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.

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?