I never made a post about this but I think I finally should. I am not a gloater or a show-off and it feels kind of weird making a post like this… But I want to share what happens when your hard work starts to pay off.
As a blogger or even just a business owner… We all start out the same way. We are a one woman/man show. Wearing all types of hats at different times in the day. Sometimes its multiple hats all at the same time.
For me being a blogger and I’m sure others can relate… we post content, Instagram posts, stories, make YouTube videos. We do whatever we think will help our website. Our goal is to eventually have this be our full-time job.
Am I an imposter?
However, there are times maybe even multiple times a day that we suffer from imposter syndrome. Thinking we are not good enough. That the content we are putting is not good either. It can surely feel that way when you are not getting the views you think you should be getting.
You start doubting yourself and putting this unwarranted pressure on yourself that starts making you think you chose the wrong path in life. Which leads to being burnt out and the thoughts of giving up linger in the back of your head.
That voice keeps getting louder and louder so you skip a blog post here, a YouTube video there. Until something happens that makes that little voice subside. Something that tells you all your hard work has finally paid off. For me, it was an email…
An email to change your outlook
On January 19, 2021, I was contacted by Loraikedy from Infinity Blog Awards saying that I have been chosen as a nominee for Best Personal Development Blog 2020. This is a condensed and edited version. You know I have to edit out personal information.
From that email lead to them posting about me on their Instagram account on February 26th. I have never had anyone post about me on social media. But seeing my face and my story on someone else’s profile brought tears to my eyes. No amount of words could show how truly honored I was.
It is not just me, its OUR’s
I have been working through poor self esteem and doubting myself as a blogger, as a woman, as a person. Sharing stories and helpful advice every week for the past 2 years. Not many of you know this, but my posts are based on what I am feeling every week. I write with my heart, not with my brain.
The whole point of Our Redonkulous Life was to inspire people. When I first started I thought it was going to be about my little family adventures around Florida. Sharing our (me, Mike, and Mikayla’s) redonkulous life. It changed so much, so quick into finding me, Michele, and figuring out who I am.
Every week I share my struggles. All of my hopes and my dreams to inspire YOU the readers. As well as myself to go after the life we deserve. The life we want because we know we are made for more. It is no longer our (me, Mike, and Mikayla’s) redonkulous life. It’s OUR (YOU, me, to Karen in Denmark all the way to Alita in the Philippines.) it is about all of our redonkulous crazy, sometimes messy, sometimes beautiful life.
Please check out Karen’s blog My path to travel and Alita’s blog Share to inspire.
Voting
I am not a campaign manager. Yes, I share my experiences online, but I am not comfortable talking about myself. In fact, I am more uncomfortable asking for help than anything in this world. But I knew if when voting started I would have to become my own campaign manager. If I cant do it for myself, who will do it for me?? No one.
So I was on a mission pushing myself outside of my comfort zones to campaign as I have never campaigned before. Starting April 16th I needed to gather my amazing followers, subscribers, friends, and besties to go and vote for me. For 20 days I rallied by posting the link, making videos, making fun little campaign posters to share with everyone to remind them to go vote.
It is the most awkward thing I have ever done, but I loved every minute of it. For 20 days we voted and rallied till the voting ended May 5th. Over 4,800 votes I received. I thank you all who have voted. I appreciate each and every single one of you.
The good news that started this post
The morning of June 3rd I found out that I am a finalist for Infinity Blog Award’s Best Personal Development Blog. Have we won… no, but we are closer than we were.
All of the hard work I have put into my blog, into getting my followers, no my FRIENDS. All of you believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. If I win this award… it is because of you. If you did not come back week after week to read my posts, watch my videos, follow my crazy, weird-ass on social media. I would not be doing what I am doing. I would have quit a long time ago and kept my personal growth journey to myself.
I just want to thank you guys from the bottom of my heart for all of your hard work voting for me, for believing in me, and even if we don’t win… We still did an amazing this. You all have brought so much light into my life that I will never be able to repay you. I have slowly been finding myself, but so happy I found friends along the way.
We will find out soon who the winner is… I believe towards the end of July. I will keep you guys posted if I need to rally you all again. LOL I love you and thank you for making this weird awkward girl from new port nowhere, Florida feel like she is someone special.
Doing the hard work and finding the right people always pays off.
Until next time, have a great day!
Hi Michele, thank you so much for the mention and the link to My Path To Travel. I’m very proud of what you’ve achieved. I love reading your posts as they are always from the heart. Well done on your award, you truly deserve it. Karen x
Thank you, Karen! You have been so supportive this past year and I truly appreciate you as a friend. I had to include you!
Hi Michelle. You have my support on this. Please tag me if you want votes for this award. Praying you get this award. Regards.
Aww, thank you so much, Ramil!
I can totally relate to this… although my business was set up during a pandemic so still feeling the lack of financial reward just yet! Wouldn’t swap it for the world though. Glad to see others feeling the same 🙂
One day Aimee! We will reap the benefits one of these days!
It really feels good when your hard work starts to pay off. I could relate my blogging journey to that. It’s not easy for me because it took me years to learn things, unlike other bloggers who just need 6 months to get their blog traffic soaring high.
I hear ya, Ivan. I don’t follow the normal mold of a blogger. I want to create genuine connections through the words that I write.
That’s awesome you got a email about being the best. It really does pay off if we work hard.
It really does!
I feel you in the same way when the times I started to do blogging. Making content is not quite easy but you did a great job you didn’t quit awesome congrats on your great journey! Wishing you all the best and continue to write on your blog.
Having ideas is the easy part. Bringing those ideas to life is something else all on its own!
That is awesome. I love your spirit. I remember how I felt when I was invited for a talk. It’s inexplicable. Hope you keep achieving more and more.
Thank you so much!
Congratulations!!! Super deserved and totally looking forward to more of what you’ll achieve in the future! Inspiring!
Thank you so much!
Congratulations on your hard work! I am so proud of you! You did as you do an amazing job here!
Thank you, Aisasami!
wow…am inspired by your story here & I do believe hard work pays off just the matter of timing 😀 cheers, siennylovesdrawing.wordpress.com
Thank you Sienny!
I looked for the hope that it could be the same for me, also I am working very hard on myself and my business and I hope it will start to pay off!
Cristina! I believe one day it will for you. For all of us. Doing what we do takes a lot of work. We must be patient and put all of our heart and soul into it. We will reap what we sow one day in this world!
It brings me great joy and pride when the things I work hard for finally pay off and yield positive results.
Me too!
Congratulations on the nomination! Your blog is a great read and you are someone special! Good luck!
Aww, thank you, Dominique!
Yes this is a motivational post and it is true that hard work pays off. In life not everything isn’t easy but we have to put ourselves into situation and face them. – Amalia
Face it all head-on!
It feels rewarding when you do your best and things came out nice and good. Thank you for this, I enjoyed reading it. 🙂
Thank you for reading it, Agnes!
HI MIchelle. Who told you, you are not special? With your achievements, you are an inspiration.
It is my mindset that I am working on changing. I know I am special, but I am waiting for my mind to catch up with my heart.
Great insights and I see that you are feeling good about it. While I agree that we should not be showing off and gloat, I appreciate your sharing as a personal experience and that’s wonderful!
Thank you!
Great post! Love it 🙂
Thank you!
Hard work does indeed pay off. It is important also to go with the ebb and flow of life. Can see the benefit in both! Great post as usual Michelle 🙂 love your blog
Thank you, Amala! That is all we can do is go with the flow.
Good for you! Good things come to those who work hard and passionate about what they do.
Yes, it does! What are you working hard on?
This is a very positive post, and the happiness rubs on you while reading. Hard work pays well, and when it happens nothing better than that.
Aww thank you so much Dipika!
Congrats. Keep up the good work and I know how it feels when we get recognized.
Thank you Khushboo!
Congratulations! It’s an acknowledgment of your hard work, and you deserve it. I’m pretty sure you will be more enthusiastic about your work after your hard work has paid off.
Absolutely! Whenever I doubt myself… I am going to look at these badges on the side of my blog and know that I am doing what I am meant to be doing!
Hi Michele! I enjoy reading your posts as most are relatable. My favorite was that article from last year (2020) – Fear. It was a from the Comfort Zones series. Congratulations and wishing you the best of luck!
PS: One proud follower here!
I loved that series. I should make another series like it.
Congrats Michele ! Hard work most certainly pays off, so happy for you.
Thank you so much!
Hey I have faith in you that you’ll win this award. God bless you girl..❤️
Thank you so much! I appreciate your comment!