There are so many different reasons why I blog, but I wanted to highlight the Top Five Reasons Why I Blog:
1. To create something meaningful
It would be so easy to just come home from work and just sit in front of the TV each evening. It takes A LOT of work, sacrifice and dedication to start and continue with a blog. But, I receive a sense of personal satisfaction knowing that I’m creating something meaningful with my time and energy. There is a lot of other things that I could be doing with my time and energy, but I choose to blog because it is more meaningful to me to write and share my experiences and knowledge with others. I look back at how far the site has come and it’s been an amazing growth experience. Knowing that I’ve also touched people’s lives and have helped them has given what I do with my time more meaning.
2. To meet people from all over the world
Bloggers are an amazing bunch of people. Of course, everyone has their own personal reasons for blogging, but overall the sense of community is fantastic. I’ve met some absolutely wonderful and amazing people online from all over the world and have been exposed to things that I wouldn’t normally be exposed to. Some of the emails that I’ve received from readers have blown me away with their insights and the life experiences that they are willing to share with me. Being able to connect with others and learn from them is a major reason why I continue blogging.
3. To share what I’ve learned in my own life with others
I’m not here to solve everyone’s problems, but to share those things that have worked in my life or the experiences that I’m struggling with in the hope of inspiring and motivating others. If something that I’ve written has helped someone else not to struggle like I have in my life, then it’s all been worth it. Of course, there are things in my life that won’t translate to someone else’s circumstances, but there are other experiences that are universal. I love sharing my knowledge and experiences with other people who can use that information to change their own lives for the better.
4. To increase my skills and learn new things
I’m a firm believer in continuous education, whether that’s formal or informal. I love to learn and try new things. Since I had blogged for about a year back in 2005-2006, I thought I know a lot about blogging, but things have really changed technology-wise since back then. Not only is my writing skills increasing, but I’m also learning so much more – programming, design, SEO, marketing, communicating, analytical thinking, etc. I’m learning so much on my own and from others – the community spirit is amazing because of course there’s too much to know for one person. It’s amazing what new skills you pick up without even realizing it. My writing skills have increased tremendously from blogging and I’ve noticed the difference from when I first started to today. Of course, I’m always learning so I’m always improving, too.
5. To inspire and be inspired
Before blogging, I was somewhat satisfied with my life. I thought that I knew what I wanted out of life and what I was willing to do in order to get it. Blogging and writing about personal development (something that I’ve been interested in for over 15 years) has inspired me to demand more from myself and not to be satisfied with the status quo. I am so inspired by reading other people’s blogs and what they are doing with their lives. Things that I thought were out of reach for me, now seem absolutely possible. We never know what life has in store for us, but until we strive to reach for something, we won’t know the possibilities out there. I just hope that my writing has inspired people as much as I’ve been inspired. It’s the circle of inspiration.
What about the reasons that I don’t blog for?
Here are 3 Things I Don’t Blog For
1. Money
I don’t blog for money. Sure, it’s wonderful when someone buys my product or an affiliate product and I earn a few dollars, but I’m not fooling myself into thinking that blogging will replace my current salary. With the amount of time and energy devoted to this site, I would be better off working a minimum wage job somewhere. Blogging is hard work and it is definitely not easy money.
2. Fame or Celebrity
I could care less about being famous of being a celebrity blogger. That’s not to say that it’s not nice when people think of you and link to you, but I don’t aspire to be famous for blogging.
3. Status
You can tell who are the bloggers who are really wrapped up in their ‘status’ as an A-lister or wannabe A-lister. I blog for personal satisfaction and not to gain status. Having 50,000 followers on Twitter, or 5000 ‘Friends’ on Facebook, or 25,000 connections on LinkedIn doesn’t really matter to me. I value quality over quantity, every time.
Your turn. What do you blog for? What do you not blog for?
Related Posts:
1. Top 5 Reasons To Leave Your Job
2. My Top 5 Secret Success Factors
3. Invest In Your Most Important Asset – Yourself
4. 10 Things You Can Do Right Now To Improve Your Life
5. Are You Being Your True Authentic Self?
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I like the being inspired and inspire, I believe it one of my reasons as well to be here…learning about others also teaches about ourselves. That is one of the most important reason for my blogging. its the internet world that is teaching me about me! Thanks karen, as always great post.
Thanks, PurpleB!
We are constantly learning about ourselves and about others when we blog. It’s one avenue that certainly changes us and makes us see what is possible with our lives, plus the feedback that we receive means that we don’t feel alone in our struggles.
Good question Karen, why blog?
, blogging has a quick reward for the writer. Write, post and people are reading.
I resonate with your list but would like to make to make two additional comments as a fellow blogger:
1) The immediate reward of blogging as a form of creative expression. Unlike many other forms of writing not least writing a novel
2) I must confess to not being as altruistic as you, I would like to make some money from it at some point in the future.
Stephen´s last blog ..Is it Meaningful or Random Part 2 An irrational Perspective in defence of synchronicity
Hi Stephen,
i completely agree with the creative expression – there’s nothing like writing an article and hitting the Publish button and seeing the results (good or bad). Instant (or almost instant) feedback to what’s on your mind. It’s amazing how many people are thinking and feeling the same thing at the same time.
Making some money is nice (I would never turn down legitimate money), but it’s not the real reason I write, nor would I expect this site to replace my full-time income (which took about 15 years of working to achieve my current level). Still, you never know what the future holds
First of all – I love ‘Your Life. With Meaning.’ I think that really sums things up here!
I blog as a creative outlet and to connect with others, plus my blog is a platform for business opportunities.
Blogging has become a practice of sorts for me – it shows me when I’m getting off balance or when my ego is beginning to lead me away from my purpose. Listening to these messages and getting back on track with my blogging always seems to help me find the balance in other areas of my life as well.
Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..How to Get Off the Meltdown City Express
Thanks, Jean. I must give credit to http://twitter.com/picsiechick for the new tagline. I got goosebumps when she suggested it and was able to update my header this weekend. Thanks so much for noticing
That’s a great point, Jean, about blogging being an instant feedback loop to see if your life is on balance or not. I must admit that it would be great to use my site for business opportunities, but I’m not there yet. Still kind of stuck in the 9-5 cubicle mindset. But, I’m seeing possibilities and opportunities that I hadn’t been aware of or thought of before, so things may change in the future.
This is my fav. post by you so far. I especially love your final point. I cannot believe the number of people wrapped up in status, numbers, showing off social proof, etc… Some of the best people I have connected with online have a fairly low or moderate number of followers. This really means nothing. I always look at the person, their content, the driving force behind their work and then make my decision if I want to follow them.
You’ve done a great job on all of these fronts so keep it up!
Justin Popovic´s last blog ..Partner With Ignite Your Essence
What? After 100+ articles, this is the one you love the most?
Thanks for the vote of encouragement, Justin. I know exactly what you mean about the person, content, and driving force behind sites. Numbers aren’t everything, that’s for sure! As they say, stats lie and can be easily manipulated.
This kind of content always resonates because I get to learn a lot about the person writing. I have enjoyed many of your articles but in this case, I like that you have called out the false numbers game and cut to the heart of what your work is all about. To me… that’s cool
Justin Popovic´s last blog ..Partner With Ignite Your Essence
Thanks, Justin
Hi Karen,
Just noticed your new tagline – very good!
Great post! I love that fact that you don’t blog for money, fame and status.
I feel the same way about blogging – I get such a sense of personal fulfillment out of it – it’s worth the time and work.
I had my own writer’s group for 5 years – and that was a lot of work too, but I find blogging to be even more rewarding.
Thanks so much for another terrific post!
Angela Artemis´s last blog ..How to Walk Through Walls
Yes, having a sense of personal satisfaction from blogging makes us stick with all the hard work.
Thanks, Angela. Looks like the new tagline is a hit
Hi Karen,
Great reasons you have here to blog. I did a post on my blog about this months ago.
I mainly blog to share what I love talking about to anyone who will listen. It’s awesome because a lot of bloggers actually get what my family and friends do not, so it’s nice to connect on that level.
I do want to make a full time living out of blogging but I know it’s a long hard road to go down and takes a lot of dedication, time, energy, thought, planning, action, mistakes, learning, continuous on going work for that to happen.
The questions lies with: Am I willing to do all of that? I think I am but because I only think I am, I know that it may not work out. Does that not mean I’m dedicated to the whole idea? No. I just need to sit my butt down and get a real plan in gear and start working smarter.
Speaking of which, I need to do more guest posts around the blogosphere.
Have a great day everyone!
Hey Eric,
Oh, I know where you come from regarding your family and friends who just don’t get it. Thankfully there are a lot of other people on the net who do
I think that no one knows what the future holds, so if you give blogging your all, then you will be a success, no matter what happens. You know as much as anyone how much hard work and commitment is involved, and that there are no guarantees. I know how dedicated you are Eric, no worries there
Thanks for adding your thoughts,
Karen
Hi Karen,
I started blogging to increase my public presence and in turn sell more of my books. What I didn’t expect was the wonderful interactions I gained with other bloggers and commentors. Another unexpected benefit is that it has really helped my hone my philosophy and conversation for some subsequent titles I am working on. Those two reasons are enough to keep me enthusiastic and creative… which in itself is its own reward.
rob white´s last blog ..Creating Money Matters – Not Reacting to Them
Hey Rob,
Glad to hear that not only are you selling more books and increasing your public presence, but are finding other intrinsic rewards to blogging. You definitely have a unique perspective and I’ve always found your articles interesting and insightful.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing,
Karen
Karen,
I hate to admit it, but I looove comments on my blog. I love interacting with people and learning new things. I love the sense of community and if I earn a buck or two with it, it’s kinda fun
Moon Hussain´s last blog ..A Personal Update- 2 Months After the Move and Then Some
Hey Moon,
I know! I must admit if I worked really hard on an article and it didn’t receive many comments, I do feel somewhat slighted
It’s nice to receive feedback on our hard work.
Nothing wrong with earning a buck or two
Karen wrote ‘Still, you never know what the future holds’
Aint that the truth
, and it’s just my opinion but I think you have got a bright future ahead of you as a blogger.
Stephen´s last blog ..Is it Meaningful or Random Part 2 An irrational Perspective in defence of synchronicity
Ahhh, Stephen, you made my day! Thanks so much for saying that
Ah Karen this resonates with me.
I started blogging as an experiment. I wanted to find if I could get my head around the technology and I was looking for a medium where I could provide additional value for my clients.
I discovered a new world of people who genuinely look out for one another and support them. Kindness abounds in the blogging world and there are so many really interesting people out there. I discovered that I enjoy writing and expressing my thoughts.
Congratulations on the new tag line – it’s really powerful
Marion Anderson´s last blog ..Feeling Confident – How to Boost Confidence with a Bubble
Thanks, Marion. Glad that you like the new tagline.
I think you can admit that your ‘experiment’ worked
I agree on the kindness and community support – it’s very unexpected and yet very humbling, too.
Hi Karen,
Great new tag line! All your reasons for blogging resonate with me. I blog primarily share what I’ve learned in the hope that it will benefits others. But, as Jean points out, blogging is also an incredible process to learn more about yourself and therefore for personal development. I’m also amazed by the incredible community of bloggers and really feel I am part of the greater good. I love all the reasons you don’t blog too!
Sandra Lee´s last blog ..Expert advice on writing faster blog posts
Hey Sandra,
That’s my main reason, too – to share what I’ve learned so that others can be helped, too.
Thanks so much for adding your thoughts,
Karen
My reasons are very close to yours. I also blog to hold myself accountable in a way. I want my blog voice to be authentic and that means walking my talk and living by the lessons I have learned and am sharing. Great blog to remind us why we invested in this crazy, amazing little cyber world we all play in!
Clearly Composed´s last blog .. Nutrition Spotlight- Juices
Hi Emma,
I’m glad that you brought up the accountable and authentic reasons for blogging. Knowing that your words and your voice are out there for ‘all time’ really makes you think of what your legacy will be and what it says about you.
Glad that this post resonated with you.
Karen
Karen, what a great post and so very interesting. I think that we both blog for similar reasons, trying to put something back whilst learning at the same time. For sure, money, fame and popularity are just bonuses.
I really like your new look too!
Matthew Needham´s last blog ..It doesn’t have to be like this
Hi Matthew,
It does seem we are on similar paths with the need to give back. Congratulations on passing your one-year blog anniversary!
Thanks for the vote of encouragement for the new look
Karen
Karen:
I really enjoyed this post. For me personally, I truly enjoy reading your blog. It has been very helpful and inspiring to me.
Thanks for sharing your top reasons for blogging. I can really relate to those 5 as well.
Blogging is all about communicating and communicating is a two-way street. If no one every comments on a blog post then I consider it just writing. I honestly never thought I would enjoy blogging because I thought it would be so tedious. At times it is tedious but most of the time I truly enjoy sharing with others. It is amazing the people that you do meet online through blogging. Some share your same opinions and some don’t and that is okay. I learn quite a bit from those that may disagree with me and sometimes they can change my opinion.
Thanks again,
- Rick
Rick Byrd´s last blog ..Should We Remove the Dates From Our Blogs Posts
Hi Rick,
Thank you so much for saying that you are inspired and that you enjoy the articles. I do hope that they are useful to people. That’s the main reason why I blog – to help others with what I have learned (and continue to learn) and to inspire (and be inspired). It’s great meeting such wonderful people as you
I agree that we can become pretty dogmatic with our beliefs and it’s certainly eye-opening (and mind-opening) being exposed to so many different ideas and opinions from so many diverse people in the community.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing,
Karen
Nice post Karen! For me personally, there are many reasons which are to help people live a better life, learn from others, connect with various people, and make money. Thanks for sharing
Dia´s last blog ..6 Steps to improve your relationship with your spouse
Thanks, Dia.
I think those are wonderful reasons for you to continue with your site. We each must have our own reasons to keep going, otherwise it would be too easy to just give in and stop blogging.
hi karen
how are you?
thanks for sharing this and i am going to agree with stephen on having a bright future as a blogger.
your new tag line actually depicts the content and purpose of your blog.
It’s always good to sit back and evaluate ones motive behind blogging and i can tell you mine isn’t fame, popularity or status symbol lol!!!
take care of yourself and enjoy the rest of the day
ayo´s last blog ..25 Ways To Deal With Betrayal
Hi Ayo,
I’m well, my friend, and I hope you are having a wonderful week so far.
Thanks so much for the words of encouragement – they mean a lot to me. I don’t think anyone can accuse you of blogging for those reasons
You give too much of yourself for anyone to think you’re in it for the fame or money.
Thanks,
Karen
Hi Karen
Thanks for sharing your reasons to blog with us. It is always good to have a reminder to think about our own reasons to to “whatever”.
Your points are all valid for me too, if I was to put a priority on them I would probably put the learning aspect first. The learning curve with blogging is tremendous and covers a huge amount of different aspects. Starting with the blogging techniques, not to forget the interaction with a people from all over the world with their own priorities, needs and ways to communicate and as you describe too the opportunity to enhance our own writing – our own voice.
Reading your reasons helped to think about mine and bring me back to my roots – putting aside some tasks which don’t fit my reasons for blogging
Welcome Francoise,
There is so much to learn about the craft of blogging and it involves so many other areas that I never realized when I first started. I am picking up marketing, SEO, networking, leadership skills that I don’t think I would have a chance to explore if it wasn’t for this site.
I’m glad that you were inspired by the article to put aside things that didn’t strengthen your ‘Why’.
Thanks,
Karen
Hi
I’m writing to share my knowledge with other people. I want to make a better life not only for me, I want that something will survive, when I’ll die.
godlark´s last blog ..PHP – Uci??liwa funkcjonalno??- czyli ostro?nie z referencjami w foreach
All fantastic and personal reasons for blogging. I wish you nothing but success
Hi Karen, it’s interesting to see that your reasons are very similar to mine. Like Marion, I started blogging as an experiment. I wanted to see if I could learn how to use social media and actually get people to visit and comment. I was surprised to find how much I enjoyed getting feedback and “meeting” new people!
Jennifer Barry´s last blog ..Stranger in His Own Land- Part 3
Isn’t it amazing how you set out for one reason to do something and you get so much more back? Yeah, it’s a lot of hard work and sacrifice, but the rewards are worth it.
Thanks for adding your thoughts, Jennifer
Karen,
This is so great! We all have reasons to starting a blog and I always wonder what made other start! Loved it.
My reasons for blogging in short! else it could be post, and not a bad idea!
1. I have lot to say and share.
2. I used to write in journal, although my blog is not my journal but it is my thoughts, my improvements in life that I make each day.
3. Improve my writing and thought process
Preeti @ Heart and Mind´s last blog ..101 Changes- Change 7- Watch Less Television
I love the reason you list about sharing your experiences with others. We’re all more experienced in some area than others, and we all have something to teach. I love that!
Way back when, I decided to start blogging to share my feelings in a way where I felt safe to be myself. Kind of like a message in a bottle. But it became a way for me to get in touch with myself and learn how to listen to my own soul.
I love this!