Comment posted on Bloggers: If You’re Not Struggling, You’re Failing by Keith
Excellent article Tristan! One thing I will say is it really isn’t always necessary or needed to respond to every single comment, I do reply to most comments on my sites too, but sometimes there just isn’t anything to say back to a commentor.
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Tristan,
Great post from you
I am struggling too, but when i see more visitors in my site, the happines flares and encourage me to blog more.
I still remember when i first blogged, many people ask me to change my niche, i am glad i did not.
Because this blog is what i am most comfortable with to blog. Something which i really know.
Kimi´s last blog ..Rotating tag cloud wordpress — wp-cumulus plugin
Thanks, Kimi! I agree; when I see something go my way on my blog, the happiness and satisfaction makes all of the struggles feel worth it.
It’s great to hear that you stuck with your niche because you loved it! Way to go!
And thanks for commenting, Kimi. I really appreciate it!
Tristan@Blogging Tips´s last blog ..68 Blogging Tips from Confucius FREE eBook Plus a Bonus!
Thanks for this guest post, Tristan. Building a blog is, indeed, hard work…but it’s a work of love so long as we keep our goals in front of us. Good tips on communication on your blog with those who respond and retweet your posts. Building relationships on blogs is how to become successful with one.
Demetria´s last blog ..Comment on Discovering your unique selling point- pt 1 by Demetria Zinga- MS
Exactly, Demetria. Since it’s such hard work, it really hits home home important it is to love what we blog about.
And I agree that building relationships is pretty much the most important factor when it comes to having a successful blog. Thanks!
Tristan@Blogging Tips´s last blog ..68 Blogging Tips from Confucius FREE eBook Plus a Bonus!
Struggling in a more positive perspective gives us that energy to move forward. All of our struggles serve as our reminder that we have a goal in life. Goals that no matter how hard to achieve, we are willing to do everything for this goal.
Aaron@Background check´s last blog ..Reverse Phone Number Lookup
Exactly, Aaron. The harder we work/struggle to reach a goal, the better it will feel when we reach that goal.
Thanks for commenting!
Tristan@Blogging Tips´s last blog ..68 Blogging Tips from Confucius FREE eBook Plus a Bonus!
I’m kinda amazed at the number of readers that don’t want any struggle.
I need to pass on a little story - my wife and I came through a very hard time not long ago. It was more than a struggle, it was shaking our very core. The whole thing lasted a good 2 weeks, close to 3.
During the bad times we met and developed a new friend whose insight helped a little. And then we figured out a new way of doing things that relieved a little more pressure.
Finally the event was over, we were ecstatic. Then we actually came to the realization that we had to come thru the struggle. Had we not we would not of even associated with the individual, or been forced to find the better way of proceeding. WE HAD TO STRUGGLE WITH A TO LEARN B AND C. And clearly that wouldn’t of happened without the struggle.
Praise your good times as well as your bad. You must know the dark to see the light, and experience pain to know pleasure.
Most of all, never forget who walks next to you every day.
Gibson Goff´s last blog ..When and more importantly- how to complain about bad service
Wow, Gibson, thank you for sharing such an inspiring and personal story with us.
It illustrates the point I was trying to make with this article perfectly!
We have to options when we face struggles: 1) think that what we’re trying to do is too hard and give up, or 2) push on through and reap the benefits that come from not quitting. These include personal satisfaction and added experience, plus any unforeseen positive effects like the ones you mentioned.
Again, thank you so much for sharing this!
Tristan@Blogging Tips´s last blog ..68 Blogging Tips from Confucius FREE eBook Plus a Bonus!
I will follow Tristan where ever he goes. Fortunately, I will follow Ana too - that’s how I knew where to find Tristan. I am constantly struggling with something. There are things I struggle with all the time. There are things I struggle with only occasionally.
Getting comments: commentluv has really helped with this, but I still can’t seem to get regular old readers of my blog to comment regularly.
Getting traffic through social media: Google is my biggest source of traffic. I have been experimenting more with Twitter lately and not seeing much of a change. I do however, have some cool relationships from it.
Getting people to buy my product: I have a new sales video though and hope to have higher conversions.
Doing it all: the classic constant struggle.
Susan@Home Workout´s last blog ..Susan and the Terrible- Horrible- No Good- Very Bad Week
Thanks for following me over here, Susan
Maybe if you offered some other kind of incentive to your blog readers to encourage comments you could get your regular readers to comment more? Like… Offering a free personalized workout plan for a randomly chosen commenter. Or… a free copy of an ebook or something.
I feel your Twitter pain. It can be hard to make Twitter work for you in a niche that isn’t internet-marketing related. I think it would probably be especially hard in the workout/weight loss niche because there are so many scuzzballs on Twitter just spamming and trying to make a quick buck. I don’t know how you’ve been using Twitter so it’s hard for me to say how you can use it better. But just keep retweeting people’s stuff and hoping they’ll retweet yours!
Good luck, Susan! I hope we can all grow and become rich and famous as we struggle
Actually, I don’t need to be famous… Rich works just fine.
Tristan@Blogging Tips´s last blog ..68 Blogging Tips from Confucius FREE eBook Plus a Bonus!
Hey Tristan,
I really enjoyed reading your inspirational post. Well done! Look forward to reading your next posts.
You can’t create success without struggling. All successful people have struggled all the way to the top!
Thanks for the inspiration and thanks to Ana for allowing you share this with us.
All the best,
Mavis Nong
Mavis Nong @ Attraction Marketing Online´s last blog ..Blog Traffic- How To Attract Even More Traffic With This Cool Plugin…
Thanks, Mavis! It’s true; success without struggling not only isn’t satisfying… I don’t think it’s even possible!
I’m glad you liked the post and found it useful. Thanks for stopping by and leaving such a great comment!
Tristan@Blogging Tips´s last blog ..68 Blogging Tips from Confucius FREE eBook Plus a Bonus!
What about outsourcing and time management? Both seem to relieve a lot of struggle…
Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last blog ..Contest Prize Sponsors Wanted for Upcoming Comment Contests!
Yep! Those definitely help relieve the struggle… or they can increase it if you’re doing it wrong
I talk about these in more detail, along with other tips, in the next post.
Thanks, Dennis!
Tristan@Blogging Tips´s last blog ..68 Blogging Tips from Confucius FREE eBook Plus a Bonus!
Lookin’ forward to it!
Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last blog ..Contest Prize Sponsors Wanted for Upcoming Comment Contests!
Wonderful post Ana, you rock big time
Kareem Williams´s last blog ..Leadership qualities- What Makes Ray Higdon A Leader In Network Marketing
Ana does indeed have excellent taste
Thanks for commenting, Kareem!
Tristan@Blogging Tips´s last blog ..Help Me Decide What Product to Come Out With on Blogging Bookshelf!
Hi Tristan, great to read you…
I agree with your post,for my part I will write that little equation: struggles + more efforts= Success!
Nobody have success without failure…
Thanks!
Dave B
restaurant recipe´s last blog ..Content ID turns three
Dave: you are the only one I let use all kinds of weird names in the “Name” field.
Just remember, I use KeywordLuv on this blog…
Success without failure… I should add that to my list for Santa!
Ana
Hi Ana, I enjoy reading your blog and commenting. Next time I will use my name@keyword.
Thanks!!
Dave B
Dave@restaurant recipe´s last blog ..Content ID turns three
Any time, Dave. Hope your niche sites are flourishing!
I like that, Dave! I’d add two more things to your equation, even though I didn’t cover them in a whole lot of detail in the article: struggles + more efforts + POSITIVITY + PERSEVERANCE = success
Thanks for the comment, Dave!
Tristan@Blogging Tips´s last blog ..Help Me Decide What Product to Come Out With on Blogging Bookshelf!
Hi Tristan
Great to see you here on Ana’s blog. I am very encouraged by your post. Cos I struggle with all the techie stuff which remains a mystery to me. Soon as I am earning a little more with my blog, will be outsourcing all that!
It is a struggle to get round all the blogs each day to comment. But as you rightly point out, that’s how we get to know other bloggers and get our own blog out there. I was blown away yesterday going to several blogs to read them and wow there I was in their posts! If I hadn’t visited I wouldn’t have got so encouraged and some days I need that encouragement when there are struggles with my blog.
So spending time struggling but still persevering and achieving our goals is well worth it. I love your writing style and you always come up with interesting posts. Way to go Tristan.
Patricia Perth Australia
Patricia@lavenderuses´s last blog ..So Little Time- So Much To Do
Thanks for the great comment, Patricia. Not that I’m surprised to see you comment here. I think you might be the single most prolific commenter I’ve ever seen!
And I’ve seen your blog popping up all over the place, too! I think that’s the single biggest testament to the power of commenting that I’ve seen. I know you’ve won me over (who would have ever thought that I’d be looking forward to new posts on a blog about lavender??), and as a result I am way more than happy to comment and share anything you write.
I think you are also a great example of venturing outside of your niche. In fact, I think you’re just a great example of a blogger. Period.
Keep it up, Patricia! Thanks so much for the comments; for this one, for all that you’ve made in the past, and for all of the ones in the future that you will undoubtedly make.
Tristan@Blogging Tips´s last blog ..Help Me Decide What Product to Come Out With on Blogging Bookshelf!
Ana, you have been a life saver with your info. It’ like I have been broght back from the dead. There are a ton of people that still need your help. They are in the same rut I was until I found you. Keep up the great work.
Happy Holidays!
Ric.
Happy I can help, Ric!
Merry Christmas to you as well.
Ana
Hi Tristan,
I’ve discovered the awesome power of struggling this year and I can totally relate to your post. I have grown fond of that little area just beyond my comfort zone that gives me butterflies, makes me a little excited, and life a bit more vibrant.
Wonderful message to live by! Thanks for sharing it.
Heather
Heather C Stephens´s last blog ..20 Personal Assessment Questions for Network Marketers
Thanks, Heather! As long as it’s somewhat in moderation, struggling is great isn’t it?
You put it so beautifully with, “I have grown fond of that little area just beyond my comfort zone that gives me butterflies, makes me a little excited, and life a bit more vibrant.”
Very well said! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving such a great comment

Tristan Higbee´s last blog ..Help Me Decide What Product to Come Out With on Blogging Bookshelf!
Thanks so much Tristan. I’m looking forward to reading more of your posts and checking out your blog!

Heather C Stephens´s last blog ..20 Personal Assessment Questions for Network Marketers
Tristan,
I think your post is on the spot for most bloggers out there minus those who are already on the top. I agree.. It is a struggle and especially when you have lots of commitments in your life on top of trying to push your blog to greater heights. I think without the struggle there won’t be room to grow and improve your blog. There’s a lot of competition these days and I’m loving it. There’s always something to learn about around the blogosphere from newbies and experienced bloggers alike.
Great post btw!
bryan´s last blog ..The Newbie Twitter Cheat Sheet
Bryan, you’re definitely right about struggling to keep up with a blog when you’ve got “real life” commitments like work and family.
And the competition aspect of blogging is really kinda fun, isn’t it! I mean, you want to work with and support your “competitors” in the blogosphere, but at the same time, you do want to beat them
Thanks for commenting, Bryan!
Tristan Higbee´s last blog ..Help Me Decide What Product to Come Out With on Blogging Bookshelf!
I like the word “Challenges.” Struggles has a “victim” ring to it that make me feel a little uncomfortable. I don’t care what business you are in…it takes time and effort to build. Demands on time and energy are just part of it.
Dealing with “Challenges” can be view as a game. You can laugh and have fun or “Struggle in the hardship of it all. “If your not Challenged… you failing.”
Thanks Tristan… You always make me dig deep and think.
Kathryn Griffiths´s last blog ..Is The Difference Between PageRank and Search Rank Clear In Your Mind
It’s great to see you here, Kathryn! I always am excited to hear what you’ve got to say. Ok, “challenges” might be a better word than “struggles.” Either way, I’m glad you liked the post
As the same time, though, I almost kind of like the connotation of desperation that comes with “struggles.” While I agree that not all bloggers need to feel desperate and be killing themselves over their blogs, I think working on my blog has moved beyond the realm of “challenging” and is currently hovering in “struggling.” I’m not as all-out desperate as the word “struggling” might imply, but I definitely am struggling to be where I want to be with my blog.
Anyway, thanks for the input, Kathryn!
Tristan Higbee´s last blog ..Help Me Decide What Product to Come Out With on Blogging Bookshelf!
Tristan, great topic and the way you covered it was just stunning!
We all struggle but most of us don’t like it (me too sometimes). We like to be in our comfortable zone, we like to have our rituals to feel safe, we like to have our day scheduled. But what is the point of outlining everything? Will this push us somewhere? NO!
I do struggle all the time, I got a day job, I am working from 8:30am till 5:30pm, I like to go to gym at least 3 times a week, I have a girlfriend, family, friends…when should I care about my blog? That is my main struggle.
How to do all those blogging things and do not lose anything what is really important from my offline life?
All I can do is being flexible, trying to do my best and than a little bit more. Will I be successful? I don’t know, but that is the charm of the life, right?
As I said Tristan this was really amazing article!
Struggles are necessary for success, overcoming them means you are growing and learning. If you are not growing and learning then your failing.
Tristan Richards´s last blog ..How To Get Red Hot Prospects To Chase You
Exactly, Tristan (whoah, it’s weird to be calling someone else Tristan!).
Thanks for the feedback! I really appreciate you taking the time to read the post and going out of your way to leave a comment!
Tristan Higbee´s last blog ..Help Me Decide What Product to Come Out With on Blogging Bookshelf!
Only cool guys have the name Tristan…;)
Tristan Richards@mlm business leads´s last blog ..How To Get Red Hot Prospects To Chase You
Hey now… Nothing wrong with Ana.
Although a little secret: my full name is Oksana.
And now you know…
Now I know two Oksana’s, both beautiful women, and there is nothing wrong with Ana, that’s the name for a princess

Tristan Richards@mlm business leads´s last blog ..How To Get Red Hot Prospects To Chase You
Ahhh…
Did I tell you can come to my blog any time, Tristan?
Tristan,
Okay, I have to admit the word struggle kind of bugged me. But, the ideas you pull out from that were really great. You are so right, putting forth the extra effort is a struggle.
The winners of any game are those who work hard to reach the goal. You see it in sports, politics and life.
Your post reminded me of this quote.
“If everything is under control, you are going too slow” ~MarioAndretti
Sheila Atwood@newbielifeline.com´s last blog ..The Weekend Web – Backlinks
Ah, semantics
You can’t please everyone, I guess!
I’m glad you found the post useful, “struggle” notwithstanding.
That’s an awesome quote by Mario Andretti! Thanks for sharing, Sheila!
Tristan Higbee´s last blog ..Help Me Decide What Product to Come Out With on Blogging Bookshelf!
Isn’t it amazing, Tristan, how different our perception is?
When I read your post, the word “struggle” didn’t bother me one bit; however, not everybody sees it the same way.
Great quote indeed, Sheila!
Ana
Hi Tristan,
This is an important message to struggling bloggers, thanks for sharing.
Celebrate guys! When the comfort zone is your home you ain’t going anywhere of note. Continually raise the bar for yourself and you will struggle from time to time.
One thing I’d like to add: struggling 24-7, 365 for extended periods is a sign that something is up. If you never encounter more than a few minutes of “light-ness” when blogging you might have chosen the wrong profession/hobby.
I want to celebrate resistance encountered as a period of intense growth - struggle - than I pull back and allow the universe to go to work for me - allowing things to happen without my naughty little ego’s interference. Break Down/Build Up. This is when stuff like “dumb luck”, “chance encounters”, and “out of the blue” connections with fellow bloggers/entrepreneurs happens.
Your hard work certainly help to set it up these contacts but pulling back and chilling allows for the really cool stuff in life that we can’t explain to happen.
Have a powerful day Tristan! Thanks again for the wonderful post
RB
Ryan Biddulph´s last blog ..6 Disgusting Ways to Pitch Your Home Based Opportunity
Great points, Ryan. That’s something I maybe could have covered more and gone into more detail about in the post. We all need those pat yourself on the back moments, but so we can feel good about our accomplishments and so we can take a breather.
Feeling stressed about something 24/7/365 like you said is not healthy. Also like you said, “Break Down/Build Up.”
Thanks for the great addendum to the post, Ryan. You have a powerful day, too!

Tristan Higbee´s last blog ..Help Me Decide What Product to Come Out With on Blogging Bookshelf!
Ana, thanks for bringing Tristan on as guest blogger. This is such important advice. Many business owners that I know believet that struggling is wrong and therefore make themselves feel incompetent as a resutl. But as you point out, struggling only means that we are living outside our comfort zone and are actively learning. And this is where we need to be to grow successful businesses. Thanks for the reminder. I’ll be fowarding this one.
Lesa@OnlineBusinessManager´s last blog ..Essesential WordPress Plugins
Thanks, Lesa! And I LOVE what you said about people thinking that struggling is wrong and therefore they feel like they’re incompetent. What a sad thought! Nobody was born with all the knowledge they need, and even the “experts” had to experience the growing pains at some point.
Thanks so much for the comment!
Tristan Higbee´s last blog ..Help Me Decide What Product to Come Out With on Blogging Bookshelf!
Tristan I think you have hit the nail on the head with this post, if anything it starts out quite easy, it’s only as you understand more that the true amount of work really starts to hit home
In traditional work patterns you can pass things onto your staff, suddenly there is just you and some outsource partners, welcome to business online, then the real learning process begins and you dig in and start to get the real work done
Thanks for sharing Tony
Tony Clingan´s last blog ..“Facebook Crazy Growth Or Welcome Development”
Tony, you’re right about understanding the amount of work only when you get a little bit deeper into it. And then it’s easy to become overwhelmed! I think that’s the point a lot of bloggers stop at. They get through the honeymoon phase and realize that their blogging relationship is going to take a TON of work for it to be successful.
Thanks for the great, insightful comment!
Tristan Higbee´s last blog ..Help Me Decide What Product to Come Out With on Blogging Bookshelf!
Hey Tristan,
Great work mate! Never heard of the phrase “If you’re not struggling you’re failing.” before, but it is undoubtedly valid. Stepping out of your comfort zone is the only way to make a presence and continue growing. Otherwise you are just standing still, waiting for a miracle of some sort to happen. Things just don’t work that way. The success of you and your blog is totally in your hands and efforts. If you don’t do what you are supposed to, expecting to achieve something is plain naive.
Daniel Sharkov@Blogging Tips´s last blog ..The Power of Backlinking as an Off-Page SEO Technique
Thanks, Daniel!
First off, let me say that you always leave great comments, not just on my posts, but on everything I’ve seen you comment on. So major props for being an asset wherever you go!
I like how you said that stepping out of your comfort zone is the only way to keep growing. It’s so true. Though miracles *can* happen, I personally like to stack the odds heavily in my favor by doing as much as I can
Thanks again!
Tristan Higbee´s last blog ..Help Me Decide What Product to Come Out With on Blogging Bookshelf!
Excellent article Tristan! One thing I will say is it really isn’t always necessary or needed to respond to every single comment, I do reply to most comments on my sites too, but sometimes there just isn’t anything to say back to a commentor.
Keith´s last blog ..Buy This Site
Thanks, Keith! I’m glad you liked the post
I personally like to reply to every comment that clearly isn’t a spam comment (and I delete those, of course). You’re right in that sometimes there’s really nothing to say, but I think that just saying “Thanks for taking the time to comment” is the least I can do just to show that I saw their comment and sincerely appreciate the extra effort they took to be a part of my blog.
Tristan Higbee´s last blog ..Help Me Decide What Product to Come Out With on Blogging Bookshelf!
Struggling is not a word I like to use, but yes, it’s got to rub or you’re not moving. Good good post.
Martin Stellar´s last blog ..Spin Tops and Thanksgiving
I personally don’t think struggling is a dirty word at all! I think it’s a completely natural and healthy thing to struggle with anything in life. Struggling is what makes our accomplishments so great and worthwhile!
Thanks for leaving your input, Martin!
Tristan Higbee´s last blog ..Help Me Decide What Product to Come Out With on Blogging Bookshelf!
Well, it’s not a dirty word at all of course. But for the sake of mental health and light thinking I try to see things differently. Call me crazy (please do) but it works for me.
The points you’re making in the post are excellent though.
Not sure I agree that struggling must be there for an accomplishment to be worthwhile. Food for long talks

Martin Stellar´s last blog ..Spin Tops and Thanksgiving
I wish I had a mental switch to turn off all the struggle that goes on in this head of mine.
You should teach me how to do it your way, Martin - sounds like the way to go!
Ana
PS Appreciate you keeping the discussion going!
Nothing like a good conversation.
Send me an email if you want to know my secret, Ana

Martin Stellar´s last blog ..Spin Tops and Thanksgiving
I sure wish I didn’t struggle. I wish everything just came so easy I didn’t have to work at it at all.
Now back to the real world, I guess
But anyway, I can see the point here. Struggling is indicative of ambition and the will to see that ambition realized. Without that struggle you don’t ever better yourself and you end up as some kind of apathetic scrub just wishing for all the things you want.
It sure feels good when you accomplish one of your goals, though. Then it’s time to move on to the next..!
John Garrett´s last blog ..ROBOTS IN THE FUTURE WILL DESTROY US ALL
Yeah, it would be nice to say, “Struggles be gone!” and be done with them, but that’s part of what make this whole blogging thing worthwhile. As cliche as it is, the accomplishments we value most are the ones we have to work hard for.
I love this: “Struggling is indicative of ambition and the will to see that ambition realized.” Very well said, John!!
Thanks for the great input, buddy. It’s always great to see you comment on something I write.
Tristan Higbee´s last blog ..Help Me Decide What Product to Come Out With on Blogging Bookshelf!
Ana, once again you prove your blog is number one on the leader board. Tristan does a great job of gently providing a reality check to all of us. What a great post!
Thanks to both of you.
Gibson Goff´s last blog ..Top 10 Places to Have Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanks, Gibson! I really appreciate such great feedback! Thanks for taking the time to read and leave a comment.
Tristan Higbee´s last blog ..Help Me Decide What Product to Come Out With on Blogging Bookshelf!
Hi Tristan,
I can relate to what you are writng. I once heard the saying that “perspiration is the fountain of youth”. In order to stay vibrant and wholesome, you have to keep kicking it up a notch or two. This applies to so many different levels in our lives. Don’t worry, the next life will be better.
Lou Barba
Lou Barba´s last blog ..TWO DEAD TOO DEADTOO HIGH A PRICE
Lou, I love how you said that “you have to keep kicking it up a notch or two.” That’s a great way to put it.
While I think there’s nothing wrong with enjoying your success and feeling good about it (in fact, I think that’s essential), I think discomfort in blogging is a healthy thing
Thanks, Lou!
Tristan Higbee´s last blog ..Help Me Decide What Product to Come Out With on Blogging Bookshelf!
Well, maybe you can have success without struggling. Working smart and planning your day with your daily chores is something that can make the stress levels somewhat lower.
What I think is that you should motivate yourself to learn more and get more done before the day ends and to struggle to do this things.
You might not agree with this, but when I hear the word ‘struggle’ I think of trying to do something while not succeeding, and I think that doing something and succeeding is better.
Alex@Jocuri´s last blog ..Salon de animale
When I hear the word “struggle,” I don’t necessarily get that connotation. I think it is very possible and common to struggle and yet succeed at the same time.
I agree that working smart and planning your day can reduce the amount that you’ve got to struggle, but I still think the average blogger is going to have to struggle, and that they should even embrace that.
Thanks for taking the time to leave such a great comment, Alex!
Tristan Higbee´s last blog ..Help Me Decide What Product to Come Out With on Blogging Bookshelf!
The bigger my blog grows, the more I struggle to stay on top of everything I need to do on a daily basis.
I love it though and wish I struggled more!
I do see your point as far as the word is concerned though, Alex.
Ana
Agree 100%. When I was 19 I worked at a grocery store and I recall asking the middle manager what he wanted to do with his life. He said he hated what he was doing but had been there 12 years and didn’t think he could do any better…he was comfortably miserable, I vowed never to be that, and I never had.
Ray Higdon´s last blog ..Staying Positive in a Cynical World Video
Exactly, Ray! Great example! One of my biggest fears in life is becoming stagnant and too comfortable with my lot, whether it’s in blogging or in life in general.
“He said he hated what he was doing but had been there 12 years and didn’t think he could do any better.” << Oh man, that is a little bit heartbreaking, isn't it? I wish Tony Robbins could go around and make those kinds of people snap out of it!
Thanks for commenting!
Tristan Higbee´s last blog ..Help Me Decide What Product to Come Out With on Blogging Bookshelf!
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