What I've Learned After 3 Years of Blogging
I just realized that March 17, 2017, marks my three-year anniversary of writing/blogging. On March 17, 2014, my first post with the oh-so-creative-title, Welcome to ScottKedersha.com, went live on my blog. The picture is all messed-up, but I’m leaving it as is as a reminder of how far I’ve come over three years.
Sometimes it feels like I’ve been writing for three decades. At other times, it seems like it’s been three months! Over the past three years, I’ve learned many lessons about writing, sin, comparison, pride, and much more. Today, in honor of three years of writing, I share some valuable life lessons I’ve learned from three years of writing.
Why should you read this post if it’s about lessons Scott’s discovered in writing? Good question - I’m glad you ask. The reason why you should keep reading is because the lessons I’ve learned apply to every part of the Christian life. If you struggle with comparison, pride, or insecurity, then I think you’ll relate and be encouraged. If you don’t, then please email me so I can buy you a cup of coffee and learn the wisdom of your ways!
What I do know is that if you and I don’t address some of these struggles that I share, then we will never experience the abundant life that following Christ could and should bring (John 10:10).
1. Writing is much harder than I thought it would be. The lesson here is that any time we try something new, we should expect to be challenged and to get pushed out of the comfort zone. I’m thankful for a new hobby that stretches and challenges me.
2. As always, comparison is the thief of all joy. No matter how long I’ve been doing this, I still compare myself to those who seem to have a larger following and those who have a smaller following. I hate this struggle and, at times, writing has elevated this battle to new levels.
3. Neither writing nor life is a solo game. In Genesis 2:18, The Lord God says, “It is not good for man to be alone.” While the context is marriage, the principle applies to all of life. I’m so thankful writing is not a solo activity. While the name of the blog just has my name on it, the fingerprints of so many others are all over my writing and this web page (foremost, the fingerprints of my incredible wife, Kristen Kedersha).
I’m thankful for the many who teach, challenge, encourage, and inspire me to write helpful content and to speak with an authentic voice.
A few months ago, I hired a writing coach named Chad Allen. He’s been a HUGE help for me in my writing, blog development, and book writing process. As in every other area of my life, I’ve benefited from the wisdom of those who have gone before me.
4. Watch out for Russian hackers. A few years ago, my site got hacked by some Russians because of a plug-in I used on my webpage. This event marked the peak of my writing frustration and almost led me to shut the blog down for good. Lesson: Don’t let a temporary setback shut you down. Persevere and endure.
5. Respect the rules of the interwebs. One time I grabbed a picture of a fox from a photo website and I didn’t give credit to the photographer for the picture. The photographer found the image on my site and wrote me a nasty email. I deserved it, but I didn’t fully know what I was doing. I messed up and incorrectly used his work without attribution. He didn’t need to send me a nasty email, but he was right. This can also be known as don’t steal.
6. Just be faithful and show up. When I write for the wrong reasons, or when I’m motivated by the wrong things (i.e., the applause of man), it doesn’t go well for me. When I’m motivated by the fact that I can use my gifts, help others, and bring glory to God, things work much better. The traffic or blog activity might not be any higher, but the reward comes from being faithful. Like the parable of the sower in Luke 8:1-15, I need to be faithful to scatter seed. God is the One who brings growth and produces the fruit, but I need to be faithful to do what only I can do.
7. Almost every time I think I know what I’m doing, I’m proven wrong. The posts I think will be fair are often the most helpful to others. On the other hand, the ones I think will be amazing and change the world have (seemingly) little to no impact on others.
8. Never underestimate the value of authenticity and vulnerability. People love it when you keep it real. One of the common denominators of every one of us is that we are all sinners in need of a Savior. Why hide the fact that we struggle or sin when in reality that’s every single one of us! People value authenticity and vulnerability in every part of life.
9. Never underestimate the brilliance and authority of God’s Word. God’s Word ministers to others more than you and I know. His Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11) and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). Again, this applies to all of life, not just writing blog posts.
10. I love writing. While I’ve struggled with insecurities and comparison along the way, I’ve realized how great this hobby has been for me. It provides a creative release and expression, it helps me clear my brain of clutter, and the challenge motivates me to learn more and more.
I honestly thought three years ago that I would write 10-20 posts and then dry up and run out of good ideas. Three years later I’ve written almost 300 posts and have an Evernote folder filled with 250 more new ideas!
If you’re like me, and you’re thinking of writing, just start! If I can help you process next steps, please let me know! It’s been an awesome three years. Here’s to (at least!) 33 more.
Thanks to my friend and coach Chad Allen (see #3 above) for these questions:
If you’re a blogger, what are some things you have learned along the way?
If you’re a blog reader, what are some things you appreciate about the bloggers you read?