BECOMING THE 4 PERCENT

BECOMING THE 4 PERCENT

Spring of last year I went to a women’s conference at the church I attend, and one of the speakers( I can’t recall her name..sorry) said something I have held onto for awhile now. She said that you should share your story in the moment that you’re in even though you haven’t quite made it through victorious. With that phrase being a constant reminder that I apply to my everyday life, I thought I would write a post that is a bit different than the usual and a little more personal. I find myself in this place of re-energizing myself and trying to stay motivated while following my dreams and passions.

From the time started my blog up until now, I am constantly reading and researching about what it is to be a fashion blogger or influencer. From several articles that I have read and virtual workshops that I have attended, there has been a defining statistic that says only 4% of those starting a blog will turn it into a full time career. Starting out I’m thinking this will be fun and easy because I would be writing about a topic that I enjoy. Yes there will be challenges but it will work itself out. I definitely still have that drive from when I first started blogging and as of now I’m a few months away from making it to one year. Believe me it has not been easy whatsoever, and I thought I would share with y’all a few tips on how I stay motivated.

Find yourself a group of friends that are chasing the same goals as you. If you have been following me, then you know of my friends Chelsey and Jonathan whom also have their own blogs. (and shameless plug go check out their pages Venti Fashion and JonScottFashion,  because they’re amazing!) It is the best feeling in the world whenever you have people that understand what your dreams are and to have friends to lean on, encourage one another, and support each other in our pursuits to becoming full time bloggers. Also, who doesn’t like to have a squad to do everything with?! It is great to have a healthy environment to bounce off ideas with, get feedback, and yes once again be encouraging!

Listen, listen, and listen. Contrary to my energetic, outspoken self, a personality trait that I cherish is that I love to listen. Everyone is talking so much these days giving out their opinions left and right and nobody’s really listening. Growing up I danced ballet since I was three years old and that came with a lot of discipline. You  didn’t have to listen or really try, but if you want to be the best you can be and succeed at ballet it requires a whole lot of work. Learning by watching and listening to what your instructor is teaching you to do. I have had so many questions since I’ve started my blog and I have reached out to those that have been successful because I want to hear what what they have to say. How did they do it? How do you keep at it? I learned quickly how to, eat the meat and spit out the bones. I don’t necessarily need to follow EXACLTY in their footsteps, because my journey will be different. Maybe I don’t agree with everything that is said but I can understand the general idea that is being conveyed. If it makes sense to apply it to my life and what I am trying to accomplish then I do so, but if not I keep on moving.

I posted on Instagram about how I have been getting into podcasts now. I listen on my way to work and while I am at home working on other things. It’s very convenient for me because I like to multi task. One of my favorite shows  is The Skinny Confidential Him and Her podcasts by Lauryn Evarts and her husband Michael Bosstick. From Lauryn being a successful lifestyle blogger and Michael being a successful entrepreneur; they have so much knowledge to share to those of us like me, who are just getting started. From one of Lauryn’s interviews I learned the importance of strategically planning your future and how that is a huge key to your success. So what did I do? I strategically planned the rest of my year so that I could set myself up to stay consistent.  Do what you know will set yourself up to succeed and stick to it!

OK moving right along to my final little piece of advice…

That is to never stop researching. I have a few bloggers that I follow( Not Another Blonde is one of them) that I look to for career and business advice. There is sooo much information out there and so many articles about how to be super successful, quick! However, there’s not that many I’ve seen that say, slow and steady wins the race. What happens when you run out of ideas? Or when you feel like you are just posting and no one is looking at your content? I have my go to articles that I read to get some inspiration, and if I have questions I just google it. Then I am also discovering what other people have to say about certain topics and getting a more broad perspective. It’s so easy to just be in the woe is me mood or get lazy and not try anymore. However, if it is something you have a passion for you will seek out advice and guidance, so that you constantly work at it and continue moving forward.

So another ballet life lesson that I have learned about myself is I always enjoyed being the least experienced in my ballet classes. For example, taking a class with level above me was so challenging because I get to learn from those who are more experienced, and push myself to be a better dancer. It is so easy to compare yourself to others because they’re either in a different place than you or they portray themselves to be that way(i.e social media)…But you really don’t know where these other people are at in their lives unless you actually know them. I am a very self reflective person, maybe too much at times, but I know that I am me and can only be me. As I have been told many a times and also constantly hear is that you need to stay in your lane! Focus on you and what your goals are and surround yourself with positive, supportive people. This post is my stamp in time as I share where I am at now in my journey to becoming a full time blogger. Hopefully in the near feature I can look back and say, yay I made it and be glad that I stayed motivated and continued to pursue my dreams.

Blogger or not, I hope this was encouraging and that you were able to take something away from this post. Also if you have any suggestions on how you stay motivated in your life, let me know in the comments below. Have an amazing weekend!

Best,

DeAnna

All photos were taken by my friend Priscilla Herrera and clothing is from Tobi. Click www.TOBI.com for more details!