While on my latest doom-scroll (I’m working on doing it less, trust), I came across a few different videos from creators talking about their journey’s to success. They shared a few different tips and tricks for people to emulate, but one lesson I took from them was to treat your work like a portfolio.

The content we create and the art we make are all parts of the greater work we are constructing. People can’t see the vision in your head, and they can’t know your work if you don’t put it out there! So, if you want people to take note of your creations, and work with you in future, they need to see what they are getting into—hence, the portfolio.

For someone who is rather critical of social media and being online as a creator, this completely shifted my mindset. My work doesn’t have to be perfect, but it has to be authentic to me, and it has to show my growth and ability. Using my blog to hone my writing craft, develop my consistency, and build a body of work for others to peruse is the goal.

This year has been full of firsts, but it has also involved spending a lot of time going back to the things I know and love. Life is about exploring and reinventing who you are, but I believe we often end up finding our way back to ourselves. I’ve written about how I’ve rekindled my love of sport this year, and how I am returning to university too. With all this going on, I’ve been reflecting on what I really want for myself and my life, and while I’m not entirely sure yet, I’m getting closer each day to figuring it out.

One thing I know for certain is that I love writing. When I think about the actual tasks I want to be doing each and every day, writing is one of them. I do it all the time, whether that be on my notes app, on Notion, and here on my blog. I’m an author, so I love crafting stories, but I also find it to be such an important part of my own growth too.

It’s a fantastic way to sort through your personal thoughts, to see what you’re really thinking and change the thoughts for good. Writing has helped me to see myself better, and it ultimately forces me to be better. Once you see what you are actually thinking about yourself and situations in your life, you can identify patterns and disrupt the bad habits that don’t serve you.

That’s where the blog comes in. As yet, I don’t have one so topic or area that I want to write about, which can be challenging in this digital age where there is so much competition. My interests span such a broad range, and change like the wind. One day I might be obsessed with learning the ins and outs of a new sport, the next day I could be all-in on a new musician I’ve fallen in love with. Then there is psychology, politics, sociological issues, business, marketing, healthcare, and so much more! I mean really, how could anyone stick with just one area of focus? (Jokes, but actually…)

Your twenties are for exploration, and instead of feeling like I’ve already wasted some of those years, I’ve decided to embrace all these different ideas and interests. When planning the new goals I had for this blog, I decided to explore all sorts of different mediums on my journey. Throw things at the wall and see what sticks, you know?

Trying all these different mediums and exploring different topics is only going to make me a stronger writer anyway. By doing this more and consistently, I’ll also be able to build up that portfolio we were talking about. If I want to find a literary agent, collaborators, and new employers or clients, I need to show them what I can offer. With my youth comes time and a bit of courage, so I know I’ll get there if I keep showing up.

It’s not easy to put yourself out there, but that is the only way to make the success you want to see. If you won’t fight for yourself and your goals, who will?

I hope this encourages you to keep working on your own projects, with that portfolio in mind. The work doesn’t have to be perfect—showing your growth is important too. The only way to get better is to work on your craft, and the only way to do that is to keep showing up.

So what are you building in your portfolio at the moment? What are you working towards? Let’s help each other to get there!