Blogging for Self-Discovery

Can blogging be a tool for self-discovery? I believe it can, and I’d like to share my thoughts and experiences with you on how it can. Self-discovery leads to self-improvement, and self-improvement leads to success–however you define it. I believe blogging is a path to self-discovery because that’s what I do.

Who can use blogging for self-discovery? Really, anyone, but here are some groups of people who I think might be more ready than most to take their personal growth to the next level:

Recent empty nesters
New entrepreneurs
New activists
Dedicated artists
Newly suffering a personal/family tragedy (such as a cancer diagnosis)

So what is blogging for self-discovery?

Let’s go back in time a bit. When blogs first came on the scene, they were described as “online diaries.” But blogs are much more than that. Traditionally, a diary is not something you share with others, but a blog is. People do not stop by your house and read your diary entries and then write their own opinions in your diary. But with blogs, that’s exactly what you do (makes comment spam seem even uglier, when you look at that way, doesn’t it?).

I know it seems obvious that I’m saying a blog is like a diary, except it’s online and people can leave comments, but that’s exactly what changes everything: You are not alone. Others will find you. The ones who need you will find you. As you blog for yourself and work through your own issues, you become a universal magnet for others. They will leave comments on your public personal issues diary–your blog.

And you will discover these other people in the same situation as you also blogging. Suddenly, you have both an audience and a support network at the same time. This is a key difference between blogging and being a blogger vs. any other kind of media or publishing endeavor. The barrier between publisher, reader, and participant has become a thin veil, through which we can pass with ease.

Several people have contacted me privately and have told me that they’re watching what I’m doing here at Remarkablogger with keen interest. In essence, what they have said is that they’re watching me grow. And it’s true: I am growing as a person right before your eyes. That’s part of what makes Remarkablogger what it is–a journey that you join in with along the way.

Tips and pointers on blogging for self-discovery

The most personal feelings and events are universally experienced by others: the more personal you get with your blogging, the more universal you get.
Others will project their problems and issues onto you. You are a mirror in which people see themselves and they may not like what they see, but they will blame you.
You can monetize any subject matter, but I recommend you build your audience and their trust first. It may be that your blogging will provide you with opportunity more than direct revenue.
Despite that you may be going through terrible problems, when you’re blogging for self-discovery, you become other people’s hero. Nobody wants to see their hero feeling depressed or losing it. Is that fair? No. Is it realistic that you can always put on a brave front? No. But nevertheless, this is where the support group aspect breaks down. This is where you need private communications with close friends or a mastermind group.
Provide opportunity for others to share their experiences in your space through guest-blogging and social media.

What’s your path to self-discovery?

There may be groups of people who are particularly ready to benefit from blogging for self-discovery I haven’t thought of, but you have. You may have a pointer or a tip about blogging for self-discovery I haven’t recognized. If so, I’d love to have you share that in the comments or write your own blog post on self-discovery blogging and tell us about it in the comments here.

http://michaelmartine.com/