“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde
Is your blog the best in the world?
Often when we want to blog, we can struggle with what we see in the blogging universe. These blogs are doing better than our blog. Why is that? This blog has more followers on Twitter, has better and longer comments, has more views, has more Likes…
Just calm down.
Why should you be upset that a blog has more of something than your blog has? Is it really that bad that they are, technically, “better” than your blog?
ProBlogger has more of a lot of things than my blog does, but that doesn’t frighten me and make me want to hide away. No, I carry on blogging, leaving comments on other blogs, and writing guest posts for sites such as ProBlogger.
A lot of the time, I see bloggers get frustrated with themselves because they’ve just encountered a blog that they think is superior to their own. One such blog post from Blogging Bookshelf illustrates this envy. Some bloggers realize that another blog might have something that their blog doesn’t—in this case a better About Me page—and then they become frustrated or overwhelmed at the task that has suddenly appeared before them.
“How can I get my ‘x’ to look as good as their ‘x’?” they ask themselves.
The simple answer is, you don’t.
Just let go
Do you really want to go through your blogging career, come to the end, and then have everyone remember yours as the blog that often tried to emulate other blogs? Do you really want to be known as someone who studied other blogs, tried out their best features and improved their own blog to match theirs, only to find that nothing really worked?
I’m sure you don’t want this, no-one does. Sure, you can study others and what you perceive them to do well, but that’s something entirely different from getting annoyed with yourself and seeking to emulate them.
For example, Steve Jobs and Apple studied from Bill Gates and Microsoft. This is good. But did Apple then get annoyed with themselves for not being as good as Microsoft, and then start doing what Microsoft did? No, they studied from the best, then did their own thing anyway.
Another example, Martin Luther King Jr. studied Mahatma Gandhi and his quest to achieve peace. Again, this is good, but did MLK then become frustrated with himself because Gandhi did things better than him? No, King learned about Gandhi, and then did things his own way.
I could give you some more examples, but I’m hoping you’ll see my point. By all means, study what others did that you admire, learn what you can, but never sacrifice your own individuality and authenticity in an attempt to be like others. You travel in a downward spiral by doing this. Remember, studying and learning is a different concept than comparing and self-doubting.
The comparison trap
The real trap that will ensnare you every time you compare your blog to another blog is fear: fear that this blog will somehow overtake you and reach your goals faster than you. Or that they will become so big that none of their readers will want to go anywhere else to get their blogging fix—and that includes your blog.
The fear that our blogs will somehow “miss out” drives us to keep pushing harder and harder in order to get our deserved recognition, our dues. With the amount of work that we put in, we deserve to have 20,000 subscribers, we deserve to have at least 100 comments on each post, we deserve to have 25,000 followers on Twitter.
We feel that we deserve to have whatever success we can conceive, and that if it isn’t delivered to us, then life isn’t fair and why should we even bother? That’s the awful trap of comparing your blogs to other blogs.
But there is another way of thinking.
To blog for blogging’s sake
The whole idea of a blog (short for web-log) is that we chronicle our thoughts and musings down onto computer form, so that we can share this with the world. It started out as an online diary, but has now become a multiverse of niche websites, content marketing tips and funky YouTube clips.
Blogging has come a long way, but what’s important to realize is that now, there are so many different blogs out there, and so many different successful blogs, that it’s nearly impossible to emulate everyone in the blogging universe. There will always be someone successful who you can’t emulate.
With that in mind, why bother emulating at all? We’ve seen that practically any kind of blog can make it today, so why not your own blog? It’s meant to be creative, and written in your own voice, as it’s your own blog. So why not blog for blogging’s sake?
The idea of blogging for pure enjoyment has become a little lost over recent months. Bloggers need to make money now, they need to be successful. Did Leo Babauta of ZenHabits need to be a mega-blogger? No, he blogged because he loved to blog, and success happened anyway. Even if Leo only got 100 subscribers after two years, I don’t think that would have derailed him. So find something that you enjoy blogging about. Whatever it may be, I’m sure it’s got the potential to be successful anyway.
This means that you need to have some creativity. Creativity is tied in with originality and innovation. You create something that’s not only good, but original and unique, and that can help others. Sound tough? It doesn’t have to be. Helping others is something that comes naturally to us all, no matter how much we hate the world. And you’re being creative every minute of the day, especially if you blog regularly. Publish a post twice a week? That’s being creative twice a week. And originality and innovation? That comes with speaking your own voice. No other voice but your own.
Granted, if you’re struggling to get your blog going and you’re constantly looking to others’ blogs for inspiration, being creative and innovative may seem a little alien to you right now. But at least try. Everyone has got inspiration and genius within them, they just need to dig in and find it. Going back to Leo, he didn’t believe that many people would find his work interesting at first. He just wrote what he felt like writing, and the rest followed. Go back to his first posts, and you’ll see what I mean.
If you’re really struggling to be creative after reading those first entries, then check out this post from Darren, where he discusses nine attitudes of highly creative people.
Your blog is you
Whatever you write about, realize that your blog is your “avatar” in a way. It’s how you’re going to be recognized by the online community, it’s how you’re going to be marked and labelled. Darren has been labelled as a blogging guru. Leo Babauta has been labelled as a Zen guru. It happens to us all, because it helps others to remember you more easily by. Don’t reject it, but don’t pay much attention to it either. Just do your own thing and keep doing it.
This will ensure that you are recognized for being you, and for being no-one else in this world. If you’re known as the blogger who copies from others, then that will be your label, and no-one wants to buy a cheap imitation copy. Just be yourself, every day, every hour, every minute.
How do you bring yourself to every aspect of your blogging? I’d love to hear your stories!
Stuart Mills is an experienced writer who wants to help you improve at life. He thinks you’re awesome. You can often find him at Unlock The Door, where he writes constantly to make it a better day for everyone, and you can subscribe to his content here.
New bloggers always compare themselves to master bloggers, but they don’t pay attention to the time they’ve been blogging. They just see how much money they make every month and want themselves to make it in the first month.
Once they feel they couldn’t make it same as master bloggers they give up and this is the trap!
It’s certainly a bad trap to be caught in, shackled by your own desires to be great. Almost like a Catch 22 situation ;-)
Actually there are some post about make thousands in a day or in a month by some famous webloggers.Certainly new blogger ran for this rat race and they want all success in just minute.They never think success is not a thing that could be achieved in just seconds.So most of them fall into this trap.
Exactly, blogging success comes over time. No such thing as ‘overnight success’ ;-)
Hi there.
Great post about being yourself. I notice that a lot of bloggers do compare themselves to others in terms of how successful and widespread their blog is. The problem with that is we end up either putting others down or putting ourselves down.
We are all individuals and thank goodness for that. I remember some of my teachers in school saying to my parents “I wish I had a class full of David’s”… something about my good behaviour and efforts… how dull and boring would that be if each person in the class was exactly the same… said the same things over and over, did the same things, thought the same things… creativity would silently die a miserable death….
Be yourself, be different and be the best that you can be.
I’m sure 30 odd David’s wouldn’t be too bad ;-)
Seriously, I hear you loud and clear. Creativity and originality is much better than trying to be a copy of someone successful. Success never strikes in the same place twice ;-)
Good post!
I don’t worry about this either. As long as – certain! – people like my blog, I am happy. I don’t have to convince everybody (I’d rather not lol) and I know there will always be other blogs that do awesome things that I didn’t think about. And that’s a great thing, because they will inspire me to be my best :)
Good point Maaike, as long as they inspire you to be better, then we can all inspire others in turn :-)
This is so true, and a great reminder and encouragement. It is so much better to be ourselves!
For me to stay myself I have to fight, as my real thoughts are not what the majority of people like or appreciate. Because my blog is on Christian topics I have to remind myself constantly that I am aiming to please God, not other people (although I would like to help them!) and this helps me not to compare myself to others.
Interesting Rhonda, I guess we have to define why we blog in the first place, and what our intentions are. Having a Christian blog means that you don’t ‘need’ big subscriber and traffic numbers, as long as you help others then that’s cool :-)
A very valid point you make. After blogging for almost 4 years I have only in recent months considered myself a blogger, I never started the blog to become a mega blogger (and probably never will be) but by being consistent and ‘authentic’ (i hate that word) i have built up a readership that hopefully will be interested in what i have to say for years to come. My blog has evolved since my first post, just as i have, and i like that my posts document not only my life at the time, but the change and development in my blogging/writing style and technical knowledge.
(time travel concepts here)
If my past blogging self could have seen my blog now, she would have been blown away and probably totally envious too, but put in the time & efforts and it will happen.
No one becomes an overnight success, it takes work and dedication, love blogging and what you blog about. If that feels a bit too hard, maybe blogging isn’t for you, and their is nothing wrong with that.
x cinti
I agree Cinti, if only our newbie blogging selves could see us now, they’d die of shock!
Great comment, thanks :-)
It’s not just new bloggers that compare themselves. I’ve been blogging about travel for 4+ years and I still find myself falling into a competitive mindset instead of focusing on how to achieve my own goals.
Excellent advice Stuart!
My advice is for everyone Dave, even me from time to time ;-)
I just started blogging one month ago. I decided not to look at my Stats anymore because it’s oh so distracting!!
I like your idea of blogging for YOURSELF. It is my online journal and I enjoy writing it. If others enjoy reading it, well, that’s a perk.
A pretty big perk at that, but a perk none the less! Blog for the most important person, you ;-)
Thanks for the great post and permission to ‘let go.’ I think we all are raised to be the best, get the best grades, go to the beat school, land the best job. So of course, naturally, rule the web in our niche. But the world has changed, and we don’t need to be so cut throat in our online community. I’ve found people are surprisingly helpful!
Great reminder, I need to try not get so carried away with the ‘what do they have that I don’t?’ mentality as I can from time to time.
I think we all need to calm down occasionally and look at what we already have Amanda. What we see might surprise us ;-)
Stuart,
Thanks for posting this. Exactly what was needed :-) I’ve been stifled by the perfectionistic side which is just killing it in a bad way. I took a look at your site and must admit the inspiration is for real.
Great advise and obviously you’re living it. I’m going to make this required reading for people I introduce to the blogging world!
Thanks Tim, glad you liked what you saw at Unlock The Door! Keep on truckin :-)
I really like the Apple–Microsoft and MLK–Ghandi comparisons, great way to put how it’s best to learn from, but avoid mimicking, our influences/heroes. Personally, this I can compare to my physical sport (Blogging has just recently become my mental one) of Powerlifting. In powerlifting, you do compete with other lifters sometimes, but the main goal is always to beat yourself, (prior performance/weight lifted) while being yourself. That’s what drives most powerlifters I know: bettering their own performance more than copying and bettering anyone else’s. Even when they do compete in meets, the atmosphere is always supportive more than competitive. I view blogging the same way, and I think this post does as well.
Great point Mark, glad you picked up on my references. If you remain in an influental atmosphere, then you will continue to be influenced :-)
I am reasonably comfortable with my thought that I have a good original theme on which I have written original posts. But at times I get a feeling that my posts are drying out and I can’t think of adding more posts with the same theme. I can’t stop because apart from ideas, writing is dear to me. Hence I try to find out how other bloggers manage to carry on. I can’t hide the fact that I get overwhelmed when reading many blogs.
I am a part time blogger though but with very few followers. I keep wondering why all those visit my blog [as seen from stats] don’t turn my followers.
It was good reading this post to follow the advice. Thanks
A pleasure to help you out, and I hope that your blog starts to fulfill your ambitions.
I’m the same as you, writing is very dear to me, and I love what I write about. But I sometimes struggle to find inspiration, so I look to others for inspiration. But I only plan on being inspired, not on imitating. Big difference :-)
Nice post, as someone who is about to (finally) start a blog that has been cooking (and cooling) for a while this is great advice.
It’s a great reminder to me to keep going for the blog I’d love to write, in my own authentic voice – make that my focus and see what I create. Way more fun than constantly comparing and researching, I know I could go into that fear space very easily.
So, I’m off to delve into my imagination to uncover what I’d love to share and get started today. Thanks Stuart.
No problem Thea, glad I could help you out! Keep diving into your imagination, who knows what wonders lie within :-)
My blog is an extension of me and since I don’t compare myself with others I don’t compare my blog either. I would rather spend my time writing and promoting my blog than do that.
Good point Justin, you’ve got some alignment going on with your blog and yourself, it’s great to see! :-)
I knew I’d found my purpose when I’d found my blogging topic. It’s my soul and the thing that keeps me going. It is hard not to compare, but you put it perfectly, Stuart, when you said, “Your blog is you.” If I won the lottery tomorrow, I’d keep blogging. Thanks for a great post!
That’s a great attitude to have Elle, doing what you love to do even when you no longer have to. Thanks for sharing! :-)
Excellent post and a refreshing change form the make $800 in your first month or 5 fastest ways to become an A lister type posts.
These are the same conclusions that I came to and things are really working out well and I have a blog that I love working on – because it isn’t work, it’s a record of stuff I do for fun. The added benefit of this approach is that it removes the need to have the blog as the moneymaking edge of your web presence. The blog has spun off other web projects, mainly suggested by others, that do that. Best of all worlds.
The marketplace is changing and their is a lot of old recycled advice being circulated about exactly how to make the web work for you. There is no one size fits all and we are entering a passion market as opposed to a niche filling one.
I’m not a fan of the ‘make money fast’ blogs either, especially when it’s obvious that they’re copying from someone more successful than them.
Better to follow your passion and be true to you. Thanks Steve :-)
This is just what I needed to read. I just started a blog a month ago, and find myself constantly comparing it to everyone else’s. The last week I even started self-censoring…not posting certain things because I don’t want to offend people and scare them away.
Hey Arlee, thanks for sharing.
There’s a difference between offending for the sake of offending, and offending because you truly believe in your message. I’ve had dilemmas where I’ve hesitated before writing something, so I ask myself, “Am I really helping anyone with this message?” If the answer’s yes, then I continue. If not, then I abandon it :-)
I recently launched a new one which I’m calling The Pragmatic Marketer, because I think people need good information about basic marketing. They’re overwhelmed with new apps, plugins, functionality, etc. It’s hard to find basic usability information. Facebook has the worst Help menu known to man–no wonder they’re confused. I am too.
I love my blog because I love to write. I don’t worry about editorial calendars or mining my friends for information. I always have something about which to write. I encourage my clients to write for the pure joy of having their very own forum for expressing themselves. This should be fun!
http://thepragmaticmarketer.wordpress.com/2011/05/07/googles-new-also-include-field-what-were-they-thinking/
Thanks Janet, great point about your blog being a forum. You start the discussions, based on your choice of topic ;-)
I agree with the sentiment of the post, and a lot of it is very good advice, but I think the main problem most bloggers have is that they’re not necessarily trying to adopt other blogger’s styles, but the methods they use to generate revenue.
No one monetization model is suitable for every and any blog — this is something I’ve come to learn after making a LOT of mistakes.
Hey John, thanks for sharing.
Generating money is not entirely dissimilar from blogging with passion. It’s entirely possible to do so, as exhibited by Darren Rowse et al. The trick is to balance :-)
Some words of wisdom, yet we can use others as a model to ASPIRE to their great heights and be inspired by the good example they show us with their awesome blog.
Very true Jim, we can always aspire to reach the heights that others have reached, but not the exact same spot. There’s always room at the top :-)
I can’t help but write in my blog, even though it’s not read much. It’s what’s on my heart. Maybe I could gain a bigger audience with different subject matter, but there’s really nothing else grabbing me right now. I suppose that some day I’ll be successful in this in the eyes of the world. Or, maybe not.
Whether you’re successful in the eyes of the world or not Jeff, always remain true to you :-)
It’s definitely hard when you are first starting out not to compare yourself to other bloggers, but this is great advice. Your blog is about sharing YOUR thoughts and experiences with the world. We often put too much pressure on ourselves to immediately become the best in our category. Focusing on the things that matter to your blog, and not the things that matter to other blogs, will get you much further.
However, there is a lot you can learn from successful bloggers, and it’s certainly OK to put into practice some of the things you see working for others.
Hi Tony, I agree. You can be inspired by bloggers who do things well, and you can learn from them.
As long as it’s your own effort, and not a straight copy from someone else, then it’s cool :-)
I find it comes in waves…where I think too much about the comparison vs just keeping-on-keeping-on with what I do. I certainly try more for the keeping-on attitude but the comparison does creep in. I like to think it keeps me motivated.
You can use ‘competition’ as motivation Gillian, nothing wrong with that. A lot of inspiration comes from viewing what others do :-)
This is a great post. I am my blog, since my blog is personal. It wouldn’t sound like me or be about me if I wrote like someone else. It’s as you say, write for yourself. The people who do follow me, they follow because they like what I have to say and that’s great. But most importantly, I like what I have to say.
Definitely Kalley, as long as you believe in what you’re producing, then anyone else is just a bonus ;-)
HAHAHAHA… “Your blog is you” !!!
If Darren has been labelled as a blogging guru, Leo Babauta a Zen guru then I must be the GURU OF CRAP!!!
Lol! That’s the hippest kind of guru around! ;-)
Great Article, Stuart.
Wishing to emulate someone else’ s achievements is one thing. If you set your goals high, yet, fall short, you still will have accomplished far more than having set your goals(Aspirations) very low.
There is a saying that goes something like ” It is not that we aim too high in life and fail, it is that we set our aim in life too low, and succeed”
As you mention in your article, what the individual is doing the Blogging for, their primary motivation for putting in such Herculean efforts.
Everybody is Different. For some people they want to Blog as a way to Express themselves.
Others it’s about Creativity and quality content with the hope of sharing this with other like minded people.
For others, it’s purely Monetary Motivational factors.
Still others, would be considered somewhere in the Middle(Wishing to express themselves(Being creative) writing quality content, though, pragmatically realizing they do deserve some financial rewards for their hard work)
Though, I will agree that, if a person is out there trying to achieve the same success as the Big Kahunas of Blogging World, and all they are getting in return(For all their money, time and effort) is an environment filled with constant anxiety, yet, little or no financial or personal satisfaction, they would need to take stock of their priorities.
My Philosophy is that, in Life and this applies to Blogging , You need to Have Balance.
If you are constantly at your Keyboard(Pad) churning out endless reams of articles(Posts) Plus those constant edits and polishes. Yet, at the end of the day, you are not enjoying it, it means your blogging has become nothing more than a chore(And possibly one that is quite burdensome).
Balance is the key.
Wow Daniel, that was quite a comment! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Balance is the one thing that you must maintain all throughout. If a ship loses its balance, it capsizes. If a tightrope walker loses his/her balance, they fall. Without balance, we aren’t fulfilled in life.
Better to balance all aspects of your life, and leave nothing behind. Too much of a good thing can be just that, too much ;-)
well said. the best bet is to just do it.
Definitely, just like the Nike slogan ;-)
With my site I don’t compare it to anyone else’s, from reading it you’d start to fell like you know me (even though I never give any insight into my personal life). It’s my vision, my words, my randomness, and something that’s been buzzing around in my head since adolescence.
And even though I write about video games and entertainment topics, I put my name under the tag line. So it says “Geek Revolt, Entertainment Gets Geeky, by DeShaun Zollicoffer”. I did that so visitors would know that my site is apart of me, and I’m no clone.
Good idea DeShaun, people will recognise your name and link it with video games. Thanks for sharing :-)
I always found that I made a better blog if I just focused on making it the best blog I could and not worry about what other blogs do or don’t do. Looking to other blogs for inspiration is one thing, but trying to “outdo” another blog will end up being a fruitless task.
Focus on providing your readers with what they came to your site to get and your blog will become the greatest in your niche.
Thanks for sharing Levi, focus on being a better you, and a better blog. Your own niche only contains one person, you ;-)
I personally encountered this thing!. Thanks for pointing this out. Now, I will just focus on my blog regardless of competition in blogging.I like what I’ve written here and I love doing it. One important aspects that all bloggers must put in their mind. “Write for readers not for money.”
I like that quote Janzell! Thanks for sharing :-)
In the blogosphere, it is easy to find hundreds of thousands of blogs in the same niche. To stand out, you need to be unique. Imitating others will only make your blog a ‘me too’.
I agree, no-one wants a ‘me too’ blog. It’s not really a blog then ;-)
Its so hard to differientate yourself, there are so many blog avenue and other distractions
Just keep trying Ann, speak only your own voice :-)
Agreed :-)
Now I can sense good emotions behind this article. enjoyed your writing style and clarity of explanation of the topic. great job!
Hey Bojan!
Thanks for reading and commenting, makes me a happy guy ;-)
Stu – you’re the man! Great job with this Guest Post. I’m just as honored to see your guest post here as I’m sure you are.
Excellent post too – because this is a subject matter that really doesn’t affect a lot of people, especially newer bloggers.
Personally, I got into blogging for no other reason than to share my story. My blog is my voice to share the lessons I’ve learned with the hopes that they are of benefit to others. If I were basing what I do on what others are doing then I might as well save my self a bunch of time because that’s not purpose-driven.
Very nice post Stu!
Jk! My man, thanks for following me over to the big house ;-)
Your blog is your voice, your vehicle, and I can see that every time you write. You tell it from the heart and soul, based on your experiences, and what you’ve learned from those experiences.
That makes you an awesome blogger :-)
Way to go Stu. You nailed it. If blogging was an Olympic event like high diving, I would you give you a 10.
Riley
Yay! I like 10s, thanks Riley :-)
Very nice post, Stu. The other side of the problem is that when you feel like your blog isn’t “perfect”, and you can’t make it “perfect”, you end up not taking any action at all – perfection paralysis!
I do my best to “show up” in my blogging, and bring my A game, but you can’t be at your best all the time, it’s a contradiction in terms; if you were at your best all the time, it wouldn’t be your best, it would just be your average.
So I accept that some things just won’t play so well, and that’s that. Doesn’t stop me from trying my best, and especially doesn’t stop me from SHOWING UP – that’s the most important thing. :)
Hey Danny, thanks for coming over fellow ProGuest! ;-)
I think of firemen, they don’t have the solutions when they head out to a burning house, they just ensure they get there, and figure it out then. We should be more like firemen more often ;-)
Thought provoking. As a human being we always try to emulate success and we forget that it’s only our original thoughts which can influence our readers. Being unique-&-original pays in the long run :)
It sure does pay off Basant, no-one remembers a clone ;-)
Hey stu, job well done – I really like that, study from the best, then do you own thing, That keeping it real, I enjoy blogging not because what the other guy is doing, but what am doing, other guys are only teachers or friends, I love being a student, mastering my own art form.
Like you said never sacrifice your own individuality and authenticity in an attempt to be like others, their’s little value in that. others are only a guides. each blogger must make their own way to blogging Mount zion.
again like you side, the whole idea of a blog, is to do you. so be your best, do your best, chill out, have fun, be serious, be controversial, be loving or spiritual whatever just be you.
Stuart:
Thanks for contributing this post. I enjoyed reading it. I appreciate your ideas here. I really do.
“Comparisons are odious” and “No two snowflakes are exactly alike” are two sayings that came to mind. In a world of copycats, it is challenging to march to the beat of your own drummer, but it can be done.
However, the best writers know how important it is to read the works of other writers. One of the most important thing a writer can do is to read the works from history–the works of great writers from yore. That provides a solid foundation for any wriiting career.
Having said that, it is equally important to find your own voice. A writer, after having done his homework, has to hone and sharpen his skills. Self-expression means that your develop your own, unique style. The public will pay you for your eccentricities. People are tired of reading “old wine in new bottle.”
That’s why P.G. Wodehouse remains popular to this day. Nobody has quite captured the imagination of readers like this man. He may have passed away ages ago, but he is remembered for his ability to make you laugh. He had a teasing, inimitable style that could not be easily copied. Scores of humorists and comedians have learned from him, but could not match his originality. Have a good one. Cheers.
Thanks Archan, that was a wonderful comment.
I’ve heard of P.G. Wodehouse before but not read his work, I must rectify that! You nailed what my post was trying to say really well, so thank you :-)
Hey Stu – I love your attitude and your outlook man. We’re definitely are liked-minded in many things.
Congratulations on this guest post – in my humble opinion; you knocked it out of the part!
Being yourself is truly the only value you have to offer. It’s the one unique thing that no other individual can bring to the table. If you’re willing to share “you” with the world, blogging can be an incredible journey :)
Cheers to you Stu!
Hey Mark, great to see you here!
Glad you think I hit a home-run, it’s a pleasure to write content that works so well. I enjoyed writing this, as well as my guest post for you, and I’m pleased with the responses.
Thanks my friend :-)
Stu,
Fantastic and in-depth guest post over here, my friend.
You’re right, the more time and energy we spend in envy of others and trying to emulate them the less we’re developing our own unique style. We all have a unique skill set and story to share; we’re all innately a one-of-a-kind enterprise.
While I think it’s important to learn from industry leaders it’s equally important to blaze your own trail. There are enough “me too” companies and marketers out there so people are eager to hear/read fresh ideas or at least see a fresh spin on an old topic.
Soon after learning something new I try to think my way through the concept and let my originality come through. If I’m going to publish content I do so quickly before saturating my mind with reading the thoughts and creativity of others.
Great lessons here, Stu. See you around…
Jon
Thanks Jon, appreciate your comment!
It’s funny, I’m learning so much from the many different comments here, it’s untrue. I guess it’s about taking what you learn from others and molding it into your own voice ;-)
I think early on a lot of bloggers are afraid to be themselves, an ironic challenge in blogging. About 8 months ago I realized people wanted to hear my voice, not my version of someone’s elses blog. Once I became more comfortable with me I started attracting more readers.
That’s great Ayngelina, you’ve been given permission to use your own voice by others, so can you possibly refuse? ;-)
Hello, how are you?
Surely for those who are starting, the comparison with blogging success is inevitable.
Often just losing too much time trying paracer with them, thinking that this too will meet with success, big mistake.
Perhaps the most time-consuming process of blogging is finding its own identity, and not focus on the success and money only. Who does it for love at some point win.
Bravo Stu,
very well crafted post i must confess. Your approach was convincing. Thanks.
I know everyone wants to be someone, but what a lot fail to understand that the best someone they could ever be is their own self.
No matter how much you try to imitate, a first is always a first. So why not be your own first? Rather than copying the work of some others.
Good one bro, keep being the real you and do what you represent.
Hey Tito, thanks for the kind words!
Why not be your own first? Couldn’t agree more. As Warren Buffett said, there will never be a better you, than you :-)
We all want to be different, which makes us all the same.
I think comparing yourself with your competition or observing the competition is beneficial for personal development. Of course you should not let your personality be influenced by others or get intimidated by people around you.
Interesting point there, we are all after the same goal, which links us together in our differences. Interesting…
Hi Stuart,
Great post my friend! We should never compare ourselves with others. No matter what we do, we will find someone who is more successful than us in blogging or in anything else in the world. We can and should learn from others, but at the end, do things in our own way. Thanks Stuart :)
Hey Dia!
Thanks for adding value, as always. You’re right, we should learn from others, but always walk our own path :-)
Such a wonderful post..and more exciting is the fact that you are answering to each and every comment! Glad to come here after a long while following a tweet. Was an avid Problogger when I started blogging 1 year back for support and learning the nitty gritty of blogging ;) Need to do that again for more insight about what not to do to be a successful blogger. Beautful article, Stuart.
Hello Stuart
Great advice.
You need to be aware of other Blogs in your own niche and their success can (and should) drive you on but at the end of the day you HAVE to be yourself. Set out to copy others and your efforts are essentially pointless.
Plough your own path, do things YOUR way……
I think there are always individuals who compare themselves too much with other and try to emulate what others do instead of showing their own unique self. We already have enough great bloggers of various niches. Why not create your own great blogger?
Hi Stuart,
Great post! I agree that we shouldn’t spend our time comparing ourselves and our blogs to other bloggers. Your blog is representation of you and your take on a certain topic. Whether my blog has all the bells and whistles of some other blogs is just way too much stress for me to put on myself. I do the best I can and then focus on what’s really important. I concentrate on writing the best posts about developing your intuition and using the information to live more successfully. I’m an original – I don’t want to copy others and I don’t expect anyone to mirror what I do either. Thanks for writing about this important topic.