Hi, friends! I’m linking up with Victoria and Meg from The B Bar (and several other bloggers) today and the hot topic of discussion is the f u t u r e. If you’re already feeling overwhelmed by that six letter word, you aren’t alone! We were challenged to answer the questions below:
WHAT ARE YOU DOING (NOW) TO PREPARE FOR YOUR FUTURE?
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU SHOULD START DOING TO CREATE A BETTER FUTURE FOR YOURSELF?
I struggled with where I wanted to take this post today, mostly because I don’t feel like I’m in any shape to be preaching on preparing for the future when mine looks so fuzzy.
Instead of talking about the things I am doing, I’d like to dig into the one thing I’m not doing. And it boils down to no longer worrying about what everyone else is doing. This goes for all aspects of my life: personal, work, blogging, etc. Easier said than done, right? It’s hard not to get wrapped up in the norms or feel pressured by peers, but just because someone else is doing something at a certain point in their life doesn’t necessarily mean the same path is what’s best for you. I believe this mindset is a necessity for both my sanity and my success and it’s something I’ve been meditating on over the past several months. That’s not to say I’m fully “there” yet and that these thoughts don’t creep into my head every once in awhile, but I’m learning how to channel that energy elsewhere, which allows me to focus on what I can (and should) be doing for myself.
I’m keeping it short and sweet today – blame it on the severe case of writer’s block I’m struggling through. Case in point: my lack of post on Monday. Forgive me?
Before I let you go, I recently had the opportunity to talk about my current job situation and how I’m preparing for the future financially in an interview with a local TV station – you can watch it here (start at 0:42) if you’re interested.
If anyone has any tips on how Jess can get her groove back, she’s all ears. 😉
WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO PREPARE FOR YOUR FUTURE?
Be sure to peruse the rest of the posts in the link up for additional insight!
Meg Biram // Liska Monet // soak and simmer // Knowing Kelly // Carrie Loves // Alyssa J Freitas // Manifest Yourself // Rae Loves // White Cabana // The Yuppie Files // Little Wild Heart // Life Modifier // The Not Quite Adult // Random Little Faves // Perfect Enough For Us // Always, Anita // Feathers and Stripes // Something Good // The Golden Letter // Leigh Clair // York Avenue // Sequins & Strawberries // Emilie Lima Burke // with love from ellie // rejoyce // Bite My Fashion // White Oak Creative // StyledbyKesha // xo lacey // Whitney Bangel Blog // always craving // Evann Clingan // Turning the Corner…Fearlessly! // IN THE GREY // Beauty and the Pitch // PRBlonde
Photo via The B Bar
Yay, Jess! If I could post a reactionary gif into this comment I would! This is everything. When I was first starting out freelancing, I remember struggling with this, and then eventually it stopped. It was killing me, and taking away from the enjoyment of what I was doing.
I feel like you are right on the edge of your next big thing. Like the pieces might not seem to connect right now, but it is coming.
There’s this quote by Eleanor Roosevelt – “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.” I’ve been more conscious about what I talk about and subsequently try to write about.
And I would love to see the gif haha. I really appreciate your thoughtful comments 🙂 they always make my day! I need to keep that quote in the forefront of my mind.
This post was great Jess! Even though we’re at different points (I’m not freelancing at all) I really understand when you say to stop comparing yourself to other people and where they’re at. I feel like especially with social media it’s so hard to be able to tell what is real and what is for show, so you really never know how people are really living. Great advice!
xx,
Susie
http://www.SequinsandStrawberries.com
Social media…that’s a whole other topic we could discuss 😉
your thoughts really echo my own (and more succinctly!) in a way. we all get so focused on how life’s supposed to go and keep following that path because everyone else seems to be on it. you’re doing awesome and have been so fun to see grow. keep focusing on you… you got the right mindset
Thank you so much, Kate. That means a lot!
I think the most important part is just working through it! It’s tough, and this world is built in such a way that we all compare. As long as you’re aware of it, you can keep it in check. 🙂
When I worked for 3 years, I loved blogging. Then I quit my job (to focus on writing a book and also my blog) and SUDDENLY I had all this time to look at everyone else’s blogs. And I was all MY BLOG SUCKS!! And my blog, which I loved, hadn’t changed at all. All that changed was me constantly comparing myself to other people.
As far as writer’s block? One of my favorite topics 🙂 I have this book called 642 Things to Write About that I turn to when I’m blank. Additionally, I sit at a computer for 1 or 2 hours with NO internet, and turn off my phone, and try to write then (this is for my book, but I imagine it could work for blogging too!)
I also enjoy using the headspace app for meditation — meditation helps me drop negative thoughts more quickly and let things go.
Sorry for the longest comment ever!
Joyce
No worries 😉 I’ll have to check that book out!
Focusing on yourself is huge! It can be hard to compare what you’re doing to others, but you have to forge your own path
Alyssa J Freitas
One of the hardest things is not to compare yourself to others. I struggle with this every day! It’s so easy to say, but much harder to actually put into practice. You’re doing awesome and taking the time to figure out things for yourself. Keep believing in yourself and enjoying the process:) It was great seeing you last night!!
The comparison game is so hard to avoid! That’s something I’m always working on. I’m in the place where I really need to start dreaming again. In my career its a lot about what is decided for you and I’m all about trying to plan my own destiny instead. Easier said than done tho….
Elle
Elle nailed it… the comparison game is so easy to fall into but such a fun sucker.
I try to just follow what makes me happy and forget about the rest. 🙂 Of course, that is WAY easier said than done, but it can be a clarifying thought for me when I start to get caught up in comparison.
Always, Anita
Wonderful advice! Comparing myself to anyone else can only lead to bad results, especially when I am uncertain about my future. Even if you’re not sure what is going to happen next your experience in this state is very valuable and helpful!
Comparison will get you every time! You’re on the right track though and just keep focusing on you and your business, you’ll do great! My post on this was short & sweet, too, it was hard to just focus on me and what the future holds!
Great post! I’m enjoying popping around to see everyone else’s take on this topic. I too felt that I wouldn’t have anything to share, so glad to see I wasn’t the only one, lol. I love how you approached this and I agree that it’s so important to not compare yourself to others, but it’s definitely an ongoing challenge, right? It reminds me of that quote (and I don’t know who said it!)…’Never compare your beginning to someone else’s middle’. Good luck with your next step!
I’ve heard quite a few people say that – we aren’t alone! It’s a challenge every single day, that’s for sure. Thank you so much for taking the time to read, Vicky!
My most favorite quote is “Comparison is the thief of joy” by Theodore Roosevelt and it couldn’t be more perfect for what you’re discussing! So keep your head high and reach for attainable goals! 🙂
Side note: For your financial future, I highly recommend getting the app Acorns. I’m obsessed with it and feel like I’m ahead of the game.
Heard that 😉 Ooo, I’m obsessed with finance stuff. Looking at this now!
Wow! You are so right! I have struggled with these exact thoughts! Comparison is the enemy of True Joy! It is a process to stop looking around and just pay attention to doing the best you can with where you are and what you have. For me, it something that I work on daily! Knowing this, I have made a decision that I will stay true to myself and what makes me happy! Guess what, I have also learned that life is not meant to be lived in the same way. Life is different for everyone because each of us is different. Once you realize this you can live the best life possible. As far as the future, everything will fall into place if you keep up your hard work and hustle. Live for today, plan for the future and worry about tomorrow when tomorrow comes! You are doing your best now! Thank you for your honesty and authenticity! Good Luck to you!
I couldn’t agree more! Thank YOU so much for taking the time to comment, Kesha!
Yup. It was a completely difficult post for me to write too. I don’t think I wrote anything profound, but it was nice to stop and think about some of my goals. Meg & Victoria really got us thinking this month!
I’m glad I wasn’t the only one!
Ughhh the future. I don’t even know what to say about that, considering I can’t even get my shit together for the next 5 minutes. I guess once I get that together, I can focus on the future. Right now, I am just trying not to think about it. One step at a time, right?
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
Haha, yes. Baby steps 😉
HI Jess-
Just stopping by for the first time, but I find myself relating a lot to your response. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in what everyone else is doing. But from an outsider’s perspective, it looks like your are doing a fabulous job!
Cheers!
Sarah
http://girlwithagrin.com/
Hi Sarah! I’m so glad you’re here 🙂 I agree, it’s hard to ignore the “typical” route in life that people take, but I think as a whole in society, we’re making progress. I hope you have a great Thursday!
Good luck to you – thank you for sharing so openly!
Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com
I go through these phases where I don’t care what anyone else is doing and I’m all focused on me… then I start looking at other blogs and questioning every post I write and everything I do. What a great reminder to focus on ourselves!!
As for the writers block, I had horrible writers block a short time ago. Like really bad, I didn’t even want to look at my blog and I would do anything I could to avoid writing. I just didn’t want to… So I gave myself permission NOT to write. I won’t say it was an instant micacle but removing the stress around writing certainly made a massive difference.
All the best. xo
That is exactly what happens to me…it comes in cycles! Maybe I should try that method and see what happens. Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and say hi, Krystal! Have a great weekend 🙂
Definitely easier said than done. I love what you said about just because someone is doing something at your age doesn’t mean it’s the right path for you. We all have different talents, ideas, & dreams, so we should focus on what we want & how to make our tomorrow better than today. :]
// ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲
Amen! I hope your weekend is the best one yet!
Love this approach! I know I spend way too much time thinking about how others are achieving things I want to or finding ways where I’m not measuring up business wise. I know I need to stop – if I keep comparing and stay scared, I’m never going to do anything.
Yes, that’s it! I hope you have a fab holiday weekend, Carly 🙂 Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!
It’s hard to not worry about what others are doing, but I’m with you that we need to worry less about others and more about ourselves!
Alyssa
http://www.feathersandstripes.com
Thanks for the honesty here, Jess! I completely understand your feelings and know it is something I need to work on myself.
Thank you for your honesty in this post. Posts like this are what keep me and so many others coming back for more! Care to share any of the things that you’re doing to not worry about what others are doing or where they are in life? I would love to be able to do that, but it’s easier said than done! I’d also love to know how you overcome your writer’s block? Yet another thing that I struggle with while trying to find my voice. Thanks! 🙂
~Hillary
http://www.styleinasmalltown.com
You go girl! Loved your spot on the news! 😉 Why does being an adult have to be so hard?