Yesterday I read an extremely interesting and insightful article called The Business of Blogging, an interview that BoF did with Leandra Medine, the Man Repeller. In the article, Leandra discusses how being a “new age” blogger is a fete, because keeping your blog ahead of the game is almost impossible when you count the number of successful pioneer blogs out there {think Tommy Ton and Scott Schuman}. I also learned the Leandra has only been termed “the Man Repeller” for two short years, and she is younger than me, but she entered the blog world with a killer idea {and brand!} that separated her from the rest of fashion bloggers – which is really all it took to make her a stand out. “Man Repeller as a concept was the door,” says Medine. “But it’s what I’ve done with the site that has enabled me to walk through that door. Execution is almost everything.” 

Lately, I’ve been a little distant in the blog world – not visiting others as often, few comments, and trying not to get entirely wrapped up in “the blogging community.” Not because I don’t love it, honestly words can’t describe the effects that this sweet + creative community has had on my life, but sometimes I think it is important to think of yourself as one. I never want to look at another blog as competition, because the purpose of this blog is to discuss my passions, create a relationship with my readers, and have my own voice without any external influence. When I look back at the beginning of S&S, I can see that some of my posts don’t feel as genuine to me. I never want that to be the case. 

So I ask you, what keeps you motivated in what sometimes seems like a constantly competitive world? If you haven’t, I highly recommend reading Leandra’s article, it sparked a whole new fire on my constant strive to be ahead of the game.