If you’re just getting started on your blogging journey, you may have fears or doubts about yourself and what you have to offer.
These fears may be holding you back and keeping you from sharing your ideas, expertise, and opinions with the world. Let me tell you, you’re not alone.
We have all had fears and we have all doubted ourselves at some point in our blogging journey.
The important thing is to not let those fears stop you from doing what you love.
1. No One Cares What I Think
If you think that no one cares what you think, erase that thought from your mind, because that’s just not true.
Now, of course there will be people who have no interest in what you have to say, but there will also be those that do. Just remember that you’re not writing for the people who don’t care.
You’re writing for yourself and the people who do care!
2. People Will Think I’m A Fraud
You may feel like people will think you don’t know what you’re talking about, that you don’t have the experience or expertise, or maybe even that you’re a fraud.
The fact is, people are coming to your blog because they care about what you have to say.
And honestly, even if you’re technically not an “expert”, you probably know a lot more about the topic than the average person. And really, that’s all it takes.
Some of my easiest tutorials have been my most popular. These are posts that I debated publishing in the first place because I thought “everyone knows how to do this.”
Well, everyone didn’t know how to do it, and people appreciative the fact that I took the time to share my expertise with them.
So don’t be afraid to share your expertise with the world. You would be surprised how many people you could help.
3. I’m Afraid of Being Judged
Get over it. Just kidding (but not really). Being judged by others is something we all experience at some point.
We’re all being judged or judging others in one way or another. But don’t forget that judging does not always have to be negative.
You will be judged both negatively and positively. When it comes to negative judgement, all you can really do is focus on yourself and your goals.
4. I Will Never Be Good Enough
I think everyone can relate to this one. The biggest culprit of this type of thinking usually comes from comparing your blog to other more successful blogs, or blogs you deem as “better” than yours.
I hate to say this, but I think this is one of those thoughts that will never go away completely. But maybe that’s a good thing.
A small bit of envy can be turned into something positive. Use those thoughts as motivation to make your blog even better!
If you find that this thought is discouraging you from loving your blog or blogging, try staying away from blogs that trigger those feelings of not being good enough.
Fear Is Normal
Fear is something that all bloggers experience at some point. The key is to not let those fears keep you from writing and having your dream blog.
No matter what your niche, or level of expertise, you have something that needs to be shared with the world.
So, I challenge you to write. Even if you’re afraid. Even if you feel like what you’ve written is crap.
Write it, publish it, and repeat.
Over time you will get better at blogging and you will find that those fears you had initially are no longer effecting you the way they once did.
Have you ever had blogging fears? How did you get past them? Share your comments below!
Happy blogging,
As a new bloggger myself I really took alot from this post! It’s great to know your probably not the only one feeling this way about blogging when starting out!
Becky | http://www.thebiglphotographyblog.blogspot.co.uk
No one’s ever alone! Thanks for stopping by Becky!
My biggest blogging fear is not being good enough. I loved your advice for getting over that. I am constantly comparing my work to other people’s work and I never leave feeling good about it. Instead of being happy for friends I feel like I’m in a constant competition and I’m trying to change that outlook.
Hopefully, I’ll take your advice and change my mindset from “I’m not good enough” to “I bet I can do that too.”
Beautiful post!
I think it’s perfectly natural to have those feelings. The important part is to not let those feelings change the way you react towards others, or the way you feel about yourself! Thanks for taking the time to read and comment Rebekah!
This post hit home for me! I struggle with some of these fears all the time, especially letting real life friends and family in on my blog and opening myself up to people I know instead of just strangers. I think it’s important to know that other’s feel this same way too!
I still have fears of not being good enough. I feel like everything I write about has been covered many times over. I’ve had at least one post that went pretty viral and it was just something in my life that I thought would help people. I guess I proved myself wrong! =)
It’s always the stuff you least expect that takes off! Hey, even if its been written a million times, it hasn’t been written by YOU. That’s the way I see it. 🙂 Thanks for commenting Jaime.
Thanks for your post, I can always use encouragement, funny how we get into our own heads and sabotage ourselves when we least expect it! My favorite part – Write, Publish, Repeat. Made me giggle…I just had a T-shirt made for my son that says Sleep – Eat – Play – Repeat! Having him home during vacation gives me additional ‘excuses’ to not write – gonna use your mantra!!! Thanks again.
With a smile from Tampa, Fl – Carlyn 🙂
Hehe, thanks Carlyn! Yeah, “write, publish, repeat.” That’s a great mantra for bloggers! 🙂
I love what you have to say. Thanks. It is so true that you basically have to take the big step to share your thoughts and your words and not be fearful that people may actually read your words. Writing is such a personal journey. But if you think of it as sharing information that can be helpful to others, in any way, it gets you over that fear. And then you want to keep blogging and sharing. And as you say….write, publish, repeat!!! I’m just starting but I am excited about building my blog and figuring out this blogging adventure.
Exactly Sonia. Good luck on your blogging journey! 🙂
I’ve definitely had the thought that my blog isn’t good enough, and to be honest, sometimes it is a little discouraging. However, I know that growing a good blog takes time, and I do take comfort in that my blog is continuing to grow bit by bit. I love that I learn new things and work actively to improve my blog and its reach regularly.
Getting started as a blogger these days can be hard, but if you love what you do, it is totally worth it!
I know it can get discouraging. Just keep pushing through, and you’ll see results. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
OMG! This post couldn’t have come at a better time. I literally just started a new blog. It’s my 2nd attempt which is causing me loads of anxiety and thinking it’s stupid for me to start from scratch again. But this time I will be true to myself in my writing. I will focus on things I truly care about and I want to share my ideas and random thoughts with as many people who are willing to read. Fear is definitely present but I refuse to let it control me! Thank you for writing this encouraging post!
http://www.thegossipdarling.com
I’m so happy to hear this Mel. It’s great that you’re not allowing your fears to control you. I checked out your blog, and you’re off to a GREAT start! You’re an excellent writer, so there’s definitely nothing to be afraid of. 🙂
Thank you so much!! I really appreciate the support. Super kind of you to stop by and say hello on the blog! It made my day! xo
Thank you for writing this. It’s so true! I’ve totally allowed the ‘it’s not good enough’ excuse to hold me back from publishing my content but I’m going to take the advice I give to my clients and: JUST DO IT!
Yes Elaisha, just do it! No one starts out perfect. What makes you better is practice and consistency. Thanks for stopping by!
My fear is so basic – I’m not even sure how to find out if the name I choose for my blog is already taken, or copyright protected, so I feel like I’m stuck right there!
Next fear is: which platform is “the right” platform, and what if choose the wrong one?
Pretty basic.
A giant ol’ YES to every one of these. Life is too short to be held back your doubts and fears.
You’re so right Ashley! While I know getting past your fears is easier said than done, life is too short to be held back by your fears.