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I came across blogging a few years ago and I was so intrigued that people can share their thoughts, expertise, and recommendations which will not only impact others but even make money from it.
I started my blog “Grateful Island Girl” without any idea what I was doing, who I was providing value to, or how to even manage and grow a blog. It was a mess, to say the least, but I continuously learned from my failures.
I rebranded to “The Balanced CEO” in October 2020 because I felt like I had a better direction of who my audience was and what problems they needed to solve. I want others to become the CEO of their lives.
So, now I blog about living an intentional, healthy, and mindful lifestyle. I share topics on whole body wellness.
From this blogging journey, I have grown a lot in the business aspect but mostly I have grown as a person.
As a blogger, there is always constant growth and self-improvement no matter what stage of the business you are in.
Our businesses constantly grow, our brands and values change, and we go through different seasons as well as we are always evolving as an individual.
5 Personal Growth Lessons I Have Learned as a Blogger
1. Mindset is Everything
I strongly believe that when you have the right mindset, you can accomplish anything.
Your mindset has to support the results you want to achieve for yourself and your life.
When blogging and running an online business (or any business) you have to work on your mindset every single day.
2. Comparison will destroy you and your progress
No one is better than you. You are your own person and unique in your own way.
When you compare yourself to others, especially your competitors, you instill fear into yourself and reduce confidence.
Start looking at competitors as inspiration – if they can do it you can too!
Never compare your journey to someone else’s. We are all on our own paths.
Strive to be better than you were yesterday.
3. Collaboration is beneficial for growth
Collaborating with brands and learning from others can be so beneficial.
When you collaborate with brands and/or other bloggers make sure to have clear expectations and even terms/contracts in place for an easy and smooth process.
Working with others, you can learn so much and really grow your network.
4. Always keep learning and evolving
Never stop learning whether it is about yourself or your business.
You, your blog, and your business will constantly evolve and it’s important to do so.
Learn something new every day. Whether it is by reading books, listening to podcasts, taking a course, or watching YouTube videos.
A great story I came across recently was about Jessica Bishop, the founder of The Budget Savvy Bride. She started back in 2008 when there weren’t many resources available online but she kept growing and learning and 13 years later she has a truly successful online business.
Always have the curiosity and desire to learn more – it will take you places.
5. Progress over perfection
As much as we want everything to be perfect. Perfection doesn’t exist.
Taking action even small steps adds up and makes big progress. You won’t know how to learn and improve unless you take action.
Take it one day at a time, one step at a time, and don’t let perfection stop you.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a blogger has been one of the hardest but most rewarding experiences in my life.
It truly takes a lot of work to be a blogger but is worth it.
Keep in mind to provide value to your audience, be authentic, and learn from your mistakes.
You will be surprised by how much you will learn about yourself as a blogger. Reflect often. There will be good days and bad days. It is life and part of the process.
I will be adding to this list often as I keep learning and growing as a blogger.
I hope my personal growth journey as a blogger has inspired and motivated you!
Always remember your personal growth is an ongoing process. You got this!
What personal growth lessons have you learned from being a blogger?
Michelle Gagliani
Owner & Founder
Michelle is the Founder of The Balanced CEO and a Holistic Nutritionist + Health Coach. She was born and raised in St.Thomas, U.S.V.I., and is currently living in Austin, TX. When she’s not running this blog and online business, she is cozied up at home watching TV, taking long walks in nature, or trying out new healthy recipes.
Cecile Leger says
Great blog post. I love the idea of inspiring entrepreneurs. I, as well, own two small ice cream businesses and I started blogging on the growing reality of Stepfamilies. Blogging became my passion.
Michelle says
Oh wow, congratulations on your ice cream businesses and your blog Cecile!!
Kristin says
I can appreciate Number 5 as I am a recovering perfectionist. 🙂 I am learning to not let perfect stop me from progress.
Michelle says
I feel you on this Kristin! Progress over perfection!
Cindy Campbell says
These are great life lessons as well as blogging lessons.
Michelle says
Thank you Cindy!
Larissa Li says
Awe! How cute and strong your message! I am a blogger and find it totally fun and hard, and challenging, and rewarding. Awesome process! Thank you for sharing your success and story!
Michelle says
Thank you for your kind comments Larissa!!
Tiffany says
Blogging is rewarding but also extremely challenging. I agree that mindset is key!!
Michelle says
It definitely is!
Terra Booth says
I love this post! It can be so easy to compare yourself to what others are doing. And done is better than perfect is how I get through every day and every post! And I agree that the learning never…ever….stops!!!
Michelle says
I am so happy that you loved it! And I love that quote so much!
Chelsea says
I can’t believe it’s been a year since you rebranded. I love the look of The Balanced CEO and your focused direction. I’m sure it took a lot of work but it looks great!
Michelle says
I can’t believe it either! Time is flying! Thank you so much Chelsea! You are the best!
Lisa Manderino says
I love the reflection and direction you are going!
Michelle says
Aww thanks so much Lisa!!
Debbie says
The blogging journey is work, but it’s rewarding!! Definitely a learn as you go gig! Haha
Michelle says
lol agreed Debbie!
Linda Winans Egeler says
I’ve been blogging for just over a year now. I can look back at my early posts and see how much I’ve grown since then. But as time goes by, the more I realize how much more there is for me to learn!
It’s been a great adventure!
Michelle says
I know what you mean! Always room to learn and grow more! So happy it’s been a great adventure for you!
Marianne G says
Starting a blog has definitely taught me a lot of things! This two year journey has had me jump out of my comfort zone and into a world I knew very little about. But I love my experiences so far!
Michelle says
Congrats on your two-year journey so far!
Barbara says
Great insightfulness! Keep up the great work!
Michelle says
Thank you Barbara!
Sabrina DeWalt says
I love your advice to not compare yourself to others. That is something I have had to work on, especially when I’m not where I want to be on turning blogging into an income. I have to remind myself that my path and goals are not the same as others.
Michelle says
With social media, it can be so hard not to compare but yes everyone’s journey is different! You got this!
Cindy Moore says
These are excellent growth points! I love all that I’ve learned from the blogging journey.
Michelle says
Thank you Cindy!
Lisa, Casey, Barrett Dog says
Thank you for sharing your experience!
Michelle says
😊 Thanks!
Vishaka says
I occasionally read your blog posts when they come across my home feed and I really like them. My blogging journey started in 2020 too and I guess you and me are in a similar kind of niche 🙂 but I same like you, I too make lots of mistakes and trying to learn from it. Blogging has been challenging, but at the same time rewarding and I am learning so much about perseverance and patience. Blogging actually made me put them into practice. Hoping to keep continuing. Best wishes to you 🙂
Michelle says
So happy to hear you read my blog posts! Thank you for that! Congrats on starting your blogging journey. Best wishes to you too!!