Note: This post is written by Kenneth Waldman
Blogging has taken over the world (or at least the world of communication). Blogs are no longer just personal journals or outlets. They have become so much more and are now imperative for success in almost any type of business, marketing strategy and journalism.
But how did this happen? What makes bloggers so great? The answer is simple: blogging promotes personal growth. There is no denying the benefits. And as the blogging generation grows, so does its community and economy. It has become the platform in which the entire world shares information.
So why should you start blogging? Well, because personal growth takes more than just talking about it. You have to do something about it. And blogs are a great place to start.
BLOGGING…
1. Facilitates creativity & self-expression.
The more you blog, the better you will be. Not only at blogging, but also at other passions you may have. When you start blogging you begin to access a world of information. Maybe you are a photographer, or a law-student. No matter what walk of life you have chosen (professional writer or not), blogging will attract you to like-minded people from around the world. And this will drastically push your own creativity to the next level.
And think about how many people you are reaching. Once you click the publish button there are possibly thousands of people reading it within minutes. What would you want to say if you knew you could reach that many people? It’s a big question. And to form a unique answer, you must understand your own style and self-expression. Blogging on a regular basis will foster this process and help you find your creative voice.
2. Creates self-esteem & better self-assessment.
Since you have the ability to reach so many people, you better be ready for mixed reviews. None of us like all of the same things. We are all different and that’s what makes the world go round. But once you start blogging and receiving feedback, you will immediately notice the beneficial effect.
The good and the bad will help you be more honest with yourself, and better identify your own weaknesses. It can be a great way boost your overall confidence. Even the criticisms you read may shove you in the right direction to become a better person, not just a better writer.
3. Teaches responsibility & accountability.
Once again, because blogging is accessible to so many people, you have a responsibility to stand by your work. You need to think before you publish and take accountability for any response or effect your blog and posts may have. This can be a little overwhelming at first, but the more you blog the more you will see yourself taking responsibility in your everyday life as well.
If you are blogging to build a business or writing career, then the concept of “being your own boss” is attractive. But to succeed at this lifestyle you have to be responsible for yourself and your work. Any blogger would say their time management skills have been greatly enhanced from blogging.
4. Builds motivation & courage.
Putting yourself out there (so to speak) can be scary. It’s not just your friends and family who may read your work. It takes guts to expose your ideas to the world.
But once you start blogging this gets easier every day. And so will other areas of your life. You will be more confident and motivated to keep working hard and to achieve your goals.
5. Enhances relationships & connections.
You will have access to an online community made of up billions of people. There are endless opportunities to create new relationships (online and offline) through blogging. Whether it’s a shared experience or similar favorite music, it’s only natural for people with the same interests and philosophies to connect. And in the world of video, meme and other visual content, it’s not a crazy idea to create in-person relationships either.
Journalists may find a story idea and person to interview through blogging. Or a struggling artist may find a way to make money. Even lonely teenage writer may make a genuine friend.
6. Develops honed skills & critical thinking.
When you blog on a consistent basis you will quickly see how much better your writing is. Day by day, little by little, you will make fewer mistakes and become a much better editor. Practice makes perfect and blogging is the best way to keep you writing every day.
And not only writing, but other mental skills will be working as well. Writing stimulates multiple censors and centers of the brain required for critical thinking and analytical skills. You will read more as you write more and definitely cultivate a deeper and more complex thought process. Blogging will basically make you smarter.
7. Promotes education & reading comprehension.
Since you will be writing and reading more often as a blogger, it only makes sense that this would also promote your personal education. And not just education in writing or literature, but in literally any subject you can think of.
If you have a thirst for knowledge or want that new promotion at work, then blogging is a lifestyle you should consider. You will learn through connections and feedback, from your own writing and research and through reading comprehension. Blogging can teach you anything you want, you just have to know where to look (and how to research on the web). It will enrich your overall life experience.
***
Maybe you’re a novice blogger, or maybe you are a pro. No matter who you are, personal growth is always possible. We are never perfect and there is constantly something new to learn. Blogging is a wonderful way to challenge yourself to be the best you can be, both in writing and in life.
Don’t be scared off by professional bloggers either. Before you begin you may think it’s not for you or that you are not a writer so it’s not an option. But the content out there today is not perfect. It’s flawed and honest just like you. People will connect with your voice if you have something to say.
So use your knowledge, skill and perspectives to start blogging today. Anyone can do it and everyone is. Literally, you name a topic and there is probably a blog for it. So become part of the blogging community and watch as your life is shifted in a more positive and healthy direction.
Kenneth Waldman is a freelance writer and content editor at essay writing service EssayMama.com. You can get in touch with him on Linkedin.
