“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” ~ Lou Holtz
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Hello.
Guess who’s back, back, back,
Back again, again, again
Lydia’s back, back, back
Tell a friend, friend, friend
No seriously, tell a friend because your girl Lydia is back and feeling better than ever!
You probably don’t know but I am so proud of myself to still be doing this. One thing I’ve struggled with is perseverance when things aren’t going the way I’d hoped they would. It’s said that most people who start blogs quit within the first 3 months and yet nearly 11 months later I’m still here, struggling but I’m still here.
Every girl needs a Stella got her groove back moment and boy did I need it.
I’ve had a few of those since starting my blog. I’m trying out something new to me, completely on my own with no guarantee it will work. No one said it would be easy no matter how many “How To Start A Successful Blog” posts you read (and trust me I’ve been reading).
During my Stella moment, I tried to see if I could find a step by step strategy on how to organise your life to reach your goals. From blogging goals to life goals, I Googled my butt off. Though I found some useful tips, there was no fool proof plan available. Unless I’ve just been looking in the wrong places…? I’d like to think I haven’t and that these Stella moments I keep having are all part of the process.
I don’t believe that anyone can stay motivated all the time especially when you are doing something for yourself. At least not in the real world. The lack of desired results can demotivate even the most ambitious individual so it’s important to take the steps needed to help you remain motivated and avoid falling into the pit of self-doubt.
Though I can’t grantee I won’t have any more Stella moments, I will endeavour to make this blog work for me.
Here are some of the steps I’m taking to stay motivated:
Have clear goals in mind
Knowing what you want is the first step to getting what you want. For my blog, I want to find my voice. To be in a place where I feel as though my content is a true reflection of me. For my blog to grow as I grow. As for my life, I want to enjoy it and make use of every opportunity I’ve got to make a positive difference in both my life and those around me.
Surround myself with positive inspiration
Have things around you such as people, books, blogs, songs, food, images and anything that encourages you towards your goals. Focus on the things that are geared towards your goal and use them as reinforcements for your current situation rather than comparing yourself to them.
Write and read my goals often
‘Write the vision down making it plain so that he that reads it may run with it’ – Habakkuk 2:2.
It’s important to write down goals so that they become tangible reminders of why you started and where you want to go.
Have a support system
When I started this blog no one around me knew about it until a month ago. I was afraid of what they would think but as I received the support from strangers on the blogosphere I realises how important it is to have people around you who support you. Family, friends, colleague and like-minded people that are willing to encourage you on this journey can be great motivators. K was the first person I told about my blog and his reaction and support gave me the confidence to tell other people.
Just doing it!
All the support you receive will be worth nothing if you don’t make a move and take the step now. Use the excitement generated by your goals, your inspiration and your support system to make something happen. A step forward is better than no step at all. All you need is one step at a time.
I’m not saying I’ve got it all figured out (not even close) but I am working on it.
This was just a PSA to my 60 or so readers that I’m back and on a quest to do better. With patience, persistence and time I’ll get the hang of it.
As I share my progress, I hope it encourages you to keep going and stay motivated.
Your Turn…
What are some of the things you find difficult when it comes to blogging? How do you stay motivated?
Please leave your thoughts, comments and questions down below!
Love,
Lydia x