The only reason I started a blog years ago was because I had to post journal entries online for a uni subject. I wrote very occasionally but really enjoyed it. This year, with a bit more time on my hands, I challenged myself to write more intentionally and more often. I upgraded to a new platform, got a new address and decided to share my site across my social media platforms with the help of a title picture with ‘jessicabigg.com’ included.

When I published ‘Life after 30‘ recently, I wondered if the way I’d included my website looked a bit naff and I feared I had just placed myself in the dreaded ‘tall poppy’ firing line…

So, to respond to the silent critics (both in my head, and in real life, probably) I’d like to answer a few questions and tell ‘Tall Poppy Syndrome’ (and those those who subscribe to it) to get STUFFED.

Q. What is tall poppy syndrome anyway?

It’s a social phenomenon where people who grow, succeed or stand out, are resented and criticised by others. (Yes, even by their peers.) It’s the assumption that you can’t be successful without being arrogant too, but it’s not the success that’s the problem; it’s the assumed superiority of the individual we don’t like.

It’s a huge part of Australian culture and something even I fall victim to, without even knowing. (Culture can be sneaky like that, but more on that in another post I wanna write soon.)

Q. Why start my own website?

Firstly, it’s just a blog all I did was pay the $18/year to drop the clunky ‘wordpress’ bit from the address. I couldn’t think of a creative alternative so I just kept it my name. Simple.

Secondly, I actually wrestled with potential arrogance of owning ‘jessicabigg.com’. I asked around, sought advice, wondered if it would be super obnoxious… The advice I got was:

1. If I didn’t secure jessicabigg.com someone else could’ve.
2. It wasn’t expensive.
3. Does it REALLY matter? Nope.

My purpose for writing hasn’t changed over the years. I still only write for the fun of it and hope that one person might read it, enjoy it, be encouraged by it, whatever they need in that moment.

Q. Why the title pictures? Why the social media promotion?

It’s not promotion, it’s accessibility. I did wonder if it looked a bit ‘tall poppy’, but those who know me know that’s not what I’m about. Of course I write because I hope someone might read it, but no, I don’t care how many likes or shares I get. I do keep an eye on my site statistics but only because I’m a bit of a geek that way and I’m so curious what topics people engage with.

I write because I have something to say,  but I think we ALL have something to say. My awesome friend Bek recently started her own blog and she’s writing some great stuff! Go Bek!

Q. Why can’t we all just succeed? 

Why is the default to find fault in others? I’d rather assume that everyone is awesome, and see everyone succeed at the things they love, whether it’s writing a blog, running a social media account, being CEO or a full time mum.

Here’s a thought: Maybe instead of cutting down the tall poppy’s, we should hang on to them so we can ALL grow. Together.