Where are We Now
Photo by Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.comI began to realize today that I may be going through a mid-life crisis. I just feel like I’m not where I wanted to be in life at this age. I just turned 39 last month and I’m feeling a bit under achieved. I’m not sure exactly what I expected to be doing at this point in my life, but it just doesn’t feel like I’m there.
I’m sure there are others going through the same thing, as I’m not alone in this. But do we all really know what we were expecting at this stage in life? I know for one I should be buying my own home, possibly married with children, but none of those things are happening. But are these things my true desires, or is this just a society built belief that that is the American Dream?
The American Dream
Of course it is normal for everyone to have a desire to own their own home and have a family. But there are other things in life that can make us happy as well. For one, I would love to have my own business. Well, let’s put it this way…. I would like to have a source of income that would be self sustaining, so I wouldn’t have to work for someone else. This doesn’t necessarily mean I would have to have a business front so to speak. But what would really thrill me, would be to have a source of income that was generated online. Something that would build, a project of sorts that I could profit from.
I think as bloggers, we all wish we could make money at it. Not necessarily a living, but even enough to pay for our hosting, or domains. Just something in return for the countless hours of work that goes into sustaining a website. But I personally get more return from how gratifying it is. I truly enjoy web design, blogging, researching information and facts, etc. etc. These are all things that interest me and I love sharing with others what I’ve learned.
A Little Blogging Inspiration
So where is this all leading? I try to remind myself each and every day that my future is not over yet. There is still time to make something great of myself. So I never give up, and keep thinking positively, although this post may not of started out quite so positive. But the more I type, the better I feel, maybe there’s something to that. Maybe blogging can be an outlet for personal emotion and stress. Of course we all know that blogging is simply what we want it to be. So how do you find success in it?
Firstly, I think it’s important to find a niche that you truly love. If you’re not speaking from the heart, then you’re just writing words. Personally if something I’m reading doesn’t sound like there’s a person behind it, then it lacks interest. I think a key point to a successful blog is to know there’s a personality standing behind the pages. That there is a real person there with real feelings and ideas.
So before you get involved in blogging, be sure you are entering into a niche that you could talk about for hours and days on ends. There’s nothing worse than a blog that gets abandoned because they’ve ran out of material or ideas. I read somewhere yesterday that the best way to discover if blogging is for you is to first try to write ten blog posts and see how hard it is. If after writing those ten post your mind is still churning with ideas, then keep on trucking.
It’s a well known fact in the blogosphere that content is king. As long as you are writing for your readers and you’re doing something you love, then all the success and fame will follow in the end. So if you truly love what you’re doing, then don’t give up, try to keep positive and write about things you are really interested in. If a blogger truly loves what they are writing about, it will show in the words.
The point is, there are many ways to make a profit online on your own terms. But finding the right one that is suited specifically for you is the hard part. There’s so many things I’d like to try, but I simply do not have the time. As I discussed in my Going to Work Everyday, Being Mentally Prepared post, it’s best to dedicate a little bit of your time each day toward your goals. But, all good things usually take time to build, and that’s where it gets frustrating.
How Time Flies
If you think about it, there are many things you can think back on and ponder just how long ago that was. So in reality, time really flies by in the blink of an eye. Even though it may seem like everything is going at a snails pace right now, in 20 years you’ll look back and think, “Gosh, I remember that like it was yesterday.” So there’s no harm in putting things into play and letting them ride the tide. Because the next time you look back you may be sitting in success.
The world has become such a fast place, everyone is in such a big hurry to get somewhere. The funny thing is, that half of them don’t really know where they’re rushing off to in such a hurry. I think the key is to set a specific goal and try your best not to get off track. That’s where research comes in to play. A well thought out plan will always work over a thrown together shenanigan.
Closing Thoughts
So I really don’t know what the point of all this is, but maybe I was just looking for a little reassurance or some self motivation. Either way, I appreciate everyone allowing me to vent and I hope there’s something in all this that you may apply to your own life. I wish everyone great success in your endeavors and hopefully we can all meet at the top of the American Dream Mountain! Please leave me some comments and let me know your take on all this.
For Some Excellent Blogging Tips and Inspiration Check Out Blogs News Reviews!
i decided to visit your blog on daily bases cause you are revealing secrets sir Thanks for these inforrtmation
You’re most welcome, one man’s secrets are another man’s keys to knowledge.
I am not really a pro-blogger and it’s hard for me to write content for a specific niche. So to keep me going to what I need to do, I usually go outside – probably taking some deep breath, go walk and take some rest. After that, there are some great ideas that’s coming to my mind.
Anyway, thanks for some great insights. I probably learned another new idea although this is my first time to visit your blog.
I believe that what ever it may take something different for each person to find their inspiration. That’s what is so great about it, there really is no right or wrong answer on how to find the inspiration or motivation to poor your heart out on the keyboard.
I like the idea of connecting with nature and clearing your thoughts like you suggested. I think most writer’s block is not from what we can’t think of, but caused from all the other things that are crowding our minds.
Very inspirational post about blogging. I feel like I learn something new everyday as a blogger. The most important thing is for me to stay consistent.
Yep consistency is definitely the key..Especially in your posting schedule, whether you’re posting once a week, 3 times or everyday, it’s best to keep consistent so people know what to expect.
So, From what I see if I just keep up the writing on my blog it will build over time, cool. I just got my Photography blog up and was reading around for tips. Found some great ones here.
Well Jason, I guess it depends on what you are trying to build. In your case, it seems as though you are blogging as a business, correct? To promote your photography business?
In that case, it is still important to keep revolving content fresh with new photos of the recent weddings you’ve done. That let’s people know you are working and helps to build a reputation.
Also commenting and promoting your blog via the social networks is a big factor, the wedding photography business is a big deal, and in San Antonio I’m sure there’s a lot of business to be had. I live in Texas myself and it’s a big state…lot’s of business here.
I wish you the best and you have some exceptional photos on your blog, what ever you do, don’t give up.
As everything in life goes, the minute you give up is when there was a miracle right around the corner!
Thanks for the inspiration Robert, I rarely give up!
Well written article. Where did you learn how to write this well?
lol, well thank you San Diego, I appreciate the compliment. I actually write the same way I hear it in my head, as if I were speaking to someone else. It seems to flow to my fingers more naturally that way.
This article is awesome and very inspirational post about blogging. i truly enjoy your tremendous article.
I’m really glad you found it inspirational Imran. It takes a lot of passion and dedication to keep up a blog, there is definitely some hard work involved, but it’s so worth it if you enjoy your niche.
Your post is amazing. You are doing great here.
Thank you for the kind words Samuel, I appreciate you stopping by.
I can really agree with the whole where did my life go, I’m supposed to have a house and a picket fence and 2.4 kids, though I’m not really sure I want the .4 one… I’ve had my business running for about a year now and its just enough to stop me from looking for a job and paying someone to take care of my 1/2 year old. I’m 37 aren’t I supposed to have put 15 years into a job somewhere toward a retirement or something… I really appreciate good writing and this blog has it!
Well, it’s nice to know I’m not alone, I try not to kick myself too much, just knowing that it’s never too late keeps me motivated. My blog has really become an inspiration to me and gives me enjoyment. If you have your own business going then I’d say your way ahead of the crowd. We’ve just got to stay positive, no regrets!
Well at first I liked to say that I only had to quadruple my earnings for my wife to be able to stay at home… but since then business has slowed a bit. I think a few of your comments are really from vampires who just checked the box to throw us off…
Yah, I’m sure taking that final leap toward working solely for yourself is scary. Even though I would rather work for myself, there’s still some comfort in knowing I have someone giving me a steady paycheck. But one day I’ll make that leap too, and no doubt will the pride and excitement well outweigh any comfort I may of had!
Here’s to wooden stakes and garlic 🙂
Love you hobby/work and your hobby will love you 🙂 It will also bring you your bread and butter.
That is very true…it can be a long hard road, but if you truly enjoy what you’re doing the rest will come naturally.