As bloggers we agonize about getting everything just right. Finding the right template, choosing the right niche, writing the perfect post, promoting our blogs the right way... the list goes on. But you should not be afraid to fail. Failure is good - I know you've probably been taught that if you fail, you are somehow personally lacking. This just isn't so. Failure is a mechanism of learning and a stepping stone to blog success, don't let it stop you, use it.

Follow up:

Never be afraid to take a chance, try something new - never shrink from a challenge that seems beyond your abilities. Bloggers must be fearless if they are to succeed. You must not let anyone tell you that you can't do something or that your blog could never be successful. Blogging is not about getting everything right from the beginning, instead it is a process, an exercise in learning. And the road to success is not the same for everyone - it's your own individual journey - enjoy it.

Writing a successful blog is an exercise in trial and error. No matter how discouraged you get don't give up. If something isn't working change it, but make your changes intelligently:

1. Take a hard long look at what your are doing.
2. Did you give it a fair chance, enough time to work?
3. Try to figure out why it isn't netting your the desired results.
4. Check out what successful bloggers are using or doing differently.
5. Research & assess your alternatives, scrutinize the possible effectiveness of each.
6. Implement your new strategy, approach or tool.
7. Give it some time to take effect.
8. Evaluate if you are getting a desirable improvement.
9. Still not working, try something else.
10. Repeat as necessary.

You will find yourself repeating the above steps many times in your journey to creating a successful blog. Don't let it frustrate you, know that eventually you will find what works for you. When you fail, ask yourself what you have learned and go from there. Savor each successful battle and be grateful for the failures that brought you to that point.

If all else fails, ask someone for help. Don't be afraid to approach a more successful blogger and ask for some suggestions. The worse thing that can happen is that some idiot will ignore you or possibly give you bad advice. Obviously they are the lesser person and most people are happy to do a little mentoring along the way. As always carefully evaluate the suggestions offered, they might not be for you and blog. You can always ask Blog Angel, I am always available to lend a hand or point you in the right direction. After all I created this blog to help you teach your blog to fly.

[Update - Saturday, May 16, 2009] Keep yourself motivated with these great quotes on courage from Live Passionately. Courage is the ability to move forward in the face of failure - blog on!