Ideas to try: The smiles folder

The first time I heard about the idea of a smiles folder, I was instantly hooked. Megablogger Sarah Peterson (unsettle.org, HuffPost, Sumo.com) mentioned this little tip in the Do you even blog podcast as one her inspiration secrets.

Her smiles folder is basically a virtual box of positivity. It’s a collection of the most thoughtful, nicest, uplifting feedback from her readers that she uses to help herself get out of a negative mindset or get over feelings of self-doubt or imposter syndrome.

I think this is such a good motivational and inspirational trick. Because we all go through those negative stages, even such an established and successful entrepreneur like Sarah, and refocusing on the positive aspects is critical. Especially when it comes to blogging and the online world, which is sometimes, unfortunately, not a positive space and easily lends itself to self-doubt and over comparison with others.

And it can quickly escalate and getting out of a downwards spiral is not exactly easy.

So, how should we make our own smile folder? Sarah simply uses a separate folder in gmail, but you can make one on your computer, or you can even print out some of your favorites and put it on your desk, visual board if you have any, or any other easily accessible place.

Screenshot tweets or comments that made you smile. Save exceptionally nice and uplifting messages and emails. Put everything that makes you feel good about your work, that gives you an extra set of motivation and inspiration into your smiles folder and don’t hesitate to revisit it often.

While this tip may be used in all jobs and walks of life, I feel it can be an especially positive thing for bloggers to try. Because blogging can be vulnerable at times or can feel like a jump into the unknown. We put our thoughts, ideas, and feelings out into the open and sometimes have no idea how that goes. Sure, comments, retweets, and likes provide some kind of feedback, but maybe not enough.

Do people notice? Do they care? Does my voice count? Do I make a difference?

I think we all have these questions sometimes.

I’m a big proponent of quality above quantity in basically everything, and blogging is no exception (that’s why I’m a big fan of slow blogging). One genuine comment, one person inspired or touched by anything I say or write means exactly the same as a 1000 would.

Make your own smiles folder and draw strength from it. Collect positive thoughts and feedbacks, be proud, and take them out in moments of self-doubt, second guessing, or if you just need an extra kick of motivation.

It’s not an ego trip. There’s nothing wrong with being proud of what we do and realizing we may have helped someone else or provided a good tip, information, or some inspiration. In fact, this is what makes me going forward – not monetization or page views. They would mean nothing without real people.

Also, today is the perfect time to start your smiles folder. It’s a good way to look back and make a little positive summary of your year and also a good habit to start and keep in the New Year.

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