Hey guys! So, I started this blog 4 months ago and I wanted to share a little bit about my experience so far. First of all, I have met so many amazing blogging girls in Austin, TX ( where I live) and also I have met a ton of wonderful people online, bloggers and non bloggers alike. I didn’t realize how many wonderful, smart and passionate people I would meet from creating The Scarlett Social.

I have found it can be quite a challenge to stay true to yourself while having a blog. I started looking at other popular blogs and Instagram accounts for inspiration and I started to question everything about my own blog and even myself. It’s so easy to get caught up in this negative mindset of “What if I fail?” or “What if my pictures look like crap” or “What if I don’t look as cute as her in my posts?” and it really can get you down. I have found many times wondering “What should I even post at this point?”

I have done some major soul searching the past few weeks and have realized why I am questioning myself so much.. and the answer is.. because I’m human and because anything that’s worth taking a risk is scary. Kind of like the quote: “If your dream doesn’t scare you, it’s not big enough.”  During my soul searching time I have come up with 4 key pointers that have helped me stay grounded and to stay focused on who I am. I hope this helps you if you have a blog, a business or whatever it may be that you are struggling with.

1. Remember you are a human! This one is huge for me! I see so many Instagram feeds, Snapchats, Youtube videos, blogs ( the list goes on) where the creator’s life literally looks perfect. From the perfect silky hair to the polished Louis Vuitton high heels on their feet. How am I going to compete with that I think to myself? Well guess what? Nobody is perfect. I honestly would rather follow someone who shows me some real life behind the scenes photos and footage so I can relate to them.

2. Get off Social Media: I know, you are probably thinking “Girl, say whaaat?” but for real, since I started my blog I have found myself on social media 24-7 and it’s exhausting. Not only is it draining on myself personally but it also takes a toll on my social life. How can I make true connections with people if I’m always on my phone? I can’t! I have been limiting my time on social media every day to a few hours. During those few hours I hit it hard. Other than that I try to stay off of my phone and enjoy the world around me and the people in it.

3. Stay Close to Your Bff’s – You know that person.. who always has your back, who always gives you real advice, who always says it how it is. I’m lucky and I have a few people like that in my life. My mom has always told me how it is. She has made me a very strong woman over the years. My sister, Lee Anne ( who is also a blogger: www.lifebylee.com) has a major following and gives me true and honest advice every day and my boyfriend Richard who knows nothing about blogging isn’t afraid to tell me “Hey babe.. do you even like that?” or..” Wait, is that what you really want to share?” When I stay close to these people and really listen to their advice I always get back on track after veering off for a moment.

4.) Know Yourself- This is HUGE! Not only do you need to know what your blog will be about.. but you need to know why and who you are. I love home decor and travel. I also love fashion but I am very particular in what I like fashion wise. It’s important as a blogger to not just accept every collaboration and post any piece of clothing you are sent.

Stay true to yourself and post things that you truly love. I believe viewers will see this and be a lot more interested in posts that are real and from the heart.

Always be you.. after all, you are the only you out there!

I hope this post helped at least one person out there who is struggling with staying true to themselves in this social media obsessed world. Don’t compare yourself to others out there, don’t get down on yourself.. just be you.

Please let me know in the comments below if you have ever struggled with this and what you did to help yourself.

Chat with you soon! Xo,

Scarlett