Blog Talk: Facing Fears in Blogging
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March 2, 2019
On a surface level, blogging might seem easy to some. In reality, blogging is just like any creative pursuit: it requires vulnerability and bravery. After all, sharing something you came up with on your own and created out of nothing is hard. It’s no secret that the internet can be a scary and hateful place, so when people are courageous enough to share their art with the internet, it says a lot about their passion.
My first creative passion was writing, and it’s something I still love deeply. But through my blogging journey, I’ve discovered other creative passions as well – most of which go hand in hand with blogging. I also love photography, creative direction, styling, web design, and digital marketing. When I first started each one of these creative pursuits, I have to admit, I was scared. I didn’t know if I would be good enough and I didn’t know if people would like my work. It turns out they did, and I got better the more and more I put myself out there and gained experience. And now it’s time to do that once again. This time I’m stepping into video creation.
I’ll be honest, for me, hiding behind a screen and typing is a million times easier than talking on camera. I’m an introvert for the most part and although I have a public platform that I admittedly voluntarily created, it doesn’t make me feel quite as vulnerable as videos do. But I see more pros than cons, so I’m going for it.
My first step will be (and has been) creating short clips for Instagram stories. When I first started taking pictures for my blog, I was extremely uncomfortable. Now you could put me in the middle of an arena and I would be 100% fine posing for photos. I do it in public all the time and I really am not uncomfortable in the slightest. I’m hoping the same will be true for videos. And honestly, I’ve already started feeling more comfortable talking to the camera than I did a month ago. The feedback has been positive for the most part. Plus, I’ve learned that negative comments say more about the speaker than the person on the receiving end.
What is your biggest fear in blogging?
Photos by Lauren Price.
Olivia
February 8, 2017 @ 7:14 am
ugh I love this post, as a new young blogger I totally feel uncomfortable sometimes but I too love writing which has brough on other interests!
NEW POST/ http://www.oliviaschueller.com
Megan
February 8, 2017 @ 1:51 pm
It’s so normal to feel uncomfortable at first! It’s always scary to try new things, but the more I do the more I see the many benefits! 🙂
Michelle
February 8, 2017 @ 12:06 pm
I participated in a 90 day video challenge on YouTube. I loath being in front of the camera. This little experiment helped.
Megan
February 8, 2017 @ 1:51 pm
That’s a great idea!! It’s so true that the more you do it, the more comfortable you feel.
Sophie
February 8, 2017 @ 1:07 pm
I can’t wait to see what videos you create.
Megan
February 8, 2017 @ 1:51 pm
Thanks! I’m pretty excited to dive into it!
Danasia Fantastic
February 8, 2017 @ 2:47 pm
Great blog post! Video creation will be so rewarding once you dive into it!
Megan
February 8, 2017 @ 2:59 pm
Yes!! I agree! 😉 <3
Sarah Bailey
February 8, 2017 @ 2:48 pm
I can see how being on camera for videos would be a bit more intimidating that some of the other mediums involved in blogging, but good for you taking it on and facing your fears. In all reality, it will probably just be a matter of getting used to it and then you will begin to feel comfortable.
Megan
February 8, 2017 @ 2:59 pm
I agree! I’ve always found that the more I push myself to get out of my comfort zone, the more comfortable I become 🙂
Victoria
February 8, 2017 @ 2:52 pm
I’m starting to make videos too and it’s definitely a scary thing! But as you mentioned, it’ll become more comfortable over time. Thanks for the encouragement, Megan! And I’m excited to see some more videos from you in the future! 🙂
Megan
February 8, 2017 @ 3:00 pm
Isn’t it!?! You’re welcome and thank YOU for your encouragement <3
Healthy & Psyched
February 8, 2017 @ 2:56 pm
I always feel nervous about being on instagram stories!! At least it times out after 24 hours though! So that’s probably a good way to build confidence. Hope you enjoy it in the end.
Megan
February 8, 2017 @ 3:01 pm
Lol, that’s what I figured! I was so so nervous the first couple of times I did it, but I’m having a lot of fun with it now! Thanks, lady 🙂
Ana De- Jesus
February 8, 2017 @ 3:11 pm
Same here, I hate talking to a camera so vlogging would be my worst nightmare but sometimes like you said it is about facing your fears. Well done you xx
Megan
February 9, 2017 @ 6:08 pm
That’s it! You just gotta do it! 🙂
Jodie Whitham
February 8, 2017 @ 4:15 pm
I love photography too. What is meant by creative direction? Writing my blog does feel a bit like sharing a bit of you and that is scary. I don’t often like putting anything too personal out there even on social media with only friends and family x
Megan
February 9, 2017 @ 6:09 pm
I don’t like to get too personal either! That’s something I want to start doing, but it definitely opens up a new world of vulnerability.
Jessy Morgan
February 8, 2017 @ 4:43 pm
I’ve always had a fear about blogging, even just having someone who knows me irl read it and potentially judge me. I don’t know how I would cope with photos, but I’m glad it’s helped your confidence and maybe something I’ll consider for the future 🙂
Megan
February 9, 2017 @ 6:10 pm
Yes, girl, pictures are everything! I’m sure you’ll be great! 🙂
Rachel
February 8, 2017 @ 5:17 pm
Pretty lady! So excited for you, I think you’ll create some amazing videos. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!!
Rachel / http://www.helloher.co
Megan
February 9, 2017 @ 6:10 pm
Thank you so much! I’m getting really excited about it!
hannah
February 8, 2017 @ 5:57 pm
Video blogging is one thing that i could never do. i hate the sound of my own voice so i could never do it x
Megan
February 9, 2017 @ 6:11 pm
That’s seriously always my problem too!! But I’ve found that the more I put myself out there and receive positive input, the more confident I’m becoming.
Margaret Stuart
February 8, 2017 @ 8:31 pm
I think that this is a super relatable post for really any blogger, no matter if you’re seasoned or just starting out. When I first started about six months ago I was nervous to write my personal experiences out of a fear of being judged, but now I just share it because I know that there is a chance that someone, somewhere will relate to what I am saying. I think that one of my biggest fears with blogging is being afraid that I am over sharing, or that my readers aren’t relating to what I am saying. I think that may just be a small anxiety that is associated with blogging though.
Megan
February 9, 2017 @ 6:12 pm
Yes, absolutely! It’s like posting your journal for the world to see! It definitely creates a huge sense of vulnerability. I totally get it!
Nicole
February 8, 2017 @ 8:39 pm
Video is a huge fear of mine also, so I don’t really do it. I love that you are facing your fear! Now I need to do the same!
Nicole
Nicole to the Nines
Anosa
February 8, 2017 @ 10:46 pm
I think we really need to have a lot of courage when it comes to setting our mind in joining the bandwagon in terms of blogging. Well, there will always be a lot of comments, positive and negative so we should be open to criticisms and make it as our way to do more and use it as an inspiration to write.
McQuinn
February 8, 2017 @ 10:48 pm
I can relate to this 100%… I’ve always loved writing and photography and I’m taking digital marketing and web design classes now in college! Finding the time to blog between balancing school and work is tough, but my biggest fear is that my posts won’t be engaging. I just need to find time to plan out my posts and update my blog consistently! Content creation is tough as well! Great article!
Rhian Westbury
February 9, 2017 @ 4:43 am
My biggest fear in blogging is getting to the point when I don’t enjoy it anymore. I hope this never happens but you never know x
Stephanie Merry
February 9, 2017 @ 4:47 am
My confidence has certainly grown over the years I’ve been blogging – still not sure confident yet though! x
Dannii
February 9, 2017 @ 8:40 am
I really don’t enjoy talking on camera, so moving in to
Blogging is a big fear for me.
Megan
February 9, 2017 @ 6:17 pm
Me too! It’s tough, but I’m hoping to overcome my aversions! 🙂
Rachel
February 9, 2017 @ 9:25 am
I don’t have Instagram but hope you come to YouTube at some point!
Megan
February 9, 2017 @ 6:16 pm
I will! That’s definitely the plan!! 🙂
Lynne Harper
February 9, 2017 @ 12:44 pm
I was really scared when I first started blogging, scared of others reactions, scared of keyboard warriors, well until i found moderating on my blog lol. I vlog as well and for me, this is the scariest bit of it all, your audience sees every bit of your, your so open for criticism, I hope in time my fear goes and I can embrace all the good things I can do x
Megan
February 9, 2017 @ 6:15 pm
That’s exactly how I feel, Lynne! Thanks for your feedback! 🙂 <3
Miracle Max
February 9, 2017 @ 2:14 pm
I did my first Instagram story last week for this exact reason. Good luck mastering your videos. Jo x
Megan
February 9, 2017 @ 6:15 pm
Thank you! It’s the perfect slow introduction, isn’t it?!
Jade Bremner
February 9, 2017 @ 4:07 pm
I’ve never really felt nervous writing I guess it’s because a lot of it helps me. I would never do YouTube though I couldn’t bare to watch myself back haha
Megan
February 9, 2017 @ 6:14 pm
Yeah, writing has never really been tough for me either! But photos and video? Whew. Lol…I’m looking forward to (hopefully) feeling as comfortable with video as I am with photos!
Teresa Bowen
February 10, 2017 @ 5:31 am
As someone who hates having my photo taken the idea of making a youtube video would be far too scary for me to do.
Megan
February 13, 2017 @ 8:32 am
It is really scary! I’m hoping that I eventually become more comfortable with it!
Natasha Mairs
February 10, 2017 @ 8:35 am
I have done a few blog reviews of items for youtube, and it was so scary and I hated watch the videos back of myself. But I have found the more I do it the easier it is becoming
MELANIE EDJOURIAN
February 10, 2017 @ 8:41 am
I never appear in photos I’m really uncomfortable but I’m glad you have managed to get to the stage that you are comfortable posing for them.
Stephanie Cummings
February 10, 2017 @ 3:54 pm
I don’t really have any blogging fears, i guess the only thing is not really fitting in but I’m kind of used to it now
Megan
February 13, 2017 @ 8:34 am
It’s true! You do kind of get over it after awhile lol.
Whatlauraloves
February 10, 2017 @ 9:39 pm
Good on your for facing your fears. If your photos are anything to go by, your videos will be incredible! xxx
Megan
February 13, 2017 @ 8:34 am
Aww, thank you so very much! This is so sweet! 🙂
fashion-mommy
February 13, 2017 @ 5:07 am
Video is my fear too, I try to avoid it if possible.
Megan
February 13, 2017 @ 8:37 am
It’s so tough, isn’t it!? I’m finding that Instagram videos are really helping me feel more comfortable.
Jess
February 13, 2017 @ 9:56 am
I’m starting video this year too so I completely understand the vulnerable aspect! I studied journalism at uni and have to film myself during my broadcast module, I hated it! There’s something about instavideos and youtube that just feels much more creative though and that’s what makes being uncomfortable worthwhile.
Megan
February 13, 2017 @ 9:01 pm
It’s so tough right!? Yes, I agree! I think it’ll be a great gateway.
GiGi Eats
February 13, 2017 @ 10:05 am
GIRL – if you need help with video… COME to me! I have been doing it FOREVER and it’s been the best part about blogging for me 🙂 People really get a sense for who you are!
Megan
February 13, 2017 @ 9:01 pm
I may be taking you up on that!! 🙂 Your videos are so cute!