Juggling Act

Life is a juggling act. We all have any number of things that we need to manage and balance. Work, family, friends, hobbies, and so on. These are all balls we attempt to keep in the air. We toss them carefully up, hoping they will travel gracefully and land safely in one hand, then the other. I am always amazed at those who make this seem so effortless, although I know that even the smoothest operator—the most cool, calm, and collected person—will, on some level, feel the stress and weight of expectations and obligations. Sometimes that stress is external, sometimes it’s self-imposed.

This blog has changed my life. Not necessarily in terms of having to learn to juggle something else, as I’m no stranger to having extra projects that become consuming, but more in it’s scope and what it has—happily—become. It also has, not surprisingly, wildly increased the number of responsibilities and obligations, I’m required to meet on a daily basis to keep the content coming and everything running smoothly. I’m often asked about starting a blog and the business of blogging. How do you do it?

First and foremost, a blog is a writing gig. You are an author. You are a story teller. How useful and compelling you make your content will directly reflect the interest and engagement of your readership. You are also a creative director. You conceptualize and plan content and photo shoots, hopefully weeks, if not months, in advance. You are a social media manager, an accountant, an analyst, a businessman (or woman). The list goes on. Is it easy? No. Is it fun? Absolutely.

Since starting the blog over a year ago, I’ve been fortunate to have surrounded myself with people who make parts of the site and business more manageable. Rob’s photography speaks for itself. No doubt. One aspect that became exceedingly hard for me to manage on my own once the blog started to really grow—since I do have a full time job—was handling brand partnerships and collaborations. Luckily, I have a team that manages all facets of this now, which frees my mind up and allows me to do what I love most: to be creative.

This Look: Blazer c/o Alton Lane (similar here) – Shirt by J.Crew – Jeans by J.Crew – Hat by Goorin Bros. (similar or splurge) – Pocket round by QG Handmade (similar here) – Belt by J.Crew – Watch by Timex – Bag c/o Coach – Boots by To Boot New York

The blog has been an exciting journey and education so far—and one that’s just beginning. It continues to evolve, as we all do, but will always remain true to it’s core.

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian
He Spoke Style

Photography by Rob McIver Photo.