Credit: Paramount Pictures
You may remember that Forrest Gump ran across America four times. And it took him 3 years, 2 months, 14 days, and 16 hours … and … he just felt like running!
Well it’s been 3 years, 3 days, 3 hours, and 3 minutes since I posted my first blog. OK, the 3 hours and 3 minutes may not be exact, but the 3 years and 3 days is precise to the day.
Here is what I’ve learned.
- Writing regularly is a discipline. It’s a habit. Like any habit or discipline, it’s tough at first. With time, it gets easier and much more enjoyable.
- Writing regularly forces one to focus. When you simply think (and do not write), your thoughts tend to jump from topic to topic. Daydreaming is a great activity but it lacks focus. Writing forces focus.
- Writing regularly creates better thinking. Before publishing a blog, it’s helpful to ask, “Will this make sense to the reader?” Asking that question forces clear thinking. It forces one to look at the logic of an argument. It forces one to critically evaluate a hypothesis. Better thinking is the result.
- Writing regularly is a journey. Just as Forrest encountered mountains and oceans and plains filled with wheat during his run, writing regularly allows you to encounter themes and new ideas and surprising insights. These themes, ideas, and insights evolve in a manner much like a journey where new discoveries are made as you round a corner or new views are suddenly visible as you crest a hilltop.
Forrest didn’t know where he was going when he started his run. He just started running.
I didn’t know where I was going when I started my blog. I just started writing.
Run Forrest Run!
Write Steve Write!
And that’s all I’ve got to say about that …
… but I’m confident I have more to say. And I’m confident that my journey will continue for the foreseeable future.
Thank you for reading the past three years. Thanks for your comments. And thank you for accompanying me as I continue to create this journey.
Next Blog Title: Lifelong Learning
Next Blog Date: November 12, 2012