On Almost Quitting Blogging: The Journey So Far + Lessons Learnt

I almost quit blogging around this time last year. I remember being so so frustrated and tired. I  had put my all into this and the results weren't as I expected. I was consistent so why wasn't I seeing tangible growth? And then I wondered what was I doing wrong? This was made more difficult as I fell into the comparison trap too. It was so frustrating.  And then I took the longest blog break ever and came back stronger and better.

Related: Blogging I quit?

I didn't quit though, as we can see... thankfully due to feedback from my support system and many of you on here who reached out. I kept hearing wait just a little bit longer, 'don't let the four years waste'. 

Now fast forward to a year later and wow what a year 2018 has been for my blog journey. From receiving the accolades I never received in my earlier days, to working with brands I had only hoped to work with for the longest time, it's been amazing, humbling and I'm thankful. 

I remember that one year, 2016, where I didn't even have content (clothes) to blog about, how far have we come in just a year! From my parents now advising me on what to do next as opposed to teasing me about my blog. Back then when I would go for shoots, my mom would often say all I'm doing is bending my leg (yall know that leg pose) but now it's a totally different reaction. They are beginning to understand it.

Related: Before the Numbers Was the Passion

Related: The Blogging Industry Now vs Then, Lessons Learnt

Lessons Learnt

As with every struggle we face in life, there are always lessons to be learned.

1. Invest Early

The moment I invested in my camera and started having better quality images, everything changed. Prior to this, I had to really look deeper, analyze and see what I could be doing better and that was my picture quality. I know we often hear"start with what you have" but while we are starting from where we are, we must remember to not stay there. The only thing constant in life is change after all and every day we are faced with new changes, be it social media trends, new algorithms, and updates but to keep growing we've got to keep moving. Had I invested in this earlier, perhaps I would have gotten the results I had expected sooner rather than later. At the end of the day, consistency is important but consistently good quality is importanter!

2. Comparison  can be good too

While for the most part comparison is not healthy, it all depends on perspective at the end of the day. I may have fallen into the comparison trap but I learned to change my perspective. Rather than ask myself "why me" or "why not me", I started asking "what are my colleagues doing right that I can learn from"? "What tips do I need to take"? So change your perspective, rather than feeling envious or down, learn. And grow from it!

Photography by Bae

3. The Power of a Good Support System

It's important to surround oneself with a good support system who will look out for your best interests, tell you the truth even when it hurts but most importantly stand by you when you need it most. This can't be understated.

4. We are all on different journeys

This one was something I learned the hard way. It can be tough in this blogging industry, while others grow faster, it may take longer for others but that doesn't mean one won't get there. I've seen bloggers come up within a year of starting while for others (me), it took way longer. It's not fair but that's life. And ain't nothing we can do about it but keep trying.

So here is my story guys, if you're thinking of quitting on your passion, please don't. I hope this inspires you to wait just a little bit longer. Something amazing is right around the corner and you can't afford to miss out on it. Of course, I must also add that sometimes quitting is okay because it can mean you're ready for the next phase and something bigger and better. But always makes sure it's the right choice.

Outfit Details
I'm wearing trousers Made in Nigeria by Inghi. As with the last pair styled here, I had issues with the zip on this pair. So much so that it actually busted the last time I wore it out, sigh. I really need our Nigerian brands to step up on this. Asides that I love this pair especially the color. It cost N 6,500 on sale. In styling, I played with green shades and paired it with this tailor-made kente print jacket. A friend of mine, Mary kindly gave me this a few years back and I'm happy I finally got to make it into something lovely. 

Trousers: Inighi || Jacket: Custome Made by Porshher || Shoes: Zara

Have you been here before? How did you deal or get through it? What's that one thing you're struggling with or considering on quitting? Why?

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