A Heart to Heart…
This is one of those posts that has been sat in my drafts folder, about to get deleted… Over the past few months my Bloglovin’ following has increased quicker than ever before, I know people don’t like to speak numbers, but seeing so many people read and comment on my posts has been so motivating and increased my determination to make my blog the absolute best it can be. Up until recently I feel like a couple of things have been holding me back, making me feel like I’m just not worthy of everyone that visits my blog.
I feel overwhelmed by the support I’ve received from so many lovely bloggers, bloggers that are not only genuinely nice people but talented content creators. However, at the back of my mind I’m always thinking ‘do they just like me, and not my blog’. I think it all boils down to comparison, in the past I’ve compared my writing style to others and the quality of my posts, not in a competitive way but in an envious, ‘I wish I could write like that’ kinda way. Up until now I have always been critical of myself, I would need someone to constantly sing me praise otherwise I would feel like I’m not doing it right!
Thankfully I’m starting to grow out of it, and because of this I feel like everything is improving. I’m starting to love the writing side of blogging just as much as the photography, and I’m becoming more confident in my ability. I feel like I’m really finding my own style, and I’m happy to hit publish on posts and ideas without worrying whether it’s good or not!
There would be times that I would publish a post just for the sake of it, and that really isn’t what blogging is about. Going forward I never want to hit publish on a post I don’t feel is useful, unique or adding something of value to an already amazing community.
38 Comments
I totally get what you're saying, it's so easy to compare yourself to others! But we need to remember that we are all different, and write differently too, and that's what makes us all special!! xAriadna || RAWR BOWS
It really is isn't it! Exactly, I think because I was looking at everyone else as better than me I was undermining what I was writing. Thank you for commenting xx
Its so hard to not compare yourself to other bloggers. But I like you and your blog 🙂 I'm looking forward to seeing your blog grow, because you totally deserve it xxLPage Beauty
Thank you Leanne, so lovely of you! I'm definitely feeling much more confident with it now xx
I truly love you and your blog Jodie – comparison is a killer and I know how guilty I am of it!Lucy | Forever September
Aw Lucy that's so lovely of you! Thank you for always commenting and continuing to support me. I think the more I post the more confident I'll become! x
Comparison is inevitable but we just have to learn to not care and do our own thing 🙂 I'm currently still on this journey of not comparing myself to others and hopefully I get a stage where I feel comfortable too. Lovely, honest post :)Fatima x http://www.fatima-writes.blogspot.co.uk
Couldn't agree more lovely! Really wanted to share an honest post, I feel like you never really know how someone feels behind the flatlays and makeup talk and it's important to remember things aren't always perfect! x
I loved this post! I can totally relate, I get these feelings often. Your blog is great :)http://www.myclusterofthoughts.com/
Thank you Katherine, glad that you can relate to this! x
I'm completely with you on it not being all about the numbers but sometimes seeing goals being met is motivating! And I love how honest of a post this was 🙂 I think sometimes I struggle with comparing myself to other bloggers, especially when I see others who started around the same time as me be much more successful, or ones who started after me gaining quick popularity. As much as it isn't something I want to think about, I'm human and sometimes I just can't help it. In some ways I feel the same about wanting validation in my posts through comments/likes/followers and question if my content / photography was lacking and maybe that was a reason why others may not have liked something. But I think sometimes when I take the time to take a break and get my head clear I find that my content ends up being better and just a bit more "free." I think finding your voice / blogging style / and overall confidence is key and I think a lot of others can really see when a blogger is being more authentic versus just trying to be like others. Sorry for the rambling haha but overall I want to say that I love having you as part of my beauty community and I love both you and your blog! Just keep doing you because you are doing great 🙂 Cindy | http://www.cindyhyue.com
Thank you for commenting, I love a good ramble so ramble away! You've explained it so well, I've been blogging for years so it was just something that was in the back of my mind that I couldn't shift. I think when there is so much inspiration around and people doing there thing so well it's hard to focus on finding a style, but finally I feel like I'm getting there, and like you said taking time out and reflecting on everything definitely help.Really glad you know where I'm coming from with this post! Thank you for always commenting and enjoying my posts, I truly appreciate it xx
It's so awesome that your follower count has exploded. Just keep it up, you're doing a great job!
Thank you Ela, I'm really enjoying creating content! x
I'm so glad to hear this! I love reading your blog, it's one of my favourites for sure!Lynnsay xwww.sartorialscot.com
Thank you Lynnsay! Really appreciate all the comments and support x
Comparison is definitely the thief of all joy! I think its difficult for someone to like the blogger if they havent met but so easy to like the blog. But your blog is a reflection of you so we do like you!Abigail Alice 💕
Oo such a good saying and I couldn't agree more, it definitely applies with blogging! Ahh, I speak to quite a few bloggers over messenger and met a couple in real life too, but I agree! x
I totally understand where you're coming from and feel a lot of the same things you do too! I admire you for sharing! XKate// itskaterose.com
Thank you Kate! Glad that you can relate to this, just know that you're not the only one! I hope you get there with loving your content and being proud! x
I feel the same way sometimes when it comes to my little blog, and my few readers, but I like to think of myself as a nano influencer. 🙂 But, comparison is the thief of joy. It will always look as if someone does/has something better, but just remember there are plenty of people out there that wish they could be just like you! http://prettifulblog.com/
Aw such a lovely comment, thank you! I'm just glad that I'm finally starting to feel better about it all x
I'm so excited that your blog is growing so fast Jodie, you deserve every single follower (and a ton more) as not only are you a lovely person but your blog is honestly amazing! You should be really proud! I definitely know that feeling you are thinking of though and it's hard to fight but it sounds like you're getting to a good place.Really excited to see all of your future beautiful content!!The Makeup Directory
Thank you so much Sally! Means so much coming from you. Yes, I'm definitely getting there, with so many other people I felt like I was just a little insignificant! I'm looking forward to seeing what 2017 has instore for everyone xx
I totally see where you're coming from, I'm always critical of my blog posts and sometimes question why anyone reads/looks! Your blog/writing/photography is beautiful and you should be so proud of how fast your growing! xoLove, Catherine
It's a strange, hard to explain feeling but I'm glad you know what I mean! Thank you so much for your support Catherine, means a lot! xx
I think being self-critical is part of what makes your blog so good, sometimes doubt can be a good thing. I truly think your blog is more than deserving of all the traffic and appreciation it is getting and I am excited to see the future unfold. I love your posts and your writing style and I can relate to how you feel about certain things. Thanks for sharing and congratulations on those numbers girl! XxxxALittleKiran | Bloglovin
Aw such a lovely comment, I can't thank you enough for reading and being interested in my content – it means the world! I suppose with self critique comes growth, I'm really hoping to put a positive spin on it all! x
Just keep going girl! Everyone has ups and downs, and it's okey to feel like that! Being confident and loving what you do is definitely the key to everything!Great post, thanks for sharing! N, xoxo. | https://nljuljduraj.blogspot.com
Thank you so much! Very true, I guess with the down moments it's remembering to learn from them! x
Jodie you honestly deserve all the love in the world, your blog is one of my favourites!Parie xClass and Glitter
I've only recently discovered your blog and I think it's amazing! Your photography is beautiful and your writing style is perfect! It's only natural for many of us to compare ourselves to others, I do that all the time too, but instead of getting bitter I try to get inspired by others 🙂 xMummy's Beauty Corner
I've had all of the same feelings as you Jodie and it sucks doesn't it! Mine was brought on by not having the traffic or followers I'd hoped to have but recently I've realized as long as I'm consistent and I'm putting out posts I'd read myself then the rest will fall into place. Your blog deserves all the followers, recognition and more as you can tell you put so much work into and I'm glad you're feeling so positive about everything now xAlways, Alice
Since I started blogging I have had to stop myself from comparing to others. We all have our own style and I just think if I make one person happy with what I write, then I am ok with that!Danielle xxhttp://www.fashionbeautyblog.co.uk/
Its inevitable not comparing yourself to others. I used to do it quite a lot and it made me close down my first blog. But fortunately I came to the conclusion that of course I'm not as good as other bloggers, but they also weren't that good when they started. If your not persistent then you will never be able to improve. You have a great following in Bloglovin because your blog is amazing.Vanessa x | http://www.springlilies.com
Yes, you're talking truth! As long as you're honest with yourself and do your best – nothing else matters! Enjoy every minute of it. Thanks for sharing!!Patricia // Patricia Stelmach
Yes, girl! I am loving your blog as per usual and I can't wait to see you progress as the months go by!Lee | http://www.thatbellemakeup.co.uk
Congrats on all of the progress you've made on your blog! We all compare ourselves to others- I do it more than I'd like to admit. But it's good to remember that you have to start somewhere, and that there's always room for bettering yourself. I really loved reading this post, thank you for sharing the ups and downs of your experience!My Lovelier Days