10 Lessons I’ve Learned Since Becoming A Blogger

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1. I can figure out how to do almost anything.
A few short months ago, I didn’t even know how to buy a domain. I didn’t know how to set up hosting a web site, let alone how to configure HTML. Now, I’ve found that almost any answer can be found on the internet or in a book. I’ve gained an incredible amount of self confidence since starting up this site. I’ve taught myself such an enormous amount of material in the past few months and discovered I can do anything. I can figure out anything if I am determined enough. All it takes is patience, and the the humility to be able to ask lots and lots of dumb questions to people that know more than me. And there are always people that know more than you.

2.People are genuinely kind and supportive.
It is incredible how many people are genuinely kind, and willing to help. Sure, there are a ton of people that are just looking to sell their products, but most people just want to connect. Most people just want to be validated, and feel like they aren’t the only one. After diving into social media a few months ago, I’ve found that there is an abundance of incredible people out there. This is one of the aspects for which I am most grateful… all of the incredible friendships I’ve created and strengthened from creating this blog.

3. List posts are most popular, and easier to read.
List post are some of the most popular type of articles. It makes sense- they are easily scanned, readable, and powerful. As this article says, lists are so useful, unless you don’t deliver what your title proclaims. I like reading good lists, as well as writing them. They are simple, to the point, and memorable.

4. People don’t read on the internet, they scan.
This fascinating article showed me the research behind discovering how people read in an “F” pattern on the internet. I certainly do. With all of the technology coming out in the past 10-15 years, most of us have attentions spans similar to a hyper active three year old.

5. Personal Development is one of my passions.
There is nothing that I love more than someone who is trying to do better. I don’t care if you aren’t currently successful, or have failed a million times. I don’t care how many mistakes you have made in your life. I admire people that continue to at least try to be better than the person that they were yesterday. Life is all about learning, and it is an endless journey. Since jumping in the personal development blogosphere, I’ve found that I love being amongst a group of people just simply trying to do better.

6. Comments are so wonderful to get, but the majority of people don’t comment.
It’s easy to think that the only people who read your writing are the ones that comment. Or judge yourself based on stats or the number of comments. Sure, it shows that people are reading what you say, and the kind words are beyond inspiring to read. But, it’s easy to forget that most of the people who read what you write are anonymous, and invisible.

7. There’s and endless amount of inspiration in the world. You just have to find it.
There is no reason to ever be bored again, or uninspired.

8. My mind is my biggest obstacle.

“Whether you think you can or can’t, either way you are right”

Quoted by Henry Ford (1863 – 1947)

Insecurity, self doubt, and fear are things that everyone battles in varying degrees and times. I’ve learned from finding the courage to write, and publish it in a public format that anything I believe I can do is possible. But, you first have to believe.

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9. It’s okay to not be perfect.
Persistence and consistency are more important than perfection. Despite my best efforts to make everything I write perfect, publishing anything is better than nothing. Each time I write something, something different is created than what was initially expected. By making progress, any progress, revelations and learning result. And it is usually when the initial actions are least perfect that the most is learned.

10. Writing is incredibly therapeutic, and the best way for me to learn a lesson.
Once I can get past my own mind, and the written words start to pour out of me, a calm comes. I believe that everyone has a deep, innate desire to connect and be understood my others. When I write, I figure things out. When I write, I express my thoughts and release then from bouncing around in my head. I’ve learned in the past few months that there is no better what to learn a lesson than to write about it.

Thank you to everyone who has read my writing here since I started Dreamin’ the Life. I appreciate the support, and inspiration that I’ve received from all of the people I have had the privilege to meet by creating this blog.