stop worrying about what you can’t control and just get started

In twenty minutes of leisurely Googling I found 66 blogs on simplicity, minimalism, and personal development. This genre has taken off in the past couple years and with Zen Habits leading the way, is becoming very popular. I’m very new to blogging and entrepreneurship, but even I know that with so much competition it can be nearly impossible to differentiate myself. How is thesimplerlife.net any different from the hundreds of other blogs that write about the same stuff? What makes me think that I can write anything that hasn’t been written before on one of these other blogs?

The short answer to that question is that I’m not sure what I’m doing here is standing out in anyway. The general advice is to usually find a niche and become the authoritative voice for your little corner of a subject. What is my niche? Twenty-something college graduates that couldn’t find a job and are living at home with his parents and four little brothers? Or, maybe more optimistically, twenty-something coaches and teachers with a passion for learning and teaching? Or maybe my niche is taking aspects of simplicity and minimalism and applying a more academic or philosophical bent? Or maybe it’s focusing on the experiential and personal in my own quest for simplicity?

I don’t know what my niche is right now, and honestly, I’m OK with that. This blog has been an incredibly personal reflection tool for me over the past few months. It has forced me to sit down and write a little bit almost every day. It has forced me to think about these aspects of life that I find interesting. It has helped me learn how to articulate what I’m thinking and, more importantly, why I’m thinking that way. Even if my blog is lost in obscurity among the hundreds of similar ones, the personal gain I have experienced has made this effort worthwhile.

Of course, I would love to somehow find my niche and experience the popularity explosion that the most well known blogs in this genre have experienced. However, that cannot be my ultimate goal. My purpose with this blog is first and foremost to poke, prod, and challenge myself. Secondly, I want to help other people examine their own lives and thoughts through my writing.

In the past I have worried too much about doing something that someone else had already done. Instead of starting a blog, I’d spend my time thinking about how my blog would be different or better than every other blog. Instead of being an invigorating thought, I would immediately get discouraged by the thought of all these well-established blogs overshadowing my own efforts. This time, the big difference was that I just started writing every day and putting my words out there. I stopped worrying about what other blogs were doing and focused on what I could actually control, my own output. Maybe at some point I’ll reach a level of success where I can spend more time thinking about how to make my blog more popular, but right now my focus is solely on content. At the very least, this blog is a great personal tool even if I never have another set of eyes look upon it.

I hope that if you’ve found my writing interesting in the past you will continue to do so in the future. I would love for you to drop a comment on an article, send me an email, catch me on Twitter or Buzz and start a conversation with me. I want to talk and think about this stuff with you and I hope this blog is a valuable starting point for your own exploration of your life.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 at 5:00 am and is filed under personal. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

  • SimplyJo (aka365girl)
    Just need to come back in here - I've got a feeling that this post may be the turning point for you... In life there's sometimes that one defining moment (there'll be others but this may be your first step).... Good luck Sam!
  • You think? At the very least, this has been the most popular post I've ever written in terms of comments-- so I'm definitely thankful for that. It's exciting to think that it might be a turning point....
  • Leo
    Hi Sam ... not offended at all! I wouldn't wish being the "next Zen Habits" on anyone. It's better to be the next yourself. :)

    You're in the right space, so I think this will continue to be a rewarding journey for you. Hope to continue this conversation for months to come.
  • I'm a bit late commenting here, but I'd just like to share a couple of things from my experience:

    1. Forget about subscriber numbers and who's bigger than you. If I had worried about that when I started, I would never have started. All of that matters not a whit. Just produce great content, connect with your readers, and have fun. Bloggers put too much pressure on themselves.

    2. Forget about niche and differentiating. There's too much talk about this stuff too. What will differentiate you isn't your niche or topics but your voice. You might write about the exact same thing as me, but you'll do it differently because you're different, with different perspectives, experience, philosophy, advice, and writing style. Let your voice shine through, speak from a place of authenticity, and readers will notice the difference.

    Best of luck! And it's true -- this isn't a zero-sum game. We can all win, and I'd be happy to help anyone out who needs a boost somehow.
  • Sam
    Leo,

    Thank you very much for responding, I appreciate it. I hope you aren't offended by the URL of this post :)

    I'm in firm agreement with everything you just said. I'm enjoying this whole experience so much and I think I was putting too much pressure on myself at first. Now, I just write stuff that I would be interested in reading and I'll let what happens, happen.

    Your blog is what started me on this journey of examining my life about two years ago so I'm honored that you've read something I've written. Thanks so much and take care.
  • I just found your blog today, and I'm pleased that I did. It's awesome to see another twenty-something who has been contemplating minimalism, mindfulness, and creativity!

    It's tough—putting yourself out there in the blog world, trying to write something meaningful. I also decided to 'just get started,' recently, with a food blog. I know there are more food blogs out there than ever before, but I think this will be a good way to capture my photos (which I usually post on Flickr) and my memories.

    Anyway, I'm enjoying reading through your other entries. Keep up the great work! I think you've got something different to offer.
  • Sam
    @Jess

    Thank you very much for the kind words. I'm so glad that I decided to just get started. Regardless of how many books you read or how much you research something you'll never learn more than by just actually doing it. I'll be sure to check out your food blog. Good luck!
  • Great Post!

    Very insightful. I am happy to see someone so honest and clear about stepping into the unknown for themselves and not for others. I am new to blogging as well and have had similar concerns with why I am doing this when so many others are doing the same thing. Personally, I have a many reasons:
    1. I enjoy it
    2. I have gotten to a place in my life where I feel like I understand something well enough to create helpful, insightful content rather than content to fill a page.
    3. Even though the "simplists" might all be saying the same thing we are part of a movement. And, like any movement, some are leaders, some are followers. But, we are all standing up saying that there needs to be a change.
    4. I am learning. From you and from others and from myself.

    Keep on blogging!

    Jason
  • Sam
    Those are some great reasons to be blogging and align with my own reasons quite well. Thanks for reading and good luck with your own blogging!
  • Sam
    @Tammy Strobel

    I'm loving the comments as well. I always like reading other people's take on what I write. Thanks for the encouraging words.

    @Kelly

    That is a seriously exciting job description. What kind of work do you do?

    @Beth

    Thanks :) I really, really appreciate the subscription. Thank you so much.

    @lisacle

    It's so easy to get bogged down with worry and planning before actually doing anything. I think it can be helpful to be reminded that everything that we plan and all the goals we have for ourself are nothing but dreams if we don't DO. Thanks for reading!

    @Danielle

    Awesome! Hopefully our similar backgrounds will result in me writing some helpful posts for you. Thanks for coming back, I'm glad to have you :)

    I've been doing a ton of guest posts (and am always looking for more!). This week I guest posted on TMP (as you saw), RowdyKittens, and tomorrow will be on The Art of Great Things. I think I'll do a roundup of all the guest articles I have out there (7 or 8 now I think) to help people find new blogs to read and get all my external writings together in one place.

    As far as my About page, you're right. I'm planning on re-writing it in the next week or so to be more descriptive of myself and who exactly I am. Thanks for the nudge in the right direction.
  • Danielle
    I have been reading minimal and simplicity blogs for quite a while now and your blog is the first written from a 20 something graduate like myself. You have your own experiences and opinions to bring about solid pieces of writing and that's why I plan on coming back!

    Good luck! :)

    By the way, I saw your post at The Minimalist Path and would recommend you continue doing guest posts if you want to increase the amount of visiters to come to your site. Just a thought..

    Also, I like reading about the individual behind the blog. I noticed your about page doesn't really say much about you..just what you plan on doing with your blog. Why is that?
  • Thank you for this post. I was just feeling the same way. I think "just stop worrying and start doing" is great advice for many areas of life, not just blogging. You've given me the "permission" I needed to move forward.
  • Hey, relax. You are not going to get chewed up out here. In fact I accidentally happened across your site. When I saw the headline "stop worrying about what you can’t control and just get started" I knew I'd be reading you for a while. I subscribed right then.
    Take care. Beth
  • Kelly
    I'm not a "blogger" but this post helped me. I just started a new job & was told "here's your job description, you can make it your own and make your mark." A lot of freedom, but scary too
    ..especially for someone like me who's a hard worker and has perfectionist tendencies. Your post is a great reminder for me to not put so much pressure on myself to be an expert at everything right away. Give it time. Do one thing really well everyday. Those "one things" will add up to your own version of greatness.
  • Sam this is such a great post. I really enjoyed reading the comments too. I think it's all about writing useful content that will help people. My blog has slowly grown over time. It started out as a personal journal and now I have about 1000 subscribers. I try not to fret over stat's but stay focused on connecting with people and writing content that rocks.

    I agree with Everett - don't worry about the "bigger bloggers." Being part of the change and doing something positive is what truly makes a difference. :)

    Keep up the great work.
  • @Everett Bogue
    "That still leaves 9 billion other people with two-car garages filled with junk"
    Thanks for that thought! I laughed out loud on that one! Great way to start the day.
  • Sam
    @Jeffrey Tang

    Thanks for the kind words. I know what you mean about uprooting and starting over-- I've done that at least twice. It's tempting to look at those attempts like wasted time and effort but I think now that they helped give me the confidence and know-how to start this blog.

    I really admire the work you do at The Art of Great Things so it means a lot to me to get this advice from you. Thanks so much.

    @365girl

    I'll see if I can find that article; it sounds interesting. I'm glad that my blog is adding value to your life even if we are in vastly different life situations. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment-- it means A LOT to me.

    @Everett Bogue

    It's reassuring to think that you had the same subscriber count I do two months ago. I really admire your work at Far Beyond the Stars and I know you've been through the same growing pains that I'm going through.

    I definitely agree that this is not a zero-sum game. One of the biggest surprises from my short blogging career are the friendships I'm starting to build in the simplicity/minimalism community.

    Thanks for the kind words and I appreciate you taking the time to comment!

    @Karo

    You and I have the same philosophy it sounds like. I figure, the more I write the more I will have to say. The more I explore ideas and connections the more likely it is that I'll be able to find a specific "niche." Thanks for reading and commenting!

    @Quinn

    "A niche…is not something that is manufactured but is something that is carved out as we test the boundaries of our abilities and interest."

    That is very well said and I agree 100%. I think prior to this project I assumed that I would brainstorm my niche and quickly discover my own little corner of the internet. That is definitely not the case and as I said in reply to Karo, the more I write the more I explore the ideas and connections between them. That exploration is what will find my "niche."
  • I agree with your idea that blogging is a great way to make yourself think about topics that interest you - so true.

    And it's easy for me to get overwhelmed by all the big-name blogs out there, too, but then I have to remember that those other bloggers, they're just people too. People getting up early in the morning, tweeting in their pajamas and just living life like everyone else. All we see is their avatar, their online presence, but at the other end of the post/tweet/status/comment/buzz they're really just regular people - as evidenced even by the comments on this post!
  • I think the blogs that take off are the ones that are written from a love of the work, not a desire to write. A niche in my onion is not something that is manufactured but something that is carved out as we test the boundaries of our abilities and interest. This proses of discovery is part of what makes the blogs work and feel alive. thanks for the post good stuff here.
  • Great attitude. I tried to plan my blog in advance and find my voice, my niche audience, all that. But the best thing for me has been to simply start writing and just keep writing. I think eventually what I'm best at, and what I can bring to the discussion on minimalism and simplicity will come to the forefront, and in the meantime, I'm just going to keep at it. Good luck!
  • Great thoughts!

    Truth be told, I had the same subscriber count you have two months ago. Don't worry about the bigger blogs in the niche overshadowing you. Leo may have 160,000 readers, I may have 2000. That still leaves 9 billion other people with two-car garages filled with junk.

    The amazing thing about writing about this subject is that it's not a zero-sum game. We're all in this together, we all grow together. Whatever you contribute it will be unique because you're you.

    Here's what I thought about when I had 23 subscribers, and then 123, and then 600 on on up: how can I help people? I don't publish if it's not helpful. Helpful information spreads better than anything.

    You'd be surprised how many people a just searching for a reason to make a change. They need a little nudge before they decide to make a leap of faith and throw something out (an object, an emotion) that they've been holding on to for 30 years.

    You are a part of that change.
  • 365girl
    Sorry - second comment also for me - don't google and look at what everyone else is doing - it's overwhelming and they will always be better than you in your eyes ((you will feel unoriginal because someone has already demonstrated an idea or concept that came to you whilst you were in the shower and you thought was original (agree with Jeffreys quote on that one)) - as the well known Global brand states ' Just Do It' - thats the most important thing. Can I add my quote also (well not mine exactly rather Confucius) 'It does not matter how slow you go as long as you do not stop'. I'm on a roll today - perhaps I should start a motivational blog haha! Fortunately I am off on the school run here now as we are way infront time wise (or is that behind?) so that's the last you'll be hearing from me... have fun
  • 365girl
    Hi Sam - How you doin'? Read a good article on Site Sketch 101 on 'changing the way we look at blogging' it may be of interest to you. My advice is don't fret about finding your niche - if you have something to say your audience will find you. Do what you love and do it with passion. I'm reading your blog and enjoying it - it's adding value to my life and I am by no means a college graduate at home with the olds (I am the 'old' in my house with two kids in tow!). Enjoy...
  • My apologies for the double comment, but I wanted to share this quote, which is one of my favorites:

    "Some writers confuse authenticity, which they ought always to aim at, with originality, which they should never bother about." - W.H. Auden

    Keep rockin.
  • Sam,

    This is a fantastic post. I mean that. Especially because I know exactly what you're talking about. A lot of blogging advice centers around choosing a niche, building a brand, standing out - which is all well and good, except it's rarely easy to do any of these things.

    In my own blogging journey, I've gone through several ideas and even uprooted my entire blog in favor of a new focus and new domain. I lost a lot in the process, but learned much more. I've really come to the conclusion that, in blogging, the strongest brands aren't planned out on a sheet of paper; they're slowly brought into focus through trial and error and just jumping in and doing your thing.

    Your thing. That's the simple, frustrating little key to it all. Most of us think we know what "our thing" is - but we're usually wrong.

    And what's even more challenging is this: every so often you hit a period of crippling self-doubt, where you're absolutely certain you've screwed it up and should either start over or scrap the whole thing. At times like that, all you can do is forget about whether you're successful or whether anyone likes what you have to say, and just focus on doing good work by your own standards.

    I think it's absolutely amazing what you've realized here.

    And because you've realized it, you win.
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