Lately, I’ve been getting asked a lot why exactly I write here. I guess that’s a fair question considering I talk about the importance of why impacts what you do and I really throw people for a loop when I say I don’t plan on making any money directly from this blog. We can fight all you want about the technicalities & syntax of that post, but if I’m not out to make money, why do I even bother writing?
Here’s my little secret:
I write what I need to hear.
- I need to keep going when I don’t feel like it
- I need to have discipline
- I need to do more stuff that matters
- I need to have more fun
- I need to tell a better story with my life
It’s not because I’m a self-help expert [I *hate* that term], it’s not because I’m sort of guru and it’s not because I’ve figured it all out.
I write the things I write because I need to hear them.
Reading other blogs doesn’t cut it for me. I need to say it. I need to own it. Writing here helps me do that.
I get a lot of really nice notes saying how helpful the blog has been to people and I really appreciate all of them. I even have a label in my Gmail account called “awesome emails” where I put all of them [You can send me an email here].
I appreciate every single one of you that take the time to read something I write, and knowing the blog has helped you in some way/shape/form absolutely blows my mind. I love helping others, but if I’m honest, writing this blog has helped me more.
- It’s helped me run triathlons
- It’s helped me run a half marathon
- It’s helped me stretch myself
- It’s helped me use my time better
- It’s helped me do a lot of things I used to consider impossible
Even if nobody read this blog, I think I would still write it. [Heck, even when nobody did read this blog, I still wrote it]. No, it’s not about the money, but it’s a reminder to me, for at least two days out of the week to tell a great story with my life, and to remember that the impossible things in the world…aren’t. That’s why I write here.
[Photo Credit]
Keep telling your story. Being true to yourself and finding ways to push yourself are all great things. I enjoy your story as it is helping me start to push myself again.
Here is to a great life and telling a great life’s story!
Glad my story is helping to make an impact. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you out in telling yours!
YES! Writing for what I think I need to hear is what inspires 90% of the stuff that I write at PluginID. That’s what makes things personal and have impact, instead of the bland, viral-attempt list posts.
This reason is why I hardly read ANY other blogs that have to do with self-development – and you said that as well.
Well done, sir.
I think some of the best pieces I’ve written here are the things that I’ve needed to hear the most. It makes things simultaneously easier & harder to write. Interesting dilemma 🙂
I was just thinking about this very same thing. My sidebar says the site’s for inspiring others and enriching their lives, but it’s just as much for me as it is for those who visit. Probably even more so.
You just inspired a post, my friend 🙂
I couldn’t say it better myself. Glad to help out! Shoot me the link when you write it!
HEY JOEL!
Yea you know what I don’t think I can read your blog anymore. I only like to read stuff from real people who are trying to do real things to live an unreal life. Oh wait, that’s you haha. 😛
In all honesty since I’ve dove into the blogging world a few months ago my reasons for writing it have become a bit selfish too. I write it because..
I love to learn from and connect with the those that comment – that’s my fav part.
To have fun, to meet like-minded people b/c as much as I love my best, oldest friends they’re on a totally different path that I am. I write it to hold myself accountable and to keep myself inspired.
And writing it has helped me to do all those things in so many ways.
In fact, I love it so much I try to convince everyone they should start a blog haha. Not enough people listen! 😛
Anyway, I’m cool with you being selfish here :)…as*hole haha. 😛
I believe this gets you the most offensive comment of the day. Congrats 🙂
p.s. keep being selfish (it’s okay every once in a while)
It’s amazing how your own words can be catalyzing.
Because you can’t take them back. I mean, on a blog, I suppose you can just delete the whole thing and pretend you never uttered those words, but I think people rarely do that. When you tell people about the things you’re doing, that makes it even worse; because they’re out there now. You said you’re going sky diving and now everyone knows you said you’re going sky diving and they want to come too!
Haha, roped into awesomeness. Good for you.
Exactly. Now I HAVE to go. I like that term “roped into awesomeness.” I’m going to go file that away :).
Well, yeah. That’s part of why I write too. Writing has always been the way I get things out of my head and figure them out. I love helping people too, so if something I’ve worked through helps someone else, that’s awesome. That’s not why I write, but I suppose that’s why I put it online.
Writing…”Is the way I get things out of my head and figure them out.” <– Me too 🙂
Joel, I have to say it’s so refreshing to follow along here. You’re the most unselfish blogger around. We’re all used to instantly questioning bloggers and searching for their ulterior motives that it’s nice to have someone like you, truly without any sort of hidden agenda, just doing what your thing and rocking it.
The funny part of the whole thing is that if one day you changed your mind and actually monetized the site, even though I’m sure you never will, I bet your readers would still support you 100%. You’re doing good things man 🙂
Thanks Jeff. Glad to be a little different than the crowd. Just trying to do some impossible things and have some fun doing it. Thanks for coming along for the ride with me. p.s. How’s the pushups coming?
Ha! I’ve gone quiet on that challenge haven’t I? 😉 After the first couple weeks I realized that it had renewed my interest in simply working out again, which was really what I wanted (challenge aside). So I stopped the challenge and focused on my full workouts again. So even though I didn’t finish it I have it to thank for getting me back on track…I do do a lot more pushups in my normal workout routine though 🙂
Good for you! Now to start those triathlons we talked about :).
I’m *almost* done. Getting so close. I’ve been saying that for months, I know. I may not be fast, but I will finish. 🙂
Joel,
Seems like I read a quote somewhere that often “we write what we need to read and we teach what we need to learn . . .”
You’re definitely “telling a better story with your life” . . . Keep up the good work!
Kurt
I couldn’t agree more. Any idea who said that?
I searched around and found a few similar quotes but not exactly the same. Think I read it long time ago in an article about Gloria Steinem . . . but don’t QUOTE ME on that 🙂
Deal 🙂
Your an f-18 bro and you are definitely WINNING.
The posture change for writing for yourself is amazing; its a lot of fun no matter who (if anyone) is reading. Always good to read your blog.
Cheers, Kev
Thanks Kevin! That means a lot. Glad you enjoy it.
p.s. nice Sheen reference. +1 for Kevin!
So very true! I think everyone to one degree or another writes what they themselves need to hear.
It also lets your own style develop naturally instead of trying to be someone else.
Keep up the good work!
Interesting how it can be such a struggle to “be yourself.” Thanks for the kind words Chris.
Great post. We all do things for selfish reasons. Even donating to charity is motivated by selfishness. We do it because it feels good! If donating to charity didn’t make us feel good, we wouldn’t do it. Therefore, donating is selfish. Every market transaction is based on self-interest, but both sides benefit. I love that we can improve the world by following our self-interest.
I recently started a new blog (Experimental Living), and I decided that my target market is ME! I don’t worry about what other people want to read or what they are interested in. I now write about things that I would like to read about. I’m writing about stuff that I wish the younger me knew. I also figure that there are plenty of people with similar interests who will like my blog and will benefit from my experience and thoughts. At the very least, it will challenge them.
I also write because it helps me clarify my thoughts and challenge my thinking. My whole blog concept is based on self-experimentation and trying to improve my life by trying new strategies. I think that I will benefit immensely even if no one reads it or I don’t make a dime from it. In fact, I am already reaping the benefits. I love it!
Congrats on your new blog initiative Mark. Glad you’re enjoying your new direction and I’m glad it’s off to a good start!
Two words – honest & ground breaking.
Thanks!
And here I thought you were doing this to meet chicks!
Shh… :p
So much is out there saying to write for other people this and write for your audience that, it is overwhelming for a newbie to the blogworld. But right on, write for your spankin’ self. Keep rocking on!
There’s a difference between writing about yourself & writing for yourself. I think there’s an important distinction. Thanks for the comment Jermaine!
I write my blog for similar reasons. To be mindful of my goals and keep them in the forefront of my mind. To be held accountable to what I say I’m going to do. Plus, I’ve discovered if I write about my experiences right after they’ve happened, I capture more of my feelings and thoughts. I hope that one day I can share these stories with my children that there mom was a pretty cool lady back in the day.
Shifting your viewpoint to “would i want to tell other people i did this” ten years from now, is a really interesting way to view life. I’ve found it helps me realize what my priorities are and makes me focus on doing stuff that I’d otherwise view as impossible.
Well said. Very well said.
Thank you Tracy.
Writing down stuff really helps focus the mind and evolve your thoughts.
I’m reading a great book one of my clients lent me – it’s big on crushing excuses. It’s called Turbo Charge Your Life in 14 Days, by Jason Vale. I recommend it. He writes in a very punchy and provocative style (not unlike you!)
I’ll look into it. Sounds like a good read! Thanks Dom!
This reminds me of why I’m a list-maker. I rarely refer to lists as I do things, but I love the process of making them and what it does for me. Writing things down helps me organize my thoughts, desires, and causes me to manifest the essence of those lists in my life.
Great post… thanks.
No problem Melanie!
I just love this! Inspirated!
Please ,stay selfish – this way 🙂
P.S. Btw,did it help with your pushups?
Well shit, I could have told you this months ago!
I think that more people need to be honest with themselves about their blogs, as I would venture to say that 80%+ are nothing more than self serving ventures, and there is not a damn thing wrong with that.
Keep killin it Runyon. I will be reaching out soon to get your story 😉
Looking forward to hearing from you man!
You are right, there is something therapeutic about it all. When I started my blog my goal was to inspire just one person to take action and make their life. Never realized that I would be that person. Keep writing and keep inspiring!
Funny how that works, huh? 🙂