While we’re on the topic of New Year’s resolutions, I thought I would continue on with the pattern by suggesting one. Blogging. If you’ve had that thought in the back of your mind or have some slight interest in creating a blog, now is the time to do it. I am encouraging you to start one – WordPress, Blogspot, Tumblr, whatever platform you choose will work just fine. You have my full support!
Throughout the year, a couple of friends have approached me about my blog and inquiring whether or not they should start one themselves. The barrier that they typically run into is, “What if I run out of things to say?” Well, my response to that question is this – wait until you run out of things to say before you start doubting yourself. Sometimes you’ll start typing sentences before you even formulate them in your head and it works! You just need to give yourself a chance and have a little faith. I have faith in you that you will last longer than the average of 23 days. If it makes you feel more comfortable, have a trial period before telling anyone. Create your blog account and write for about two weeks. If after those two weeks, you realize it isn’t for you, then you can let it go. If after two weeks, you decide you want to continue, then feel free to share your blog with people so that they know that you are committed.
When writing a blog, it usually helps to have a central theme. Ask yourself who your audience is. Is this for your friends and family or are you trying to reach out to a wider audience beyond those close to you? Some of the most successful blogs that I have as my favorites are ones that are projects like 100 Interviews and Post Secret. Then there are some blogs that you follow because of your interests – fashion, food, weddings, home decor, architecture. I am convinced that there is a blog for everyone.
Why is now the time to have a blog? Starting off a blog – or any project for that matter on the first day of the new year helps keep you on track. If you incorporate it into your routine right off the bat, you are less likely to see it as a chore because there is some consistency. I was able to keep up with Yow Yow! for an entire year, which was as long as it was supposed to be for, but it has lasted nearly three years!
Lastly here are my tips:
- Blogging is a time commitment. It’s not as easy as it looks, but if you are willing to invest your time into it, your blog could become great.
- Find your voice. Don’t be afraid to hold back on some things, but know when to have your limits because your writing will always be out there once it is published.
- Have fun with it! The best blogs are the ones written by people who don’t take themselves too seriously.
I hope that helps! For more inspiration, check out this WordPress post I found today on blog projects dedicated to Project 365 – posting every day for an entire year. For me, I think the best part about having a blog is being able to have something to look back on. Sidenote: I’ve actually done the Project 365 in photographs before documenting my senior year of high school slash freshman year of college and it was probably one of the best projects I’ve ever done!
