Affiliate links // Last month, I posted my first post in my new blogging for fun series, all about time management tips for hobby bloggers. I explained the need and want for this series in my post The Lost Art of Blogging for Fun, which I published last year and I’m thoroughly enjoying writing these and being able to give some advice to those bloggers out there who are hobby bloggers but still want to grow and thrive in this industry.
Photo by Andrijana Bozic on Unsplash
Today I’m moving on to talking about MINDSET. One of my favourite things to work on and talk about at the moment. I’ve been doing a lot of mindset work in my personal life, thanks to my life coaching and it’s made me realise the importance of this work in most areas of life.
Mindset work is important for everyone, as those things that might damage your mindset can certainly seep into various areas of your life in which you’re putting a lot of effort. School, work or your blog. It doesn’t matter the job – you could be a lawyer – you still need to work on your mindset. And if you do want to become a successful lawyer, then mindset is definitely important!
I’m a full-time blogger and mindset work has been CRUCIAL for me to be able to manage and cope. But it can be just as important for hobby bloggers too.
If you’re a hobby blogger blogging for yourself, perhaps you don’t spend an awful lot of time online and aren’t bothered with views or stats, then this post is NOT for you. It’s important to note here that everyone is blogging for a different reason, in a different way.
But if you’re a hobby blogger who also:
- Suffers with a lot of self doubt or lack of confidence
- Wants to grow but isn’t sure the best way to do it
- Compares easily and feels like giving up sometimes
- Is worried about stats, views, figures
Then this post IS DEFINITELY for you! And by all means, if you’re not a hobby blogger and you struggle with this too, then these points will definitely apply for you as well. Take what you need and leave what you don’t!
So let’s look at some tips to help you manage your mindset as a hobby blogger:
Set realistic goals for you
Goal setting. For me, it’s an important part of life and growth. I think when we know what we want and we take steps to get there, we continue with that forward momentum we need to succeed. The same process can be applied to blogging; whether that’s as a job or a hobby. In order to grow – you need to know what you want.
So if you’re a hobby blogger and you want to grow and set goals to aid that growth, it’s important for you to remember to set goals which are realistic for YOU. Do you have a full-time job as well as your blog? Are you a carer with limited time on your hands? You goals might be different to the goals of someone else who perhaps blogs full-time because you have different priorities and time available to you.
I have a complete goal setting eBook and workbook available in my freebie library which will help you set realistic and achievable goals. Just click the image above to sign up to my mailing list and receive INSTANT access to my whole freebie library!
Comparison is normal, but…
Comparison is completely normal and natural and you’d probably be a bit weird if you WEREN’T comparing yourself to someone about something. But what exactly are you comparing yourself to? That blogger who does it full-time who works on their blog 40 hours a week? That other blogger who’s been doing this for 10x as long as you have?
Related read: Is It Healthy To Have “Blogger Envy”? – The Doubting Thomas
Comparison is VERY easy to do. We all know that. But in the midst of comparing ourselves to others, we’re often blindsided by the negative emotions to realistically consider the fact that hang on a sec… that person is on their own path. Doing their own thing. And it has no reflection on you.
and that jealousy? It might be an illusion
And if left to fester, comparison can quickly turn into jealousy. And if you don’t know how to control jealousy or turn it into a positive then you’re going to be left in a very uncomfortable place. TRUST ME, this is the thing I struggle with the most. Jealousy is something I am always dealing with. Remember, jealousy often comes from a place of self-doubt. So you NEED to go deep and figure out what’s going on there.
One thing my coach has been saying to me when we discuss jealousy is that often we feel jealous of just about anyone, for anything. But when we REALLY think about it, we don’t even WANT what they have. So why are we even jealous? You’re jealous of a successful lawyer for having a great job and achievements. Do YOU want to be a lawyer?
Recognize the sh*t out of your achievements
Something that ties in nicely with the above two and that’s celebrating and recognizing your own achievements. It can be hard to do when we’re surrounded by people achieving so much. But this will help you MASSIVELY manage your mindset and focus on what you’re good at. I want you to stop what you’re doing and write a list of 20 blogging achievements you’ve had. I’ll wait.
It’s okay to want to grow
Most people with a hobby – whether that’s playing the guitar, drawing, baking or something else – want to grow and learn. It’s human nature to want to get better at things. If for some reason your mind is telling you that because you don’t blog as a job or blog for money that wanting to grow your blog isn’t for you then back the heck up and check your thoughts!
It’s okay to still invest in your blog and your hobby even if you’re not blogging for money. Because there is a HECK OF A LOT you can get out of blogging. Friendships, experience, creative freedom, personal growth, opportunity and more. Here are a few resources I’d recommend if you want to grow your blog:
- Keyword Research for Bloggers eBook
- A Beginners Guide To Blogging
- A Beginners Guide To Growing Your Blog Following
- The Ultimate Pinterest Marketing Guide
Remember that blogging is a valued and respected hobby
And just like guitar playing or cake making, blogging is a very valued and respected hobby. Especially now. Blogging has grown in popularity more than I could probably put into words. People trust what bloggers have to say. Their voices are being heard more than ever.
When the fun stops, stop
I got that quote from a gambling advert but it definitely applies here too! I’ve always said that as soon as blogging stops being fun, you need to take a step back a reevaluate. This applies to me, someone who blogs full-time and it also particularly applies to hobby bloggers.
The blogging industry can be very easy to get sucked into, with the competition and the numbers and the fear of not being online 24 hours a day. I’ve definitely been there. I’ve been sucked into that void and found it very hard to get out of. So please remember, have fun. Be creative. Connect. Express yourself. Have damn fun.
These are so useful! I’ve been struggling with jealousy lately… 😁 Thank you for sharing these tips
You’re welcome!
As most of your many blogging friends commented, it’s really hard to remember not to compare sometimes, but seeing such reminders helps 😊 Thanks for sharing such great tips!
It’s definitely hard! I still do it sometimes!
[…] 7 Tips On Managing Your Mindset For Hobby Bloggers […]
I completely agree with this, I often find that any jealousy I do have comes from a place of self doubt. I’m not big on comparing myself to other bloggers BUT it does happen occasionally x
I think it’s totally normal and we definitely have to accept that! But also learn to manage it 🙂 x
Hi Jenny! This is a great post, thanks for sharing it. I felt like it was super helpful in reference to where I’m at with my own blog, and I agree it’s so important to not compare to others who might be doing more hours each week or have been doing it for longer. And acknowledging the fact I’m blogging alongside a busy life and full time job! 🙂
Glad you found this helpful my love!
Great post – but I couldn’t download your link to your freebie goal setting link – is there any other way of getting it? I think I’d find it really useful! I’m just getting back to blogging after an attack by a burglar which hss left me with a spinal injury, and I feel I’ve lost all my readers!
Holy heck, I’m so sorry to hear that. What a traumatic thing to happen. I really hope you’re doing okay and you’re putting your needs first xxx
Comparison was a big issue for me in the beginning. The important thing to remember is that comparison is the thief of joy. That and if you’re blogging for a hobby (which I suppose I do), it’s important to remember that it’s meant to be fun!
It sure is!
Yesss to this post. Our achievements are huge – especially considering we do this as a side hustle and usually hold down full time jobs at the same time!
Rosie
I think it’s AMAZING that you can run such an amazing blog alongside full-time!
I’m a hobby blogger with a full time job so your advice on time management and mindset is really helping me! ❤️ hopefully I can grow my blog in the future too!
I’m so glad!
Thanks for sharing, these tips sometimes we need to steep back from our blogs when they stop becoming fun 🙂
Definitely 🙂
I loved this entire post. I think it’s so important to set realistic goals for YOU rather than comparing your numbers to any other bloggers. A lot of us are hobby bloggers who have other jobs or are students so it’s not easy to dedicate full time to being a full time blogger with a consistently growing blog. So great tips, thanks Jenny.
Thank you 🙂 Totally agree! x
Fab post! I think it’s usually so hard to admit you WANT to grow, because so many times you’re told “it’s not about the numbers!!” ect, but I think we ALL want our hard work to pay off & see your content being enjoyed!
Oh totally! It’s totally okay to be motivated by numbers 🙂 x
Such great tips Jenny! I’m sooo big on setting realistic goals, I always make sure I’m setting goals that aren’t too crazy for me. I work full time alongside running my blog, and it’s hard work fitting things in as well as trying to find the time to relax and do other things. Love the quote you got from the gambling ad too haha, it is so true, I’ve taken breaks from blogging before just because I wasn’t 100% feeling it, but actually made me more excited to get back to it afterwards! Great post x
Thank you 🙂 It’s amazing that you run such an amazing blog as well as working full-time! x
Some really great advice here, I’ve recently started a new blog as a hobby and so I’m always on the look out for some good advice
Thank you 🙂 x
I try to set as realistic goals as possible though sometimes it can be hard not to compare. But, I honestly just love writing so much so I’m trying to not worry too much 🙂 xx
Thats a great way to approach it! 😊
Such a fab post with some really useful reminders for bloggers! I definitely agree that when the fun stops it’s okay to take a break and re-assess everything! In the past I’ve pushed and kept going with it when really I wasn’t feeling it and I think it shows in my writing! xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Oh for sure me too!
Thanks for this post Jenny. I’ve definitely had some down moments since I started blogging. There’s been times when my stats have been low or when posts I’ve worked really hard on just haven’t gained much reaction. And it’s tough. But then I always remind myself that I love writing and I keep going.
Being a hobby blogger comes with a lot less pressure. Sure, I’d love my blog to do well, but it’s not the end of the world if some posts just don’t pull in the views. People who have hobbies such as baking or playing an instrument will have bad days too. Not every cake will come out of the oven a masterpiece and not every song will be played perfectly every time. Blogging is no different really. The old saying of ‘practice makes perfect’ is so true. And honestly, that’s what keeps me going and gets me in the right mindset. Your post has also got me thinking about how far I’ve come with blogging in 10 months and I’m proud of my achievements so far. Onwards and upwards! X
Love this comment and the comparison to baking etc. SO TRUE!
Again, I love this series so much, Jenny!! Thank you for sharing those resources as well x
Thank you x
I thinking using people as a learning tool is key – having good role models to inspire. Sometimes I’ve just seen a paragraph I’ve liked, thought about what makes it so good, then reengineer the style into my own work!
I’ve been too full of self-doubt to actually set goals! I think it’s definitely time to work on my mindset
That definitely sounds like you need to work on your mindset! You deserve to set goals and see worth in yourself and your work!x
This is a great post and I know this may sound weird but I’ve added your blog to my faves!!, because I just love reading your content & find it all so useful!! Thanks for sharing x
Not weird at all! That’s made my day thank you! <3 x
Love that you write from a personal space; after all, if we have been there and done that at any point in our lives, I believe it is so wholesome to share what we have learned along the way.
The most important thing to me in regards to the way and why of what I write is to write something because I have to; because I love it. On the few occasions where I have been pressured to write something ‘by popular demand’ and caved into it, I have never been truly happy with what I have shared.
Recognizing what I am capable of and what I have done is also a great help to me in my moments of doubt. 🙂
Thank you. I agree. I love sharing my knowledge and experience! I think it’s amazing that you’ve noticed that different between what you WANT to write and what you feel like you have to!
I think for some reason, having fun can also be boost productivity and if it’s not fun anymore. Stopping and reevaluate is a good idea. Great tips!
Oh for sure. If you’re having fun, you’re definitely going to feel more productive!
I love these tips Jenny, I love how you said about ‘when the fun stops, stop’ , it’s so important to step away when you’re not enjoying writing or creating content! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
I totally agree. I think that’s so important for all bloggers! Who wants to be spending that much time doing something if you’re not enjoying it?
Great tips. I was always comparing myself to others, but that is no good. Now I am focusing on my blog and what I can do to grow it. My life has been much calmer and happier.
I’m so glad to hear that!
Great post! We all want to learn and grow in all areas of our lives. It is important to set goals and be realistic in our expectations. And, you are so right, if a hobby does not bring you joy and there is no fun in it, why bother with it? That is a sign that something needs to change…perhaps, a new hobby is in order!
Exactly! You wouldn’t continue painting if you hated painted, what’s the difference here?
I love this series so much! The one I’m definitely taking away from this is setting realistic goals so I know what I want and what to do to get there rather than feeling like I’m doing odd things and not knowing why. I also must start paying attention to whether I’m still having fun with it as well! Thanks for the great tips!
Thanks so much girl! So glad you’re enjoying them and finding them helpful!
I LOVE celebrating all my small and big achievements and I’m so lucky that my boyfriend celebrates them with me (and weirdly gets more excited by it than me)! And also remembering this is a hobby and if you’re not loving it, why are you doing it is also so important!
Katie | katieemmabeauty.com
Yessss that’s so cool I’m so happy to hear that you have that support there so you can both celebrate together!
I got half way through this post and then got called away, I came back and before I started reading again, I sat and thought about my own journey. I have so much to be proud of but I do struggle to manage my own expectations, my time and the not comparing thing.
But I love what I do… most of the time.
This was just the read I needed, full of self doubt, ideas and a lack of time. I feel like I needed this reminder that I am a hobby blogger and that’s OK x x
I’m so glad this came to you at the right time. You absolutely have so much to be proud of! Your blog is one of my faves and your growth has been incredible. Remember that!
I am definitely guilty of comparing myself to others and self doubt. I do agree that the friendships you make through blogging are great.
They certainly are. Remember, comparison is so normal. But catch it before it gets too much!
Love your post Jenny! So true about having fun and when it is gone take a break. After 10 years of food blogging I do take breaks to re-pump my juices and let the creative flow back in. A MUST do.💕
Thank you! That’s great that you know that works for you and you act accordingly!
This is such an insightful post! I am a hobby blogger but I still want my blog to stand out and be recognized by book publishers. Thanks for the great advice.
Thank you 🙂 Absolutely, why the heck wouldn’t you?!
It’s always good to take a step back and look at the bigger picture, for any blogger. I’m not a hobby blogger but I appreciate the attitude tips. Nice post, Jenny. Thanks!
Totally agree. I take a step back from time to time too.
Awe I love this post so much! It’s definitely relatable to me because I work full time and struggle with balancing both a career and blog because I do want to grow it and become successful with it. But I love how you said when the fun stops, stop! Thats so important to me because sometimes I definitely need to take a step back and take a break!
Thank you 🙂 It’s so important to recognize when you’re not getting that joy from it.
Such a wonderful post, I used to struggle with this as growing was so slow and felt not worth it but it takes time and some dedication. Celebrating achievements is a must 🙂
Thank you. It sure does take time and dedication!
Jenny, I love your blogposts ! I always struggle with making realistic goals, I want to do so many things and I feel like I don’t have enough time for everything
Thank you girl! I hear that with the goals haha
This is an amazing post! Personally, as a blogger, I often forget to slow down. I think that’s so common not only for bloggers. I realize that sometimes, we love what we do so much to the point that we forgot how much we love it. I found out that the best way to appreciate and have fun is to pause and slow down. Thanks for sharing this! 💖
I totally agree. Nobody works on something 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. That’s just mad!
This is a really great read, thank you for sharing this! I completely agree that you shouldn’t compare yourself to other bloggers and recognising achievements is so important xx
Thank you 🙂 x
You are amazing Jenny <3
This was such a great Jenny! I found myself lately to be obsessed about numbers, views and how the posts are doing, so I decided to take a step back and focus on what I wrote more instead. I must say that blogging has brought me so much during these months and I now start understanding what it truly means.
I started out blogging for fun years ago, where I didn’t care about numbers I just wanted to put my opinion out there, but now that I have goals and see results, it pushes me to work on it even more! As you said, if it makes you miserable take a step back and that’s what I did years ago, it didn’t feel right anymore.
COmparing is still such a struggle but as you said you need to focus on what you do and recognise your own achievements too, couldn’t say better!
Thank you for sharing all these, I will make use of them!
Awh that’s great that you’re enjoying it that much! It’s so easy to get sucked in with the numbers, I’ve definitely been there. It’s important to know but not useful to obsess over!
I’m struggling with writing at the moment. I’ve had to drop my February fiction challenge, and I’ve not blogged for a couple of weeks. The fun has definitely stopped, but I don’t know why exactly (the endless lockdown is partly to blame, but not the whole cause.) Re-evaluting seems like a good move.
I’m sorry to hear that. I can imagine lockdown probably has something to do with it. Remember your blog will always be there for you, so take as much time as you need to figure it out!
I started out enjoying it but then I discovered the stats section 😂 I became obsessed about beating the previous day’s views etc or getting likes on Facebook. I think having to take a break once schools started back helped and I’m back to just enjoying writing again. I will start setting monthly, realistic goals though to give me some focus 🤞🏻
It’s so easy to get caught up in the numbers, I agree!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. This is really timely as I’ve had a crisis of faith following the underwhelming response of some recent posts. I think the biggest challenge with blogging is trying to get it seen by the people who want to see it!
I did your exercise and wrote some of the great things my blog has achieved. It actually reminded me of a lot of the positives and my achievements so far.
Something I’ve learnt about comparison is not compare to the vets/full timers, but also not use it as an excuse not to put effort into growth and becoming a better writer.
I think one of the biggest takeaways is if you don’t find blogging fun – stop doing it! I know from some past blogs I’ve read you can tell the person doesn’t enjoy it anymore but keeps persisting!
I’m so glad that doing that exercise reminded you of how much you’ve achieved. Makes you feel great, doesn’t it? I totally agree. Actually, you shouldn’t compare yourself to ANYONE but use them as a learning tool.
such a great post, i’ll keep it with me at all times to remind me that it’s okay that my blog is just a hobby and i don’t have to compare myself with anyone seeing my stats… I am doing it because it’s fun and i have a great time working on the stuff for it, but it’s a hobby i’m not doing it for anything or anyone else but me, mostly… obviously i enjoy when people are interested on the topics i post. but it’s okay, it’s all for the fun of it.
Thank you 🙂 Some great and important reminders!
Hi Jenny.
Thank you for writing posts geared towards us fun bloggers – it is much appreciated! And your tips and comments in this post are spot on.
For example, my very first blog post was about ‘collecting a new puppy’. If you search on those keywords you’ll see a featured snippet from Royal Canin, a huge dog food manufacturer, and the first position taken by none other than the Kennel Club. My post is immediately after that. Do I focus on what a marvelous achievement this is for a fun blogger in his first post? No, I think “Why isn’t my post the featured snippet or in the number one spot?”!! Crazy but true. I don’t beat myself up about it, and I can smile about it, but it is still my first thought 🙂
And you are absolutely right with the “When the fun stops, stop” advice. Why keep doing something that makes you miserable? Take a break. Walk the dog. Watch TV. Read Jenny’s blog 😉
Hahaha that is crazy! Due to the authority of Royal Canin and Kennel Club, it’s highly unlikely you’d beat those but being underneath those is FREAKING AMAZING! You should be so proud of that!