there–the money thing is a challenge, I wish I had advice for that!
As a new blogger this is great advice. It seems overwhelming. I work a full time job and blog. Time really is a decider of all things. Great advice.
Thank you for stopping by, I am glad it helped. It sounds like you have a full plate! Best of luck in all your endeavors.
[…] of Sharing a Journey linked her post When Your Blog Doesn’t Grow. Not only does she provide some wonderfully inspirational tips for bloggers, but her suggestions […]
Nina, such a wonderful inspirational post! And as you already know, this post is a featured favorite on my blog today! I hope lots of others read it and are as inspired as I am. Thanks for linking it up!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
I cant begin to tell you how wonderful it felt to stop by your blog and see you liked my post enough to share it with your readers. Getting a little ?! Thank you so much for all your comments-I feel blessed to be friends through our blogs. Hugs, Nina