My Thoughts on This Fantabulous 30 Day Challenge
It is only Day 5 of the 30 Day List Building & Blogging Challenge but I have gained so much already.
This blog post was inspired by some of the lovely comments that people wrote on Tiffany Dow’s blog. People mentioned that my personality had really started to shine through my writing and my videos and my comments.
I would like to firstly say a massive thank you for your kind words and support. It really brought a smile to my face when I read those comments. I had another post ready for today but I wanted to share this with you all on Day 5 of this challenge.
This is also for all those people who are thinking about whether they should start their own blog or are trying to work out how to move forward with the blog they already have.
Things I Have Gained from The Challenge So Far
I Am Learning To Focus
I like taking part in challenges because it gives me a reason to stay motivated and focussed. It is so easy to get distracted with real world stuff and even online stuff (Just one more Youtube video then I will get back to work…)
This challenge has motivated me to work harder on a plan of action so that I can eventually achieve the goal of making a full time income doing the things I love. I am working out what I enjoy doing and what I need to do in order to improve the earning potentials on each income stream that I am working on.
I Love The Sense of Community
Everyone likes to feel that they belong somewhere and the community surrounding Tiffany’s blog is a wonderful online neighbourhood. I love spending time there, meeting new people and sharing my opinion with others.
I have learned so much, no only from reading Tiff’s great posts, but also from reading the comments and then clicking on the names to discover new bloggers.
I Love The Support of The Community
Taking part in this community based challenge also provides wonderful support. It has been fantastic to get compliments from people about content they have read or a particular video that they have watched on this blog here.
It has been great to discover all these new blogs too. All those people who have joined in this challenge have amazing stories to share and I love getting to know different people from different parts of the world.
I am Learning That It Is OK To ……….
This is one of the most important lessons that anyone who is blogging needs to learn and understand. Once you understand this, you can get to doing what it is you do.
I think that it is important to state that it really is OK to (and this is where you fill in the gap).
We are writing blog posts here people. We are not trying to solve the world’s problems. We are not trying to win the Noble Peace Price for Literature, well I know I’m not. Lol.
Here is how so of my “It is OK” sentences end:
- It is OK if I don’t use big long words in my posts.
- It is OK if I stumble and mumble in my videos and forget to look at the camera when I’m talking.
- It is OK if I record a video with my headscarf on cos I couldn’t be bothered to style my hair
- It is OK to wear the same old comfy jumper cos its comfy
- It is OK if I say – I don’t know what to say.
- It is OK to say I don’t understand what Per Per Click is.
- It is OK if I mention the stupid cold I had that just wouldn’t leave
- It is OK to mention the weather. Snow in February in London is big news for me. Lol.
- It is OK if I like to write my blog posts sitting in bed
- It is OK if I like to enjoy a cheeky glass of Rose in the evening (cheers, hic)
So what I’m saying is, It is OK to just be who we are, how we are and where we are.
What a Difference 30 Days Make
I just wanted to end with a couple of videos from a previous Tiffany-led challenge, the 30 Day Vlogging Challenge.
Below are my Day 1 and Day 30 videos. If you want to read the blog posts here are the links for Day 1 and Day 30.
All I can say is what a difference 30 days make. Enjoy 
A Mini Challenge for You – Feel The Fear But Do it Anyway!
So you have seen mine, show me yours. If you haven’t made a video already, why not take this perfect opportunity to get the support of the wonderful Tiffany Dow community.
Tiffany does a Sunday post where we are all invited to add our video link.
Do you think you have the courage to upload a short intro vid of yourself? You can do a screen capture like I did or you can plonk yourself in front of your webcam.
It doesn’t need to be anything fancy schmancy. Hey I am usually sitting on the floor of my bedroom with my back against the wardrobe. All I can say is Hollywood, here I come.
Anyway it would be great if even just one new person added a video blog link on Sunday. I’ll be waiting to cheer you on.
Free Gift for My Subscribers
I wanted to get it sent today but time ran out. (Me procrastinate? Never!) Sooooo I hope to get it done for Monday.
If you haven’t already signed up, just fill in the box down below. Everyone is welcome.
Have Your Say: So how has this first week of the challenge been for you? Let me know in the comments below. And if you have an “It is OK To ……..” add that in the comments section too.
Love the post! I did share a little video of me today. It’s over two years old, but not much has changed in that time. It’s in the comment luv.
Yes, your Day 30 video was great. I loved the little singing bit you did.
This challenge is helping me focus too and I’m having a lot of fun doing it and meeting great people like you. It’s been a real blessing.
Patti Stafford recently posted..The Real Me – No Holding Back
Thank you Patti. I am glad that this challenge is having the same sort of effect on you as it is on me.
I think the great this is that I am not stressing out about the writing. I have a plan and it is working out well at the moment.
Off to check out your video now.
I LOVE that you showed the before and after! What a huge difference! LOL
Tiffany Dow recently posted..The Freaking Fantastic Blog and List Building Challenge Day 5
I know right? I am glad that I plucked up the courage to do that very first video.
Victoria @ My Daily Cuppa recently posted..What I Have Learned from The 30 Day List Building and Blogging Challenge
Love the beginning & end videos! This is proof positive that just diving in and DOING is what it takes to build skills and confidence.
So long, Discomfort Zone, hello Video Veteran!! ! Congratulations, Victoria!
Mary recently posted..Are You a REAL Journalist, or Just a Slacker Blogger in Fuzzy Slippers?
Mary – Video Veteran – I like that. lol.
It’s true what you say though, you just have to get over the hurdle of that first video and then keep going, even if you are a little afraid.
Hi Victoria,
I love how you’re sharing your personal journey – you’ve got a knack for it already!
Love your determination in finishing the challenge, congrats to you! You have the right mindset for success!
Happy to meet you!
- Carol
Carol Amato recently posted..Long Tail Pro – An Easier Way to Research Keywords
Hi Carol – I just rescued your comment from my spam folder.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I always thought that I was determined but this year I really do believe that I can and will succeed. Definitely a change in mindset – and I am loving it.
Lovely to meet you and look forward to seeing you in the neighbourhood.
What fun to show the first and the last videos! I actually like the way you did a slide show, its a great example for anyone who wants to dip their toe in the vlogging water without having to stare and stutter into a camera – lol!
I also find that using Tiff’s Challenges are a great way to get organized and motivated and help to focus on what to work on next for my website and other affiliate marketing properties eg: squidoo.
Helene Malmsio recently posted..Feb 28, Did You Know Women Suffer From Higher Money Stress Rates Than Men?
Thank you Helene. The slideshow idea is definitely a good way to start if you are feeling apprehensive about making videos.
I love how this challenge is helping me to really think about what my blogs are about and to get organised too. Some much done it is only the first week
I absolutely LOVE having the comparison side by side. What an encouraging post to those still sitting on the sidelines who have the same fear you had!! (Someone go hit up Yoan with this one eh?) LOL
Moving forward with you (although I’m only to Day 8 of my vlogging), and looking forward to it!
Debi J recently posted..Why Getting Personal is Important
Debi – I know that you will get to 30 days of vlogging and beyond.
Yes – we all have to get on Yoan’s case about this challenge. He has enough to say to keep everyone entertained. How rude of him to deny us this. lol
Victoria @ My Daily Cuppa recently posted..What I Have Learned from The 30 Day List Building and Blogging Challenge
Oh wow, Victoria! Way to go! And what a good idea to look back and acknowledge yourself for how far you’ve come.
I am so chuffed that I’ve managed to do a post per day! I also have to do my freebie – but I’m getting there – it’s ok to learn as you go along
Tamsin recently posted..What’s Your Money Talk?
Tamsin – I think that we should all remember to evaluate how far we have come, regardless of whether it is making videos, blogging or indeed increasing our online income.
Thanks for your comment and for using the word “Chuffed”. Love it.
Hi Victoria, love to see the difference in energy between your latest video and your early ones – good job with that! This vlog stuff is crazy, isn’t it?!
Matthew Shelton recently posted..The money is not in the list
Hi Matthew – Thank you for stopping by. This vlogging sure is crazy but that’s what makes it fun eh?
This challenge has already got me to make a podcast! How’s that for getting off my err.. rump a dump!
I love Tiff’s challenge, her community, and you! Thanks for being there for me Victoria during the vlogging challenge and now through all of this one!
Bonnie Gean recently posted..Harness the Power of a Signature File [Podcast #001]
Ah Bonnie – it was so great to “meet” you during the video challenge and I am so pleased with how you are doing with the one.
We have another Podcaster in our midsts! That’s amazing. I am off to go listen
Victoria,
I really love your site. I like the way it’s laid out and that you put everything out there. What a refreshing thing to see. I haven’t gotten brave enough yet to try a Vlog, but maybe one day. Right now I’m just concentrating on getting information out on my website.
Enjoy the challenge and I’m sure I’ll see you online soon!
Jan Royston recently posted..It’s Time To Check Your Credit Report!
Hello Jan,
Thank you for the compliment. I really hope that you will be able to get a video done but, hey, it is OK to work at your own pace. You will know when you are ready.
Good luck with building up your own website content.
LOL, I really did! I love your it’s OK, cos that’s me as well. Thanks Victoria!
Kerry recently posted..Be More Productive Now.
Everyone needs to have their own list of “Its OKs”. lol.
Thanks for stopping by.
Victoria, all I can say is WOW. Well done, what a difference. Way to go!
Kathy Robinson recently posted..Celebrate Every Milestone
Thanks Kathy. I’m gonna keep on trying to improve. 2013 is the year for getting things done!
Hi Victoria, what a wonderful post. I guess I’m just learning that it IS OK to…that has been my greatest challenge thus far. I wasn’t trying to win the nobel peace prize or anything, but I just felt every post I put up should be an educative one, duh. With this challenge, I just blog. Simple.
Thanks for sharing your heart. Sorry I can’t take you up on the VLog challenge just yet, but soon enough.
Sharon recently posted..Getting Personal: Something for the Weekend
Hi Sharon.
We get so hung up on thinking that we have to write a masterpiece that we sometimes just get stuck. If we all just blog, everything else will follow.
I look forward to when you have the chance to jump on board the Vlogging train.
Day 30 made me laugh out loud. I’m slowly trying to do BOTH challenges at the same time because I’m a natural ham (and thus not Kosher?). I’ll post it as part of the current challenge. BTW as far as when you say, “it doesn’t matter what you look like…” you need not worry. You look quite pretty! Ooops! Too creepy?
Buddy
Buddy Tripp recently posted..Two Paths Diverged…
Hey Buddy – Glad you liked the video. I look forward to watching videos from The Buddy Show. Good luck
Oh and thanks for,the compliment. Not creepy at all. lol.
I like your outlook, Victoria. It’s too easy (at least for me) to be so hung up on perfection that I just don’t do anything. I have to keep telling myself “it’s OK to have mistakes”. I’m getting a lot more done that way!
Katie S recently posted..Shoe In Money Review 7: What Really Pissed Me Off
Hi Katie – It is all a work in progress. We are conditioned to only accept perfection for some reason but that can be such a hindrance in everyday life.
Glad that you too are allowing yourself to feel OK about making mistakes and then getting on with life.
Good luck on the challenge.