I Feel So Lucky!
We’ve all had the experience of not knowing how to do something. From the first day of school to the first day of work to our first try at almost anything, the experience of a new challenge can be joyful, exciting, and intimidating.
We like to know things. We like to learn things, but we don’t always like folks watching us learning.
That’s the special appeal of blogging.
The Advantages of Being a Beginner in a Blogger’s World
When I came to my first blog as a beginner, I found an realm of amazing people who made the way easier and more meaningful. They offered their shoulders to stand on as they shared their experience. I can’t help but recognize all I’ve learned in this Blogger’s World.
Some folks want to be an expert blogger. Me? The longer I’m here, the more I want to stay a beginner, for these and a bunch more reasons.
- Bloggers love beginners. We all remember our first blog post.
- Bloggers are connectors — link love is the culture. Beginners meet a friend and find a community.
- Bloggers are explorers or we wouldn’t be here. Beginners can find help to explore anything.
- Bloggers are generous and helpful people. Bloggers love to share their discoveries with beginners.
- As a beginner, I can try to blog about almost anything.
- The beginner in me can talk to bloggers who are as passionate as I am — even what I’m just trying.
- Every blogger knows something I don’t — it’s an endless opportunity for a beginner’s mind.
- Blogging is more fun when it’s about what I’m learning, not about what I know.
- Beginners get comments from people who see and know more. Every comment connects us and offers a new way to see the world.
- Beginners don’t look to be the best of all — today I want to be better than yesterday.
Thinking, writing, having ideas and talking about them has been a wonder. Making relationships and connections has made my life richer. I’m a better writer, listener and marketer. Most of all being here has made me a better person. I want to stay a beginner. New beginnings are exciting.
Have you thought about staying a beginner?
–ME “Liz” Strauss
Work with Liz!!
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I’m a beginner at blogging, started in Feb., and all you say is so true. The Blog World I have seen is amazing, generous, and caring. It is like a new frontier without limits — but plenty of support — and I get to explore it with a freedom that is rare today.
Hi SpaceAgeSage,
Being a beginner is a fabulous way to experience the Internet. Hold on to that view and you’ll never get bored. 🙂
There is a freedom to being a beginner, and an excitement in everything being fresh, shiny and new, which means more fun. It goes for anything, not just blogging. Holding on to the wonder and letting go of “what people will think of us” helps us relax and just enjoy the journey.
Your post is a reminder that we should never get to the point where we feel like “been there and got the t-shirt” 🙂
A related point is blogging our experiences helps us learn. I started my photography blog with a couple of friends because I was a complete noob and wanted to get more out of the hobby. Sharing what we learn and meeting people who are also on the same road helps us learn more so everyone wins.
Hi Chris,
Having a beginner’s mind does make us free to explore and not worry about where or how we make mistakes. People also find us more attractive because we’re open to learning more, including more about them.
Hi Liz
If staying a beginner is the same as staying young – which I think it is – yes please!
I always want to keep that feeling of wonder, of discovering new ‘tricks’, of pride in another ‘tool’/skill successfully learned and implemented. Of trying to find the next wonderful thing to get my teeth in.
Makes life so much more fun!
Karin H. (Keep It Simple Sweetheart, specially in business)
Staying young is important 🙂
“Some of the people I respect most have been 6 years old.” — Liz Strauss
Some of the people I respect most still have a part of them that is 6 years old 🙂
Hi Chris!
I’m so smiling at that. 🙂
Hi Liz!
I’m so happy to read your blog. I chanced upon it through “writing thoughts”. I like your views and expertise.
Solomon
Hi Solomon!
Glad to meet you! Thanks!
Liz:
Amazingly enough, I still feel like a beginner! I’ve been blogging since April 2006 but I have so much more to learn, especially because WordPress keeps upgrading, I keep moving from host to host (although I’ve found my permanent home at THC, thank goodness). I certainly remember people like you and Phil who reached out to me when I started blogging and so I continuously return the favor by helping newbies or allowing them to interview me when they’re just getting started, etc.
Great article – newbies? You and me both!
Hi Stephen!
A beginner’s mind makes everything fresh and new. I love new beginnings! I’m delighted to see that you do too!!
The folks at THC are wonderful, aren’t they? 🙂
What a neat perspective for starting my day! Thanks.
When I think about it, being a beginner is a real motivator for progress. It’s mentally stimulating. So count me the “I love to be a beginner” team too!
Hi Kris!
Glad you caught this one. The beginner team wants you on it too!
Gawd, it is so exciting, isn’t it. I haven’t felt this alive in a while.
You’re so right! I didn’t realize how much I needed to be a beginner. Thanks!