How Your Blog “Mistakes” Are Really Hidden Successes
J.M. Barrie
Buy a domain name, set up your website, and write, write, write. Optimize your social media, opt in for every webinar under the sun, and agonize over every detail. You work late nights and promote your blog, self-promote, and promote six ways to Sunday in hopes of driving traffic. You’re putting your heart and soul into your new online business.
But then … wait. What’s that sound? Crickets?
Nooooo!
Gasp!
—you made mistakes! You find out you’ve been doing it all wrong! And you
feel like a failure
.
I’m a Failure!
Sound familiar?
Of course it does. Failure is unavoidable, particularly in monetized blogging and entrepreneurship. Just because you hear more about solopreneur successes doesn’t mean squat about the mistakes everyone makes.
But I’ve got news for you, cupcake—those “mistakes” and “failures” are actually opportunities for success. No, really.
I’m going to show you how to turn things around.
Story Time
First, let me tell you a little story. It’s an ancient parable and you might already know it.
A man and his son were tired of being poor. The man became an entrepreneur, a horse breeder. He invested all his money in a stallion. On the first day, the stallion kicked free of his paddock and ran away.The man’s friends told him, “What bad judgment! You put all your money in a horse?”The man only said, “Bad thing, good thing. Who knows?” Later, the man spied the stallion with a band of wild horses in a nearby valley. He captured them. He now had more than a dozen and was rich.His friends enviously said, “We thought you were poor, but how lucky, now you’re rich!”
The man only said, “Bad thing, good thing. Who knows?”
One day while training, the man’s son looked away from his horse and the horse broke the boy’s leg. It healed crookedly.
Again, friends offered opinions. “Ah, what stupidity! Now what will become of him?”
The man only said, “Bad thing, good thing. Who knows?”
That autumn, the king declared war. The able-bodied young men went off to fight and were slaughtered. The only young man to survive was the son. His leg had kept him from battle.
The man’s friends all cried, “You’re so blessed! Our sons are all gone but yours is living with you.”
The man only said, “Bad thing, good thing. Who knows?”
So What Is a Blogging Mistake?
Instead of answering that directly, let me deliver some home truths of entrepreneurship/solopreneurship:
Entrepreneurs Keep Going
Just like the tale of the man and the boy and the horses, mistakes aren’t the end of the story. The most successful entrepreneurs are those who take failures in stride, learn from them, and get better. They’re willing to fail—and fail BIG— usually, over and over .
That’s probably not something you want to hear, but ponder this:
You’re getting the picture, right?
IF SOMEONE TOLD YOU BLOGGING WAS EASY MONEY, THEY WERE MISINFORMED OR LYING. IT'S REAL WORK.
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And so what? You can do it.
You know how to work hard. You know how to learn. And you can be a success.
Blog coaching can skyrocket the growth of your blog-based business.
Entrepreneurial Secret Sauce
We’ve established now that entrepreneurship, blogging, and business owning are learning processes. So what skill do you need to learn next? Website design strategies, wordsmithing wizardry, more social media mastery?
Nope.
THE SKILL YOU NEED TO SUCCEED IS RESILIENCE. Click To TweetResilience is the skill of how to handle losing. Failure. Mistakes. It’s also the ability to endure hard times, bounce back, and carry on. While you can’t control what happens to you, you can control how you react to it. (I know. My mom said that, too. But she was right.)
But fortitude and persistence by themselves aren’t enough. You also have to see things clearly, learn from your mistakes, and go forward from a place of humility and authenticity.
Resilience draws from strength of character, from a core set of values that motivate efforts to overcome the setback and resume walking the path to success. It involves self-control and willingness to acknowledge one’s own role in defeat. Resilience also thrives on a sense of community — the desire to pick oneself up because of an obligation to others and because of support from others who want the same thing. Resilience is manifested in actions — a new contribution, a small win, a goal that takes attention off of the past and creates excitement about the future.
~Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Harvard Business Review
Does this sound complicated and hard? It’s not. Let’s go back to skool.
Entrepreneur Failure Training 101
Here’s a guaranteed five-step process for handling mistakes and failures like an entrepreneurial ninja.
Now go get ’em, tiger!
You can dramatically accelerate the growth of your blog-based business.
To help you put these strategies into action, I’ve prepared a fab, free, downloadable “mistake to opportunity” mindset workbook. It guides you in detail through the five steps listed above. To score the workbook, head over to the Library , enter your password, and start your download. If you don’t already have a password, fear not. Use the form below to request one. Hang tight, we’ll send it to you pronto and add you to our mailing list for other great free tips and freebies.
Want to come back to this article or share it with a friend? Pin the image below or use the social media buttons at the end of the post to spread the joy.
What’s your best way for dealing with setbacks? Please share it in the comments. You never know whom you could help today with your words of encouragement.
BEIJOS FROM BRAZIL,
Perfect Post Checklist
Entice with compelling content!
Courtney Helena
Latest posts by Courtney Helena ( see all )
- 22 Fantastic Reasons to Blog (That Aren’t About Money) - July 9, 2017
- How Your Blog “Mistakes” Are Really Hidden Successes - June 19, 2017
- How to Set Powerful Goals You Actually Achieve - May 1, 2017
I loved this post! 🙂 The story is so true. You just can’t give up and sometimes “mistakes” are the biggest blessings.
Absolutely. We never know how one thing plays into a larger plan. It can be so hard to remember at the moment things seem to go wrong, but as a friend of mine once said: “Things always turn out all right in the end. If it ain’t fine, it ain’t the end.” So glad you loved it!
Boy…as a new blogger, I needed this read. Thanks for sharing and yep–I’m gonna fail my way to success!!
Great post and very helpful! I’m gonna pin it for later- I’m sure that I’m gonna need to re-read this!!
Wow Julie, thank you for telling this – it made my day!!! If just one person could have it easier than I did … With your attitude, you are going to get to a great place. I have no doubt of that whatsoever. Thanks for the pin, too! <3
There is so much truth in this. Thank you for sharing. So many times we as bloggers might feel like we are not meeting our expectations but it is our own path and with hard work and determination we can make our dream become a reality.
Perfectly put, Katee! Key words: our own expectations. We are often so hard on ourselves, but it’s all part of the learning process. You are spot on with the resolution to work hard and be determined. Will be watching to see where you go!
Even just how my pins look has been a constant revisit to the drawing board. I do more reading learn a little more and find something else about my pins that I’ve done “wrong” and have to redo them. I’m not sure if its resilience or just stubbornness, but I just tell myself the hours spent fixing them over and over is progress and keep going!
Oh Courtney, I hear you! Something looks good to me, I look later and think, what was I thinking??? It’s totally normal. It’s all part of the process and you are doing just fine! Are the fixes helping them get more pins? I hope so, girl!!!
Courtney, This article is amazing and the main message of “just keep trying” and always looking forward can be transferred to so many other aspects of life. Thank you!
Kelly, thank you for taking the time to read and comment! Yes, this absolutely CAN be applied to other areas of life. Well spotted and well said! Best wishes for your blogging!
Needed to hear this! I struggle with my failures. There seem to be so many. So a reminder is often needed to keep me going strong.
I’m so glad this helped, but please know that blogging is a test for all of us! I decided to leave my own story out of it, but I have already had plenty. I hope this can continue to serve as a reminder as you move forward and grow in your blogging career!
Hey Courtney,
LOVE this post! I completely agree. I’ve trained myself to enjoy my mistakes, it’s the best way to learn. And also allows me to appreciate that I’m still learning.
Thanks for the advice,
Nadalie
Nadalie recently posted… How to ‘Make It’ with a Powerful Brand Mantra
Hey Nadalie, thanks for your comments! I respect your work greatly and a “seal of approval” coming from you is high indeed. And, great point – we are in a continuous process of learning. To stop learning is to die inside.
This is one thing that I have gone into pro blogging with… at the forefront of my mind.. every failure can become a success. Inspired by Richard Branson and the like. I believe everything happens for a reason and it’s always a valuable learning experience. Right now, I’m exactly where I need to be 🙂
Claire, I’m so glad this resonated with you. Yes, Richard Branson is a great example of someone who kept going! I am so happy to hear you are right where you need to be. Best wishes for a bright blogging future.
You always have the best advice! This post was an eye opener for me and the mistakes I have made!
Wow, Jessie! Thanks for your comments! I hope that rather than pointing out your mistakes, it was reassuring. You simply had opportunities to learn and grow and become better. I believe in you!!!
Mistakes are often blessings in disguise but we get so caught up in the mistake itself that we fail to see it until we look back at it. I loved your post, I could relate to so many of your great points. Thanks for sharing!
Michelle, how right you are! “Mistakes” are often “bad” only because we’re viewing them in the moment, and for sure, often only in hindsight and examination can we see the good in something. I’m so glad this resonated with you! Happy blogging!
I really needed this right now. I have been feeling unmotivated and so blah about my blog and feeling like a failure !! thanks so much for this courtney xoxo
Jay, thanks for taking the time to comment and let me know how you’re feeling. I am certain that you are *not* a failure, and are simply in this (tough) entrepreneurial journey like the rest of us! Stay strong and keep going. All will work out the way it’s supposed to. xoxo
I love this teaching tale. It helps keep life in perspective.
Hi Tamara, the teaching tale is one of my favorites, too! I’m really pleased you liked the article.
I loved this post, especially the graphic of all the failures.
Hey Kimberly! I’m so glad you liked it. The graphic of the failures was fun to research and put together!
Amazing post, Helena! You’ve excellently jotted down the failures and the idea of transforming those mistakes into success. Completely impressed by what you said.
Enjoyed reading the home truths of entrepreneurship. It just gives a crystal clear thought on entrepreneurship and how to pursue it. I call it real motivation for solopreneurs or bloggers.
Who says blogging is easy?
Absolutely loved ‘IF SOMEONE TOLD YOU BLOGGING WAS EASY MONEY, THEY WERE MISINFORMED OR LYING. IT’S REAL WORK’.
Arfa
Arfa Nazeer | Epife Blog recently posted… Blog Traffic For Beginners : How To Get 0-1000 Daily Readers
Arfa, thank you deeply for the high praise! Coming from you, this means so much. I just read and commented on your most recent post. Although our posts look different on the surface, we have many of the same messages: work hard, keep going. It’s so true.
It’s motivating to read your post! Blogging is such a complex, multi-faceted business that it’s hard to find sure fire strategies and processes that work for you. At the end of the day, as long as you enjoy what you do, I say keep going!
-Kristin
countdowntofridayblog.com
Hey Kristin, how great to hear you’re feeling more motivated! You are quite right about blogging, but after owning other businesses, I think all entrepreneurship is that way. What’s so complicated about blogging is this weird idea that people spread saying that it’s easy money. Huh? Nope! And oh yes, if you don’t do it for the love of it, why do it at all? I wish you all the best in your continued blogging career!
Love the post. Very encouraging and I love the gif you put on Facebook. Great idea!
Dear Rosemerry, thank you so much! Keep up the great work with your blogging activities, and I wish you much success in the future!
Thank you so much for this post it is amazing as how we can look back and see how far we have come even when you are not getting paid yet for hard work in blogging.
Absolutely, Nana! And you never know when you’ll hit things just right and start monetizing. Don’t give up! You can get there!
This is such a helpful post and so appreciated! We all make mistakes as new bloggers and it is nice to have it put out there for everyone to see that mistakes are definitely not always bad – if we learn form them they can be very powerful teachers and lead us to amazing success. 🙂
Hey Grandi, yes, success awaits those who hang in there! I can’t wait to see where you take your blog. I know it’s going to be great. 🙂
Mistakes are often stepping stones to greater things. Lovely lovely post. Thank you so much for sharing.
Jenny, very well said! Thank you for your kind words and for reading! Best wishes!
Love, love, love! This is a big game of trial and error. Making mistakes just teaches you a valuable lesson that you can teach others and use yourself.
Chevelle, I’m so happy to know you loved the article! You are spot on when you say that not only do our lessons apply to ourselves, but they can also serve to help others. Excellent point!
This makes me feel better! lol There’s such a learning curve with writing blogs but it all does pay off and help you learn. The trick is not to get too hung up on the fails 🙂
How right you are, Shelby! “Fails” are one learning step in the blogging experience. They pass if you keep going. Glad you feel better, and best wishes for a bright blogging future!
Courtney, this was such a lovely, uplifting read! Thank you so much for writing it and giving me a motivation boost this morning 🙂 It’s hard to develop a positive outlook on past failures but so essential to succeeding!
Emily DeBarbieri | Uno Dos Trae recently posted… 6 Amazing Email Marketing Designs to Inspire Your Brand’s Strategy
Emily, thanks so much for taking the time to let me know what you felt about it! It’s fantastic to know it helped you. Keep going and keep up the motivation – you have something valuable to offer the world!
This is an excellent post. I loved that story that you shared. I appreciate posts like this so much! It is a really good reminder to keep learning and to keep pushing as I work to grow the blog. Thank you for sharing!
Mary Leigh, thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so glad it helps as you are in the exciting process of growing your blog. Best wishes along your blogging journey!
Love this!!!!!
Thank you! Finally getting the guts to start postong, and then feeling like there are endless ‘mistakes’ can be discouraging to say the least. Having he confidence to move on and learn, that is the true test of success.
Tricia, find your courage. People need you to get your message out into the world! Discouragement and other difficult feelings are part of the process, but don’t let them stop you. You got this!
Love this post. It helps me keep things in perspective especially since I am in a stage of trial and error ( seemingly mostly error) to grow traffic to my site. I plan to invest in some courses this summer to help me become more effective at driving ( and converting) traffic. Thanks for the post.
Darlene, I’m so glad that you’ll be investing in your education to get your blog off the ground. Know that your errors truly are steps in the path to success, if you only stick with it!
Awesome article! I launched my blog in March and I struggle every day with insecurity. I try really hard to focus on the positives…I’ve tripled my Twitter following, I’ve tripled my Pinterest followers, My Instagram followers have multiplied by 10, I’ve met the most amazing people, and I’ve learned more than I ever could have imagined (and learn more every day). There are SO MANY positives. Yes, I hope to keep growing my viewers and subscribers.. but at least I know I’m making progress.
Michelle C. recently posted… Creating Good Habits with Coach.me
Michelle, I know what it’s like to feel insecurity, and my own path has been less than smooth. Do focus on those positives, because they are just as valid as the things you see as failures! If you keep putting yourself out there, and keep trying, and yes, keep failing, you will end up where you need to be.
Thanks for the “pep talk!” I needed that!
So glad it helped, Amber! Keep on blogging!
Mistakes are definitely the best opportunity to learn, grow and better yourself. Celebrate mistakes!
https://lisanewmanmorris.com.au
I love your view on mistakes – that they’re neither good or bad. Never thought of it that way but it makes so much sense. They’re learning experiences and should be valued also.
Exactly, Sarah! You’re absolutely right, we demonize “mistakes” instead of valuing them. I wish you the best with your blogging and business growth!
Lovely post. Very motivational. How true its how we deal with our failures that determines our successes!
Aneeq, thanks so much for your very kind words! I’m so glad you found this post helpful. : )
This is such a refreshing take on this when something doesn’t work out the way that we planned – definitely something to keep in mind for so many areas of life and not just blogging! 🙂
Thank you for sharing.
Mica recently posted… Maxi Dresses in Winter (And How To Get Cheap Leather Jackets)
Mica, you are so right – it does apply, to pretty much every! I’m so glad you liked it. Happy blogging!
Really good tips. It’s so easy to get bogged down in your mistakes and give up but blogging is hard work and we need to brush ourselves off and keep going! There are so many articles telling you how easy it is and how you can make so many million dollars in your first month, it’s nice to see a realistic article that helps boost our confidence when it doesn’t work for us!
Sophie, fantastic points! I feel so frustrated when I see those articles spreading lies to beginning bloggers, capitalizing on their lack of information, usually for financial gain. I’m so glad to hear this article served to lift you up instead! Best wishes for your upcoming blogging adventures.
Great post! Resilience is key…I am patiently waiting to see the fruit of my Labor.
That’s the way to go, Renita! Glad you liked the post.
Awesome and encouraging. Thanks for sharing. I am new to blogging and I have already felt the feeling of failure more than once. Now I know to maintain my resilience is key.
Hi Toni, welcome to the world of blogging! What you’re feeling is totally normal, and yes, the key is sticking with it and learning from mistakes! Best wishes.
Courtney,
This is such an inspirational post. I love how you provided the parable. That bit of history about the number of times big names have failed was encouraging to say the least.
Blogging is quite a journey, to say the least. I love this ride.
Crystal recently posted… How to Maintain Focus In Homeschool
Hey Crystal, I’m thrilled to hear it had such a positive impact! Blogging is indeed a journey, isn’t it? It’s only over when you step off the track. Keep going, Crystal, and best wishes!
What a meaty article for newbie bloggers like me! Lots of good info and the reality that it’s okay to make mistakes!
Haha Arlene, I hope meaty is in a good way and it wasn’t overwhelming. And yes, it’s totally ok to make mistakes. Keep up your hard work!
Thank you so much for a great post, you answered a lot of my questions !
Hi Liz, so glad to hear it helped you! What were your questions?
Great content, and great attitude from you. I agree, resilience is gold, absolute gold! I also feel looking for at least 3 good positive thing for every negative thing helps always have more ups and downs.
Thanks for sharing
Sylvie, thanks so much for reading and for your comments! I totally agree with your point that attitude and perspective go a long way to keep us feeling happy. Excellent points! Best wishes.
I agree mistakes in blogs grow us. I love looking back at mine and seeing how much the blog has grown with me.
Mihaela, that’s a fantastic perspective to have! I like how you pause and reflect, because otherwise, it’s easy not to see how far we’ve come.
I appreciate this a lot as a new blogger. I’ve been struggling with refining my “niche” since my interests don’t really fit into anywhere marketable, but I guess that’s where I’m supposed to figure out how to work around it. Thanks for the motivation!
Dawy, niches can be incredibly hard to narrow down. Almost certainly there is some way to make money with your blog, if that’s your goal. Be persistent and you will find it!
I loved reading this! Not many people talk about failure in the blogging community, and I wish that more people would. It’s so true when you say failures are opportunities for success. It took me a long time to learn and accept that. The greatest entrepreneurs have failed on levels that most of us can’t even imagine. The difference between them and the average person is that they kept pushing through.
Tiffany Griffin recently posted… 5 Tips for Treating Your Blog Like a Business
Tiffany, I’m so glad you commented! I agree with you, the blogging community is filled with (often exaggerated) successes. There are very few models of “reality,” which promoted me as a blogging coach to write this. Good for you for reaching the point you can accept failure for what it is, and have it all in perspective! You will be a model for others. Best wishes!