Hello gorgeous friends! This past Sunday I celebrated six months of blogging! Whoo-hoo! (Well, technically I started Instagram a little bit before blogging, but I consider them one and the same). As I reflected on the past six months, I realized that there have been so many things that I have learned along the way. Things I wished I was better at when I started. Things I want to share with you! I hope you enjoy reading the six most important things I’ve learned since starting this journey and thank you for being a part of it!
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Connect with people.
Finding friends with shared interests has been my favorite thing about blogging and Instagram. It has been so much fun to learn about the beautiful woman that surround the community and let them inspire me! Blogging is not about the numbers of likes, comments, or followers on social media, but rather about the connections that I’ve made and will hold dear forever.
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Never compare yourself to others.
This is so easy to do especially when I purposefully surround myself in a community of other fashion bloggers, but it is of the upmost importance. Comparing my success to another’s only brings me down. I have learned to let my uniqueness shine and be myself in all circumstances. I have learned to embrace my own style and not compare myself to the styles that other woman have. Style is about individuality. You should only wear what you love and makes you feel confident.
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Celebrate the small accomplishments.
Keeping track of my accomplishments helps keep me grounded and not lose sight of where I’ve come from. I have learned to keep an ongoing journal listing my accomplishments since I’ve started. Whether it’s a collaboration, hitting a goal, or meeting a new friend, reading back on this list brings me encouragement and keeps me motivated.
I also have documented my Instagram photos by using Chatbooks that sends me a cute little book every 60 Instagram photos. In six months, I just received my third book! It’s so fun to hold in hand and see the result of my hard work and progress. Feel free to use my code 9TETQNT4 and you’ll get your first chat book full of cherished photos free!
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Stay organized and plan ahead.
This is something I really failed at when I first started. I hardly knew what I was doing from one day to the next. I would stress out about not having content. I purchased a planner and have never felt more organized! It not only helps me make time for myself, but also keeps me on track and sane. If you’re interested in the planner I chose, check it out at The Happy Planner. I really love that I can make the planner my own!
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Set goals.
I am a major goal setter. It could be the perfectionist or teacher in me, but I find it really important to set goals no matter how big or small. What I’ve found more important than setting goals, however, is not letting them stress you out. Goals should be a way to motivate and encourage you, not bring you down if you don’t succeed. Making attainable goals and doing your best to accomplish them will set you up for success.
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If you’re not enjoying it, you’re doing it wrong.
Let’s be honest. Blogging is hard work! Finding the time to write content and take photos for your posts can be draining at times. There were many times in the past six months that I wanted to quit. I had to remind myself why I started in the first place and learned to have fun with it! Since then, I enjoy it so much more and am much happier for it!
These never seen before photos are from the outfit post How to Continue Wearing White in the Fall.
I’m Molly Lawson! I live in Seattle and am an optimist, adventurer, and bold lipstick wearer. I created this space to inspire and empower women with words of encouragement known as #MollysWords and share inspiration through my personal style. I always want my readers to leave with a smile and I hope you do!
This was wonderful ! Great read Molly!
Author
Thank you Victoria! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂 So thankful you’ve been a part of my journey and been a wonderful, supportive blogger friend!
Keep smiling!
Molly
Congrats! Thanks for the great advise.
Made in Mauve
Author
Thank you! I’m glad you appreciated the advice! Good luck on your blogging journey!
Keep smiling!
Molly
Such good points! And so true- it should be enjoyable! I had a hard time when I first started!
Author
Thank you Lindsey! I was more stressed out when I first started than anything! So glad I decided to drop that attitude and just have fun with it!
Keep smiling!
Molly
This is wonderful!! Thank you for sharing Molly! I did the exact same thing when I started and bought a planner! It has done wonders for me! Congrats on hitting 6 months, I can’t wait to see more!
Diane
http://www.petiteinparis.com
Author
That is so awesome Diane! So glad that the planner has helped you too! I just love your photos! Thank you for being so supportive!
Keep smiling!
Molly
Happy six-month blogiversary! I loved reading about what you’ve learned so far, and can’t wait to see where you and your blog will be in another six months. I couldn’t agree with you more about the importance of planning your content in advance. Blogging has really helped me become a more organized person and having a planner is a huge help. I’ve enjoyed connecting with others in the blogging community, too — it’s such a supportive environment and a great way to meet new people!
http://www.livinginsteil.com
Author
Hi Vanessa,
Thank you for your compliments! I am so glad there are other bloggers out there who realize the importance of planning! It’s amazing what a little planning ahead can do. Keeps my life happy and less stressful!
Keep smiling!
Molly
This is so helpful!!! I am so inspired by you!! I fee the very same way!! I really need a planner and learn to keep my individuality! Thank you so much for writing this! I am so proud of you!! So thankful to have found you! Xoxoxo Holly
Author
Thanks Holly! You will be amazed what planner will do for you. You’ll love it! Thank you for being a supportive blogger friend! You are so sweet to me!
Keep smiling!
Molly
Molly! First of all, you look absolutely stunning in this photos – you just radiate always! Second, I love this post – I can so relate to you on all of these points. I too have learned that I should not compare myself to others and instead to focus on why I began blogging in the first place. It makes all the difference in the world – especially because it really is hard work! There have been so many times I have wanted to kick my camera over and shut the site down, lol. Okay, I am exaggerating a bit, but I too have felt discouraged. I love your idea about keeping a journal of accomplishments, and I am also am so excited to learn about Chatbooks – thank you for sharing – that is such a great idea and wonderful way to document progress and stay motivated :-).
Thank you for this great post, gorgeous girl, and keep up the beautiful work!
XO,
Heather
http://www.alittlecasual.com
Author
Thank you, Heather!!! I totally get what you mean about feeling so frustrated and discouraged at times! I am so glad I’m not the only one who goes through this at time. Glad we have one another for support and encouragement when we need it!
Keep smiling!
Molly
Congrats! I’m excited to see how you style photos as Seattle heads into rainy season! I need to pick up a planner asap. 🙂
Author
Thanks girl! I’m going to have to get real creative this season for photo shoots in the rain! It sure will be an interesting experience for me to tackle my way through!
Keep smiling!
Molly
Love this post. This is great information and so true. Keep blogging. Love your posts 🙂
http://hautechica.wordpress.com
Author
Thank you for the encouragement Ankita! It is so nice to see other blogger babes support and lift each other up!
Keep smiling!
Molly
Molly, this was a lovely post! I’m just starting out and it’s so encouraging to see where it could potentially head in six months. Congratulations gorgeous and keep on being your amazing lovely self! Hugs, Kait
Author
Thank you Kait! I think you are off to an AMAZING start! I always enjoy your photos and posts!
Keep smiling!
Molly
Molly,
I loved your note about celebrating the small accomplishments. It is such an important lesson to learn early! I am sure your kindergartners are little pros. As a newbie to blogging, every day feels like a success. Thank you for posting this and celebrating your six months! Congratulations and keep it up 🙂
xx
Ellie
http://www.exceptforhome.com
Author
Thank you Ellie! It is so true that every day feels like a success. Keeping that outlook is one way that we stay motivated! Thanks for stopping by and encouraging me!
Keep smiling!
Molly
Molly,
Thanks for advise and Tips!! This will be pretty useful as I launch my blog soon! I am beyond nervous and still very NEW to this.
I am grateful that I have met someone as darling as you! Best wishes as you continue your journey!
– Robin Lee
RunwayTeacher
Author
Thank you so much! I cannot wait for you to launch your blog Robin! I know it will be amazing! I too started out just with Instagram and think you are off to a beautiful start!
Keep smiling!
Molly
This is such a wonderful post and thank you so much for sharing, gorgeous! You have the biggest heart and the best smile:) Congratulations on your six months of blogging! I love the insta book idea, that is so cute and such a sweet way to reward yourself for working so hard on your amazing insta! I hope you are having a wonderful day:)!!
xx Julianna
http://www.blushandcamo.com
Author
Thank you for your beautiful words Julianna! The insta book idea is a fun token and it feels good to have something that is beyond the tech-world. You should totally try something like it!! You have beautiful photos that should be cherished forever!
Keep smiling!
Molly
Amazing post and very inspiring! I definitely don’t think I was where you are at six months of blogging. You’re rocking it. I love what you said about celebrating small accomplishments. When I started blogging, I tried to keep a running document of my accomplishment but didn’t keep it up. I am still early enough in, where I can start back up. Goal setting and planning ahead is so important. The more I plan the more likely I am able to make my goal and not feel overwhelmed.
Love your outfit. You look so cute!
http://laceandpearlsblog.com
Author
Wow thank you so much Asa! It is so nice to connect with another blogger and I know I am thrilled to be able to meet you soon! I get what you mean that a running document is hard to keep up with. I know I am not as diligent as I should be lately. I love your blog and photos! Keep up the good work!
Keep smiling!
Molly
Molly, great writing. i really enjoyed this piece and can totally relate to all your points!
Author
Thank you Janna! I’m so glad you can relate!
Keep smiling!
Molly
What a wonderful blog post! It’s not only inspiring, but also very helpful. For instance, I’ve never heard about Chatbooks before, but I will definitely give s try to this Insta-spectacular service.
Congratulations on your blog’s half year birthday! Wishing you many more amazingly creative years of blogging to come!
Xoxo
– Katya
http://stylesprinter.com/
Author
Thank you Katya! Chatbooks is a fun way to keep your Instagram memories going, plus I’ve found people like my parents like to flip through physical pages more than on the screen. Let me know what you think about it!
Keep smiling!
Molly
You’ve only been blogging six months??!! Unbelievable. You have a great blog going on. Well done, boo!!
Hello from Ghana! (DeeForDana brought me here 🙂 )
Author
Hi Cara! Can’t believe I just saw this! Thanks for the encouragement on my blog!
Keep smiling!
Molly
Great post, I agree with everything you said!, especially the comparison one and feeling drained and worried about content. I started blogging as a hobby because I love photography, fashion, learning new things along the way..and sometimes I forget that. Thanks for sharing this.
http://www.purejackie.com
xoxo – Jackie
Author
Thanks Jackie! So glad you understand too! Blogging is hard work, but we must remember why we do it! Best of luck on your blogging ventures!
🙂 Molly
Loved this post Molly! And love the Chatbooks idea. Might have to try that!
xoxo ~ Alissa
Author
Thanks Alissa! It’s a fun, physical way to remember all my hard work!
🙂 Molly