What I’ve Learned From a Year of Blogging

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Looking Back on One Year of Blogging

One year ago, I revamped my website, repurposed my blog, and went to a self hosted site in order to concentrate my efforts as a blogger. In a way, I felt like that process was my graduation from recreational blogging to a more professional attempt.

Besides, that is what Jeff Goins, Michael Hyatt, and similar platform consultants suggest. So, I decided to follow the rules and move into that space.

That first month, I had 1,656 visitors stop by mattham.com. The following month, I saw nearly 6,000 visitors. In my mind, I was headed toward blogging superstardom. However, I saw those numbers plummet in May.

Over the next twelve months, these seasons of highs and lows continued. It was a constant struggle as I felt the urge to use my site statistics as a metric of my impact—a way to rate my success and validate my reasons for writing.

Then, in June of last year, I was diagnosed with stage three malignant melanoma. During that season, the blog became a refuge for me to write through the thoughts and fears that plagued my mind.

It’s almost as if the event revealed certain selfish motives and I responded with more authentic writing. My own words gave me a way to process the things in my life that challenged me and they brought perspective that enriched my experience. In turn, those same words brought life and hope to others.

The peaks and valleys continued, but their impact diminished. In hindsight, I was more fulfilled.

Why?

I was at peace with why I was writing.

Freedom

In hindsight, this process was not only helpful, but necessary. It freed me. From there, I launched my podcast which I had held off on because I thought it would conflict with my blogging schedule.

I’m so glad I stopped believing that lie. My podcast has not only helped my blog, it has helped me engage with a variety of different people that might not otherwise take the time to read a blog post.

In addition, the freedom from the numbers helped me launch my book long before many experts would say it’s time. In turn, we’ve sold over 1,000 copies in just two months of being self published.

When I turned around in February of this year, more than 22,798 visitors had stopped by mattham.com.

Gratitude and You

I am beyond grateful for anyone who reads the words that I write, moreover, anyone who takes the time to share it with others. The stories that have emerged continue to amaze me.

I receive correspondence daily from people who say that the Redefine Rich message (my book, this blog, and my podcast) is impacting them in very specific ways–helping this gain perspective in their own lives.

It is encouraging them to live richly.

In all of this, I’m reminded: in order to reach 20,000, you have to start with one.

I share all of this with you because none of it would have happened if I quit. The one staple over the past twelve months has been that I have continued to be persistent with what I feel like God has called me to do.

I have kept praying for direction from God.

I have kept seeking wisdom.

I have kept writing.

Wherever you are and whatever gifts and talents you have, I would challenge you to do the same. Don’t let yourself be swayed by the distractions, rather, stay focused and stay persistent. I promise you that amazing things will happen when you do.

What is it that you feel like God has called you to do?

What passions move your heart?

Your rich life awaits.

What are you waiting for?

As always, if I can help you in any way, don’t hesitate to ask.

MH

 

There are a limited number of hardback copies of my book available at www.redefinerich.com

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About the Author

headshot-footerMatt Ham is dedicated to guiding others toward rich living. His own experiences have led him to the understanding and freedom of a rich life, and through his RICH Principles he helps folks uncover true richness, identifying real treasure and discovering true joy and contentment.

His first book, Redefine Rich, is a journey of uncovering a deeper, more fulfilling life by shifting your perspective. It is available in both Kindle and paperback on Amazon: here

You can order a limited hardback version of the book at www.redefinerich.com

To contact Matt, visit www.mattham.com/speaking

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7 Responses to What I’ve Learned From a Year of Blogging

  1. Paul Sohn March 1, 2015 at 11:00 pm #

    Keep up the great work my friend.

  2. Zechariah Newman March 2, 2015 at 2:53 pm #

    Love it Matt! Keep at it buddy!

  3. Laura Harris March 2, 2015 at 3:09 pm #

    I’m 1 month into my first self-hosted blog. This entry was great for me. Thank you for being so open with the world. I’m sure there are days when you just wanted to throw your laptop against the wall or stop writing. It’s great to see you persevere.

    • Matt Ham March 5, 2015 at 7:57 pm #

      Onward and Upward, Laura!

  4. Milton Friesen May 21, 2015 at 9:23 pm #

    I am toying with adding video-blogging or podcasting to my platform, but the perceived amount of work is scary. But I’ll just need to jump, make it a priority and let life create a space for it like it does for all things we decide must fit somehow.

    • Matt Ham May 22, 2015 at 5:28 am #

      Milton –
      My advice is to do a podcast because you’re supposed to. Not because someone tells you that you should, but because feel convicted that it’s the next step for you. If it’s something you’re supposed to do, your life will always create margin.