10 THINGS YOU LEARN FROM BLOGGING

I really enjoyed writing last week's post (and seeing that some of you could relate), so I thought I'd come backatchya with another blogging themed list. When I started blogging I had no idea what it was all about and what it could lead to. I still have days when I feel like I've no idea what the fudge I'm doing, but I think I've managed to learn a lot along the way.. whether it's a new skill or a life lesson that sticks.

1. Social media will be your best friend.

I guess coming from someone who works in social media this is a little biased, but I'd say a lot of bloggers would agree with this one. Blogging tips I’m not really good at, but if I did have one this would be it. I love being involved in all the social side of it, even if it’s only for a nosey at the latest must have product. It’s a great for getting your blog out there and it's nice to have a whole little network of people interested in the same kind of stuff.

2. Photography is a (long) learning process.

How can two pictures taken a second after each other look like you've taken them on different days, in different climates and in a completely different spots? Photography will forever baffle me, but when I think back to starting with blurry pictures taken on my phone I feel like I’ve done alright. I'm still by no means an expert, but it's one of those things you can play around with and learn as you go.

3. People can want a lot for little.

I say 'can', because on the whole brands are great to work with.. But I would say that there are times when I've felt like people take the mick a little. There's a lot expected from bloggers these days - professional looking shots, good social presence, quick turnover with posts.. it's one of those growing lists. In reality, and what I think people need to remember, is that most of us are normal folk having a bash at all this stuff.

4. Girls can actually be nice.

I left school thinking most girls were frightening.  All the bitchiness and popularity contests definitely put me off and I stuck to a few close girl friends. I think blogging has helped a lot in restoring my faith. I've come across so many lovely ladies over the last few years, who actually want to be nice and are happy when things go well for you, rather than peeing on your parade. I'm not saying every blogging lady is a saint, but the whole little community has shown me that not every girl is going to be mean.

5. You'll find plenty of things you're actually good at.

Whether it's sticking together collages or organising your time with military precision, there are plenty of new talents to acquire through blogging. Along the way I’ve learnt that there are things I can do that I never would have thought I would have been able to. These days about 50% of what I add to my CV is stuff I've picked up through blogging.

6. You'll pick up on things about your appearance that you never would have noticed.

For me, I definitely think blogging makes you very self aware. Not in a 'ooh I love looking at my face' kind of way, just in the sense that if you're taking a lot of pictures that involve yourself, you're going to notice stuff. Would I have noticed all the things I've picked up on from a few Facebook pictures from nights out? I doubt it. I feel like taking blog pictures means you know every little bit of yourself, which isn't always what you need when you've had a massive break out or your eyebrows have gone AWOL.

7. Self satisfaction is one of the best feelings.

When you've got something you really can't wait to blog about and there's that little vision of how it's going to look, it's always nice to see the final result and be happy with what you've done. I try to treat blog posts like little school projects these days.. Do a bit of planning, create the content then finish it all off. When it finally goes live and you're pleased with how it's gone it's like GIVE ME A GOLD STAR.. or chocolate, chocolate will do.

8. How to be organised.

Sometimes I feel like my life is scheduled. Ha. Starting blogging as a scatter brained student quickly helped me become much more of a ‘grown up’. Yeah, I still forget to do stuff but usually I find scheduling helps me keep things in check. Having said that, I did manage to tweet about a post for ages though before realising I’d not actually pressed publish. Everyone has slip ups..

9. Comparison is the thief of joy.

This will always be one of my favourite quotes. It doesn't matter what people tell you or how hard you try, comparison is always going to be a natural thing. Even if you're doing super amazing, there's always that little niggly part that tells you so & so is doing better. I think it's something you have a learn to deal with when you're blogging. There are so many people to compare yourself to and it's easy to get too focused on. Yeah, they might be doing amazing but that doesn't mean you're not too.

10. How to make yourself look a lot more attractive than you actually are.

LOL. Can I have a Valencia filter just for everyday life please? I'm just going to put it out there that it can take a long time to get that amazing selfie or blog picture, and I'm under no illusion that I look quite as good without the help of a filter, decent lighting and a whole lot of makeup. It doesn't take long to work out how to take a picture of yourself to avoid looking like a thumb. So yeah, all these little tricks we use definitely help.

So they're my main ones. Feel free to pop yours below, I love hearing about this kind of thing! 

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