"Perfect" Blog (My Blog's Birthday)

This one's for my blogger friends! Just about four years ago, I sat down to write my very first blog post while my two year old and newborn were sleeping. Never mind that it would be almost another year before I decided to write again on any semblance of a schedule. You'd think that by now, after three years of regular blogging, I'd have the Perfect Blog...or at least have figured out the basic inner workings of the blogosphere.

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The thing is, "perfect" is such a relative term. What is perfect to me might be completely different for you.

I look at my favorite blogs (most of them much larger than mine) and I tell myself "Now that is perfect. Look at her projects, her house, her clothes, her site's stats, her design...why can't I be more like that?!" I bet you've done the same thing. We all play the comparison game.

The longer I blog, the more I learn that comparing your work to others can lead to discouragement!

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Why spend time wishing you had ____ (insert large number here) "Followers," or that you came up with that fantastic project that went viral on Pinterest? Instead of lamenting my shortcomings, I'm learning to be inspired and motivated by the achievements of my fellow bloggers. 

Too often, we focus solely on what lies ahead, thinking about what we should be working on for that next milestone. It's important to set goals, but I also think that taking an occasional moment to look back on your achievements can be just as helpful. When I start feeling discouraged, I'm learning to be proud of and grateful for what I have achieved.

And that advice, on this year's "blog birthday," is what I'd like to impart to other bloggers: Be thankful for your accomplishments, no matter how small. Set attainable goals for yourself and don't rush to get there. The blogosphere is not going anywhere!

Did you just start a blog? Congratulations...it's a big step, putting your life out there for the world to see.

Have you had your first feature this week? That's an amazing feeling! Use that energy to plan your next big project.

Are you venturing into sponsorship for the first time? Take pride in the fact that someone thinks you are worth partnering with. 

I do have some plans for this next year. Soon you'll see a new banner design and navigation bar here with some updated pages. I'm still pleased as punch to have the honor of working with Kate as a contributor to Centsational Girl. I also hope that 2012 will bring me more opportunities to work with my favorite brands and new sponsors. Blogging is hard work, and I'm always looking for ways to fund the projects I want to complete and share with you.

Is my blog's design perfect? No. Do I always share the most exciting projects that you immediately want Pin and email to all your friends? No. Have I mastered social media? No. Is there a whole list of things I need to improve on? Yes!

I try not to play the comparison game anymore because, guess what? It Doesn't Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful. 

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Yep, my friend The Nester sums it up so nicely, doesn't she? I don't have to kick myself for not having the "Perfect" blog, impressive stats, or amazing projects to share seven days a week. I can celebrate the fact that I started this site with not a soul reading it....now a couple thousand people stop by every day to check in. Blogging opened a wonderful creative outlet for me; and it has enabled me to connect with and relate to people all over the world. 

Sounds pretty perfect to me.

Linking to The Nester, Positively Splendid