Okay time to be honest. I do exactly what this quote advises against all the time. I think it started back in elementary school, when teachers would rank the students in each class. Add on almost 20 years and it evolved into comparing not just with peers but those far more established. I mean ridiculous right?!
As much as this may seem to be common sense, but so many of us sit up criticizing our work. How many times have you look at an executive at your company, renowned expert or famous blogger (in my case) and beat yourself up for not being better than them. Sure it’s okay to use their accomplishments and motivation and inspiration, but never feel bad that you aren’t already there.
On Monday, I had a bit of a struggle with this exact problem but I found a way to feel better. I look at amazing sites like Camille Styles or Oh Happy Day and wish my site were on that level. To break the habit, I went back and looked at some of their older posts and realized I’m not as terrible as I thought. Before the money and fame, these women were just like us pursuing something they loved…
- Camille Styles post from March 2009, the early days of her event planning
- Oh Joy’s first post from September 2005, she was adorable!
- Oh Happy Day from May 2006, back when her posts were short, sweet and personal
If these amazing women could build and grow their brand then so can I. Everyone starts somewhere. If you work hard, you’ll get there too. Keep learning, growing and most importantly Be Happy.
Love this, Camille. I think no matter how long you’ve been doing something and no matter how good you are, there’s always that trap. It’s super hard to look at your journey as *your* journey, but it’s the only way to be happy about it and really soar.
It’s funny how we’re predisposed to compare! I definitely agree that it’s nice to be inspired by what other people are doing but don’t fall in the trap.
What a great reminder. We see so many successful people & forget that they had to start somewhere! If they can do it, so can we :)
What a great post! It is true, we all have to start somewhere. And if we were all the same, who would want to read all the blogs? Your blog is lovely, as are you. Keep up the good work!
Wow looking back it’s super cool to see that we aren’t alone starting out in this great big blog world…everyone had a start. Thanks for sharing! xo
I always do that!! I love looking back at famous blogs first posts, I find it so inspiring to think that we all start from the same beginnings. Your blog is beautiful I’m so glad I found it through the Be Happy link-up :) looking forward to reading more! xx
New follower here, from the Blog Hop. I love this post, I can too often be guilty of comparing to others, which is a really unhealthy trait. Two people just can never compare, who knows what they may have been through to get where they are.
I have read Joy from Oh Joy’s blog so loved seeing her first post. We were all at the same point once upon a time when we clicked ‘OK’ to opening our blogs. It’s great to see.
Looking forward to reading more of your blog!
Lyndsay xx
http://www.fizzypeaches.com
Thanks for popping in Lyndsay! I loved looking at Joy’s first posts, so adorable.
Thank you Rachel! I’m sure they hate that people find their old posts, but it does make their new work that much more impressive!
Thanks Christie!
You’re so sweet Emily! And that’s true, we would be quite dull if we knew what we were doing all the time. The fun is in the mistakes, well sometimes lol!
This was great Monday inspiration. Thanks for this post!