Let this be a guide to refining the best of you.
My journey through Blogging 101 has been quite rewarding – I’ve connected with a diverse blogging community and learned so much in the interim. One thing that I’d discovered was that successful people always write and speak in simple terms, and stick to the key components of any development process, which I’ve jotted down for you below:
#2: Don’t Be Pretentious
It’s really annoying. But more importantly, it does more harm than good for what you’re trying to accomplish. My favourite bloggers are the ones who write truthfully, and simply, for example, Alice, author of Are you Better Yet? writes about her life as a 23-year-old woman suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder. Her stories are heartfelt because she is just so brutally honest. And then there’s Janet Sunderland, who simply recalls moments of her life in the most exquisite way – you’ll imagine that you’d shared those moments with her, that’s how great her writing is.
Everyone won’t find you appealing but at the end of the day, your goal should be to surrounded yourself with like-minded people.
#3: Start small
Whether you have big dreams or small goals, it only ever becomes reality once you do something about it. One of my colleagues runs for exercise on a weekly basis, and she says that the hardest part of running is getting your shoes on. Once that’s out of the way, you’re hyped up and ready for action. And I could absolutely relate. Small changes make a big difference.
#4: Be consistent
And be patient. I’m the type of person who’ll get home after a workout and stand in front of the mirror to spot bodily changes. I know that the results won’t show immediately but before I hop into the shower, I’ll turn another 360° in the mirror, just to be sure. Try your best not to do that with your goals. You’ll notice the results of your small changes in a big way, if you are consistent and patient.
#5: Learn from the experts
How deep is that line by Elizabeth (Lauren Graham) in The Answer Man (d/ John Hindman, 2009) when she says to Arlen Faber: “I only have three rules: don’t take advice from someone you wouldn’t trade places with, try not to do something you can’t take back, and something is what it is and it’s not something else.” Can I get an amen?! There is something to learn from everyone but you should ensure that you’re collecting tips from the right people. Look to the ones with (successful) experience in your field for guidance.
Can you think of any more rules of development to add to the list? Post a comment in the section below or email me directly to robyn@bewhole.co.za. I’d love to hear from you!
Janet Sunderland
I was delighted and honored to see my name in your post. Thank you. What a lovely tribute!
I’m so pleased you did the Blogging U course. There’s more to come, of course, (more Blogging U I mean) but doing this one made a huge difference. I like what you’ve done on your site. Kudos, Lady.
Robyn
Thanks Janet! A response like this means so much coming from you. I am still doing testing with themes and design but what I have now will have to do in the meanwhile.
Thank you for taking the time to read my posts. Your input is greatly appreciated. I going to be taking the next Blogging U course as well. I actually can’t even wait. 101 has been so much fun.
Janet Sunderland
I thought the courses were pretty cool myself. I did three and then I went back to working on the memoir that seems to go on and on. Well, actually, it does go on and on.
And then last week, a laptop I’d been keeping my eye on went on a great!!! sale, so I got it, but then I spent all last week reloading everything. Getting a new computer is fun and all but mercy! The work involved in getting it set up.