Today, my blog turns 6 months old! Time has moved really quickly and I am happy to reach this milestone (even if it is a small one). On average most people give up on their blogs at about 3 months. Writing and posting has not always been easy but the tips below have helped me keep going. If you’re struggling to keep going with an idea, opportunity, or even your purpose, I hope these tips will help you stay the course.
1. Think about your “why”
Your why. Your reason. Your mission. Since I was a little girl I have always enjoyed expressing myself through writing. I’ve spent some time thinking about the topics that we as young adults would like to talk about but we sometimes don’t have the space to do so. Hence, the idea of the blog came along. In the age of YouTube and podcasts, the idea to start a blog can be risky. I’ve heard advice from others about going into video blogs (vlogs), instead of writing. While I don’t rule the idea out for the future, I want to stay true to the passion of writing that I believe God has given me. I’ve found myself at times discouraged to write because most people do not like to read, especially faith-based writing. However, each time I want to quit, I remember my “why.” I think about reaching even one person and having them leave the blog with a renewed faith in God or a better understanding of how to handle life’s many milestones or changes. When you feel like giving up, ALWAYS go back to your “why.”
2. Find your tribe
A favorite quote of mine says “Find your tribe, love them hard.” If you’re reading this blog you are a part of my tribe, thank you! Having a great support system is important to keep you going with anything you pursue in life. I understand the pain of not having those closest to you be supportive or exactly get what you’re doing when you pursue your passion. Lack of support from those around you will make you want to quit. However, I believe God has a way of sending others your way who will encourage your spirit to keep going. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve grown weary in writing and someone has randomly messaged me about writing another blog. I truly give God thanks for that. God often has a way of connecting you with people who have similar interests as well. I am thankful for my tribe. I pray that as you pursue your God-given dream, that He will send a supportive tribe your way.
3. Know Whose and who you are
Having the support of others is a blessing. However, another tip to keep going is to know who God is and know who you are. God is the creator of the heavens and earth. The entire universe. We serve a creative God and we are made in His image. In Jesus, we are complete and we lack nothing. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. Unique and beloved. Often, when we pursue opportunities we forget who and whose we are. In forgetting who we are, we might be tempted to “keep going” by being someone else. Never do this because God does not get the glory when you try to walk in someone else’s shoes. I know fashion and beauty blogs are really popular but as popular as they are, that’s not me.
There have also been many moments when I second guess putting a blog up. Thought like “who are you to write about marriage when you haven’t been married that long?” Or “what do you know about being intentional?”, and the list goes on. Maybe the thoughts you hear are “who are you to go back to school?”, “Who are you to try that new thing, no one else is doing it?”, or “who are you to have hopes for the future?”These thoughts are a form of imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is doubt in your God-given capabilities. Imposter syndrome will make you feel like a fraud. Imposter syndrome is a lie. When these lies whisper in your ear, to prevent you from continuing on, replace these lies with who God is and who He says you are.
4. Remember things take time
Things take time. It is easy to say, but it is hard to wait. Sometimes when things don’t happen all at once for us, we give up. I have so many ideas for the blog, including blog topics and ways to be more interactive, but I know that everything doesn’t happen right away. I have to be patient and I have to pace myself. Hold onto your dreams and hold onto your faith, but always remember that faith without works is dead. We all have to put in the work. I believe that once you have decided to put in the work, you grow to value the process more. The process helps us to say, “I’ve come too far. I can’t give up now.” In the last 6 months, I think about the hundreds of words I’ve written (which don’t always get read) and all of the emails I have sent (which don’t always get opened), but it will all be worth it. I have to be patient. I have to keep going and I hope you keep going too!
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