10 Reasons Why I’m A Blogging Fool

I love blogging. And in the past five months, I’ve become a crazy blogging fool. While it’s probably not for everybody, blogging can be a really helpful discipline in your life. I definitely recommend you read blogs related to your field and also consider trying it.

Here are some reasons why I blog as much as I do:

1. IT HELPS ME PROCESS WHAT GOD IS SPEAKING TO ME

Developing a daily discipline of writing is extremely healthy. While I don’t blog about everything on my mind, it is a way to “flesh out” what God is stirring in me.

2. IT HELPS ME CONFRONT APATHY AND LAZINESS BY “SHIPPING”

Seth Godin talks about the idea of “shipping” your work. He says great artists ship. They don’t tweak endlessly and keep their work in obscurity. They get it out there. Blogging helps me ship something everyday, whether I feel it’s perfect or not.

3. IT HELPS ME HELP OTHERS

The best part of a serious blog is that it helps people. When a blogger can identify people’s needs in a certain niche, providing quality, readable content, it really does help people. I’m inspired daily by this blog and this blog and this blog. They make my life better.

4. IT HELPS ME BUILD CONNECTIONS WITH PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD

How easy was it to build a connection with someone in New Zealand before the internet? Difficult, at best. Through my blog I’ve developed relationships with people all over the world. It’s an incredible networking tool and a way to continue learning from what others are doing.

5. IT’S AN EXTENSION OF WHAT GOD HAS CALLED ME TO DO

I’ve always felt a strong call from God to teach. I derive satisfaction when people understand something new, grow in their relationship with God, and apply new skills to their lives. My blog is another stream that enables me to do that.

6. IT KEEPS ME IN TOUCH WITH WHAT IS “CUTTING EDGE”

Reading other blogs keeps me “up to date”. We all know this, but what is “hot” today probably won’t be tomorrow. Fads come and go, and as a leader it’s important for me to stay as current as I possibly can with worship music, worship leading, technology, young adult ministry, etc.

7. IT HELPS ME BE A BETTER COMMUNICATOR

In Jason Freid’s and David Hansson’s breakthrough book “Rework”, they have a chapter titled, “Hire Great Writers”. They make the case that a great writer is more than a writer. Clear writing = clear thinking = clear communication. As I write daily on my blog I improve my speaking and communication skills by working through ideas, studying, articulating, and saying things as simply as possible (As a side note, I would recommend you buy this book. Easy, fun, helpful read).

8. IT HELPS ME BE A BETTER LEADER

Great leaders know where they are going. While they are focused on the present, their primary vision is on what’s ahead. They are steps ahead of the rest, leading their people to a desired outcome. As a worship leader, my blog helps me process where I am leading my worship team. It keeps me focused on discipleship strategy, new songs to introduce, and staying a step ahead. Without my blog, I doubt I would do this as effectively.

9. IT KEEPS ME “SHARP”

Blogging is a time consuming activity. It takes a lot of sweat equity before you see any payoff. So in order to do it well, I’ve had to watch less TV, surf the internet less, and go spend money less in order to write. It keeps my mind sharp and brings more purpose to my day.

10. IT HELPS ME MANAGE MY TIME BETTER

I gotta say, in order to be a successful blogger, you need to manage your time really well. Especially if it’s not your full-time job. Otherwise, you may just lose your job if all you do is blog all day 🙂 Since I’ve started to take this seriously, it’s forced me to wake up earlier to write.

IF YOU HAVE A BLOG, share the url in the comments. I would love to check it out. Also, IF YOU ARE THINKING OF STARTING A BLOG, share with me your ideas. Though not an expert, I would love to help in any way I can.