This week, my blog hit its 3000th post. It’s amazing to think that after 13 years of blogging every day, people are still reading. Naturally, with all this time and dedication, I’ve learned a lot. Looking back at my biggest learnings, I realized that committing to one idea – blogging every day (specifically every weekday, but often posting on weekends) – completely changed me. I think these lessons can resonate with everyone, so I hope you enjoy reading them. Thank you so much for joining me on my journey.
1. Consistency + Volume = Growth
The true value of consistency lies in how it leads to growth and improvement. By committing to coming to work every day, you’re constantly pushing your limits and honing your craft. The sheer volume of work you produce over time allows you to see your progress, identify your strengths, and improve in ways that sporadic efforts can’t.
2. Algorithms change, but genuine connections remain key
Social media and search algorithms are constantly evolving, but the need to connect with your audience on a human level remains the same. Prioritizing authenticity and engagement over chasing trends is always a sound strategy.
3. If it’s not “Of course yes!”, then it’s “No.”
Your time and focus are your most precious resources. If a project, idea, or collaboration doesn’t excite you, it’s time to move on. Saying “no” to what doesn’t serve you can free up your energy to do what does.
4. Learn to do everything yourself and ask for help when you hit a bottleneck
In the beginning, knowing how to handle every aspect of your blog will boost your confidence and help you gain a deep understanding of the process. But as you grow, realize when your own involvement is slowing things down and don’t hesitate to delegate.
5. Have a partner who is invested in your success
Whether they’re personal or professional partners, having partners who believe in your vision is essential. Their support and feedback will help keep you motivated. Plus, having someone invested in your journey makes the victories more sweet and the challenges easier to face.
6. Own as many channels as possible
Relying solely on platforms you don’t control (like social media) can be risky, as algorithms and policies can change overnight. Owning your channels, like your website, email list, and podcast, gives you full control over how and when you engage with your audience, ensuring long-term stability.
7. Spending a lot of time and money on branding and design
First impressions matter, and your blog’s branding is often the first point of contact for your readers. Great design and a clear brand identity build trust and make your content more accessible and engaging.
8. It’s OK to fall into habits, but not to try to break them.
Routines help you stay consistent, but they shouldn’t be restrictive — being flexible and open to changing your habits when needed is key to growing and staying relevant.
9. Understand the business you’re in and where you fit into it
You can’t blog in a vacuum. Understand your industry at large, your competitors, and how you can add unique value. Knowing where you stand will help you make smarter strategic decisions about your content and growth.
10. Connect with a greater mission
Blogging can get exhausting over time, especially if it’s entirely self-indulgent. Connecting your work to a larger purpose or mission can give you a sense of accomplishment and direction that helps you persevere even on the tough days.
11. Experiment, track, and tweak. That’s the only way to know why you’re getting better.
Without deliberate experimentation, you can’t expect improvement. By constantly trying new ideas and analyzing what works, you can refine your approach and understand what makes you successful. Be analytical in your approach.
12. Big goals push you to grow and achieve more.
Pursuing ambitious goals like launching a product or collaborating with a brand requires you to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. These large-scale endeavors come with obstacles and deadlines that force you to grow, be disciplined, and ultimately achieve more than you could ever achieve with small, incremental efforts alone.
13. Be bold and reinvent yourself
Growth often requires change, and evolving your content or direction may result in losing followers who no longer resonate with your new focus. However, if you follow natural change, you may attract a new audience that resonates better with you. The key is to embrace this evolution rather than hold back for fear of losing people who no longer fit.
Source: Julia Berolzheimer – juliaberolzheimer.com
