3 Blogging Lessons I Learned the Had Way

How a Sneaky San Jose Scavenger Taught Me 3 Blogging Lessons

His grubby paws fingered the half eaten, greasy sausage.

McMuffin crumbs. Syrupy pancake remnants. A thimble full of coffee.

Nothing was off limits for this sneaky San Jose scavenger.

During my recent trip to Costa Rica my wife Kelli and I chilled in the capital of San Jose for a day (we knew the way). We enjoyed breakfast at 1 of the 14 million McDonald's fast food joints in the city.

I was simultaneously stunned and entertained by the pillager of home fries. How could a guy be so bold? Clearly he wasn't a desperate street guy. Clean-cut, dressed well (compared to me he was dressed to the nines) and even the way he picked through spare McD's fare suggested he could afford to be…..picky.3 Blogging Lessons I Learned the Had Way

This bold buzzard taught me – and you – 3 blogging lessons that day.

Successful blogging lessons.

1: DNC

Not creating a lead in for a politically motivated tip here. No, this is not an advertisement for the Democratic National Committee. I'm talking 'bout: Do Not Care. The guy did not care what people thought of his sneaky scavenging of scrumptious single cheese burgers. Local Ticos (Costa Ricans) didn't bat an eye lash. I carefully observed his persistent predation of fries, McNuggets and McRibs with a fascinated air.

Blogging buddies, if you wish to ascend to the Blogging Big Dawg level of this game (whether you're a rookie blogger or seasoned vet), the upper echelon, the creme de la creme, gradually release your fear of criticism. Speak your mind.

Write in YOUR voice. No watering down. No filtering.

Your fans will love what you have to say. And your fan base will grow. Folks who disagree may or may not share their lack of clarity and belief in self through comments. But any disagreement or criticism says everything about the critics and nothing about you.

2: Gobble Up Opportunities

He wolfed down a half-finished Sundae. After that, our San Jose purveyor of all things Golden Arches nibbled on a house salad. Didn't anybody tell him Ticos don't do salad at desayuno? Either way, the dude gobbled up opportunities to feast just like pro bloggers feast on opportunities to build connections.

I gotta admit; I pondered writing this guest post for a few weeks. I mean, Ileane runs a first class, well read blog. She has built an astoundingly loyal community. But I'm a busy bee too. Hundreds of blogs for posting and only 24 hours a day.

I publish 4 posts weekly on my blog. Blogging from Paradise Dot Com. If you're keeping score at home.

I publish 1 guest post weekly to Bloggingtips.com because Zac Johnson rocks. I publish 1 guest post weekly to Live Life Made to Order because it's a top shelf personal development blog. And because the blog owner cooks my meals. And because she happened to marry me.

I also travel the world persistently, changing time zones like most folks change pants and spending more time in the tropics than dengue fever.

But I felt it'd be fun to share my thoughts on blogging here, for both me and Ileane's awesome audience. So here we are. I am an Opportunity Pacman. Once again.

The blogging world is your open mic guys. Be heard.

Submit guest posts to relevant, authority blogs. Comment on popular blogs. Share your blogging buddies' content. Make friends with high rolling bloggers. I've been blessed to be featured on sites like Richard Branson's Virgin blog, Forbes and Neil Patel Dot Com and I spoke at NYU because I have fun being an Opportunity Pacman.

3: You Will Succeed or Fail Based on How you Frame any Moment

No doubt, some of my more negative-feeling gringo buds looked at the “poor, poor man” and shook their heads in pity. They chose to see a homeless guy desperate to fill his tummy. I saw a well-dressed, clean cut, discerning (yes I'm being serious; he once passed over 2 ounces of Angus Chipotle BBQ Bacon I even thought about devouring greedily) cat who simply ate what other people wasted.

It's almost alarming how many bloggers see failure versus successful opportunity. But that's why 80% of bloggers never make more than $100 during their blogging careers. You won't succeed by carrying a negative, confining vibe with you.

Do 2 things: follow your fun and trust in the process. What can you gab about all day long? Blog about it. Then, trust in the blogging process. Meaning, as you make friends and create entertaining content for your readers you'll detach more from outcomes (blogging income, subscriber count, etc) and you'll naturally color your life with a positive paintbrush.

Where others see failure, you'll see success. When others strain and strive to create mediocre content, you'll churn out entertaining, informative posts like (McD's) hotcakes.

Folks wonder how in the Hades I can write about how being stalked and attacked by 2 Thai lady boy prostitutes in Bangkok teaches me 6 distinct blogging lessons. Or how I learned 2 successful blogging lessons by being attacked – twice – by wild men in Kathmandu, Nepal (yes, unfortunately for my body, but fortunately for my brand, both are true stories). I frame the world in a positive light. I see growth. I see progression. I see empowered people.

I appreciate the moment. Most of the time. I have fun. I trust.

I surround myself with positive-feeling bloggers. I learn from bright lights.

Naturally, oodles and oodles of blogging goodness flowed my way. In the form of fun, prospering, helpful ideas, influential bloggers, money, an increased presence. Ya know, all that jazz.

Be positive. Be thankful. You have a sweet gig. Even if you're not a pro blogger yet or you have no pro blogging plans you live in an exciting time. Embrace opportunities. Feel empowered. Enjoy the ride.

Your Turn

What blogging lessons did you learn from this sharp-dressed scavenger?

10 thoughts on “How a Sneaky San Jose Scavenger Taught Me 3 Blogging Lessons”

  1. Shantanu Sinha

    Hello Ryan Biddulph,

    Ryan you are always there with some fun loving facts, that make us all learn a healthy lesson
    for becoming a good blogger. Cheers for you buddy 🙂

    I loved the point which you mentioned, “Write in YOUR voice. No watering down. No filtering”
    one of the key factor of becoming a successful blogger.

    Thank you for sharing these among us.
    Shantanu sinha

    1. Hi Shantanu,

      You’re all over! Thanks for the kind comment. Our voice is our gift, so if we use it with each post we will stand out from the crowd.

      Ryan

  2. Hey there Ryan!

    What a style of writing you have, mi querido amigo!

    You are really living la pura vida over there in Costar Rica …uh!

    I like how you approach life and always seem to find a lesson or something to think about (at least).

    I am the same way. Although, I am yet to put all of my life experiences and what I learn from them on blog posts.

    You are a clear example of how story telling and entertaining writing can be mixed into the blogging world, and still be able to teach so much value. And even better yet; people are more likely to remember simple interesting stories than fact! 😉

    I totally agree with your points here, too!

    One profound thing I have learned in life, is the fact that if you really and truly wan to become very successful you need to just Laser Focus on what you are very Passionate about. Do not care about what others might think or say (about you and what you are doing).

    Passion is the purest energy that comes straight from love (positive energy). Passion fuels you. Passion is your damn best coffee – to keep on going and to stay up all night for a few nights, working on what you truly believe.

    If you just dedicate your life to do what you love, and what you are the most passionate about – the rest will come into place naturally. It is amazing how life and our universe works!

    Follow your joy – your highest excitement – and have pure faith (that everything will be alright and that everything will happen for you) – and the rest is history! 😀

    I really enjoyed this post man!

    Gracias for sharing!

    Keep up the great work buddy!

    Have a fantastic week!

    1. Hi Freddy,

      What a comment!

      Passion really is the energy fueling the drive. Like a coffee, with a chaser of a pound of sugar, combined with ephedra.

      I see you have a similar passion. It’d be impossible to make as amazing an impact as you do unless you were brimming with passionate, loving energy.

      Thanks for the awesome share.

      Ryan

  3. Angelina Grey

    Hi Ryan..!!!
    You are my idol…!!! I also want to be like you dude…!!! Blogging from paradise is my own dream…!!!

    One day i will surely be at that point when i can also say I am blogging from paradise..!! Just I have to continue writing in my voice without watering down and without filtering..!! ROGER THAT CAPTAIN..!! haha

    Awesome article delivered once again..!!!!
    Keep sharing awesome stuff mate..!!

    Cheers

    1. Hi Angelina,

      Hold that dream near and dear to your heart.

      No filtering. No adjusting.

      Write how YOU write and be heard.

      And yes, don’t hesitate to nab that How to Find Your Writing Voice eBook Ileane generously dropped in the post 😉

      Thanks for reading!

      Ryan

  4. hello Ryan ,

    Thanks for this awesome insights. You really hit the nail at the head. especially on been. bold and fearless.

    The truth is,

    Fear has crippled millions of bloggers because every one is just trying to say what suits their mind.

    Most times we are scared of rejection. we are scared to say the obvious and call out the elephant in the room.

    You made it clear.

    That the way to win is to be brutally honest with our words. To be shameless. To call spade, spade.

    Thank you.

    I’ll definitely share this.

  5. Charu Sharma

    I totally agree with your 2nd point. That grabbing and playing with the right set of opportunities. these are one of the best blogging lessons I have ever come across. Thank You

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