A Year Of Blogging: 5 Challenges and Fixes

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Last year, on this very day, I published my first post on Mahevash Muses. At the time, I wondered why I was putting myself through this again. Surely I had learned my lesson the last time I tried to blog, only to give up a few months later?

Today, I am happy to declare that this was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. Never before have I felt so comfortable expressing myself, or been so self-aware.

It hasn’t been all popsicles and candy canes though. There were quite a few challenges that made me want to stop blogging. Here are the top 5 challenges I faced and how I dealt with them:

Challenge #1: Neuroticism
Why am I doing this? Isn’t this a colossal waste of time? Ooh, I just got a new subscriber…I am good at this! I can do it for life! This is hard. Is it even worth it? Maybe I should stop.

My Fix – Ignore that evil little voice (or voices) inside your head. Creatives are known neurotics, and the human mind is a dangerous labyrinth as it is. Once you’ve decided to do something, stick to it for a reasonable period of time. Don’t let the back and forth of your mind get to you.

Challenge #2: Bad Writing Days
Everybody has bad writing days, and I was (and am) no exception. The worst part is, they sneak up when I least expect them to. Case in point: I had one while writing this post. Yep. On a day of celebration. It doesn’t get more messed up than that, does it?

My Fix – Even if what you write feels subpar, keep writing.  And if you can’t write anything on said day, don’t beat yourself up. You can always start tomorrow.

Challenge #3: Writer’s Block
Whether or not you agree, writer’s block is real. Just like a bad writing day, it can show up without warning.

My Fix – Turn away from what you’re writing and write something simple, like a note on how your day has been so far. If that doesn’t get the creative juices flowing, step away from the screen for a while and try again.

Challenge #4: Loneliness
Blogging can get lonely. The lack of comments can seriously get you down. Ditto for the stats.

My Fix – Reach out to fellow bloggers the instant loneliness kicks in. Visit their blogs, comment on their posts. Most of them will respond in kind; some will even become your friends. Believe me, there are a lot of awesome people in the blogosphere.
Also, do yourself a favor and stop fixating on stats. Staring at them is not going to get them to change.

Challenge #5: Expectations
Nearly every blogger wants to get famous. It is natural to think,”Just about anything goes viral, so why can’t my post on __?” But that kind of thinking only leads to disappointment and frustration and ruins the fun of blogging.

My Fix – Know that you may never get rich and famous, and be okay with it. Value self-expression above fame and money. Be prepared to be the rule, not the exception.

Blogging is tough, time-consuming and scary.  However, it not only lets you find yourself, it enables you to connect with like-minded people around the world. And for me, that is reason enough to keep at it.

How has your blogging journey been so far? What challenges did you face, and how did you deal with them? Let me know…I’m all ears :)

Source: https://pixabay.com/en/home-office-workstation-office-336378/

20 thoughts on “A Year Of Blogging: 5 Challenges and Fixes”

  1. Totally agree with you. I’ve been through all this. But once people start appreciating your blogging efforts, it really feels great.

  2. I like all your fixes! I have many of the same problems you have. Just stay true to yourself, live mindful in all you do, love all, and don’t forget to live in the moment. Happy blogging~Annette

    1. Thank you. It’s unbelievable how good I feel when I find out that I am not the only one getting such crazy thoughts :) Great advice and same to you!

  3. Glad you got your own domain. It’s a great feeling to have a site of our own. Looking forward to read more of yours in the way forward. Good luck with your blogging journey again. :-)

    1. Thanks. Yes it is!
      Looking forward to reading more about your travel experiences. Good luck to you as well :)

  4. Congrats on making it a year!! That is reason to celebrate!
    Great outlook on your fixes to the problems. I think everyone has them. I know I do!
    And I love that your blog name alliterates!!
    Thank you also for the follow!

  5. We’re very alike, you know, as I went through all those stages exactly how you described them, too. And I’m still here! (Don’t ask me how many blogs I had before this one, just don’t). I’m glad to see you didn’t give up, either :)

    “Nearly every blogger wants to get famous.” – I don’t. With fame comes expectations and stress. Imagine having to write because you HAVE to, not because you want to… that would take the fun out of it for me…

    1. Color me surprised! Helps to know I’m not the only “crazy” one!

      Oh I won’t give up on this one! I hope you stick with your current blog…it is awesome! Even if you do want a new one, please keep a backup, okay?

      Point noted. How about semi-famous? :P

  6. We all go through such complications and challenges in life.
    The point comes in mind,
    ” pure gold is obtained from heat ”

    Nevertheless I’ve never seen anyone describe it with such minute details;
    Words used are brilliant and relevant;
    Congrats on your way so far, and hope to get more in future…

  7. Happy blog birthday. Great advice. Sometimes when I get comments I’m all: I know you didn’t just say that to me. Nah uh. But then I take it as constructive criticism. Then I go eat chocolate. Everyone wins. ;)

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