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Becoming Minimalist

Own less. Live more. Finding minimalism in a world of consumerism.

11 Life Skills Learned Blogging

Written by joshua becker · 30 Comments

“You can learn something every day if you pay attention.” – Ray LeBlond

Believe it or not, becoming a blogger was never something I planned. In fact, when I tell the story, I always mention Becoming Minimalist was originally started as just an online journal for our decluttering and minimizing journey.

But somewhere along the way, I began to notice the positive effect it was having on my life and others. Not only was this website becoming an inspiration to thousands (eventually millions) around the world, it was beginning to change me in positive ways I had not expected. Sure, it served its purpose of an online journal, but far more than that, the discipline of blogging was forcing me to learn new life skills – life skills that are highly transferable to other endeavors.

11 Life Skills I’ve Learned from Blogging:

1. Writing. Certainly blogging has helped refine my grammatical skills (less vs. fewer, affect vs. effect, etc.). But far more importantly, blogging has forced me to formulate arguments and communicate inspiration using the written word.

2. Risk-taking. Every time I hit “publish,” I take a risk. There is always going to be a sense of risk associated with good writing as it seeks to advance a particular ideal. But the more practice one gets in expressing their opinion, the easier the risk becomes.

3. Being Entrepreneurial. I’ve never considered myself the entrepreneurial type (one who organizes, operates, and assumes the risk for a business venture). But blogging has allowed/forced me the opportunity to do just that… and discover the excitement that comes with it.

4. Networking. Sitting at my computer when I created an account for www.becomingminimalist.com, I never dreamt it would provide such opportunity to meet and develop genuine friendships online. But as a result of networking and connecting, there are now numerous fellow bloggers around the country that I consider true friends (if they asked me for help, I’d be there… and vice-versa).

5. Selling. “Selling” may sound like an odd life skill coming from an author who routinely criticizes our modern culture of consumerism. But blogging has helped teach me the art of selling – a life skill that deserves to be on this list. Because every day of our lives, we sell. We sell our ideas, our opinions, our worldviews, and even ourselves to the people that we meet.

6. Taking criticism. Not all comments are positive. Not all reviews are positive. And not all links leading to this website are positive. In fact, some are downright mean. But humbly learning from criticism is an important life skill that I am glad to have developed from blogging. (And knowing when/how to completely disregard a negative comment is also valuable).

7. Being observant. Once a person begins writing about life and the thoughts that shape it, they begin thinking more intentionally about who they are, who they are becoming, and what factors are shaping their journey. As a result, I have learned to become far more observant to the world around me in almost every imaginable way.

8. Reading. It’s true what they say, “Writers read.”

9. Promoting others. Blogging has helped teach me the pie is not finite – there is plenty of success to go around. One man’s/woman’s success does not mean less opportunity for my own. In fact, their success can be yours if you help them get there. In short: Compete less, encourage more.

10. Promoting self. There are hundreds of millions of websites. Your blog may provide valuable information to readers. But if nobody knows it exists, it isn’t helping anybody. At some point, you are required to promote your work to others… and that requires the confidence and humility to engage in healthy self-promotion.

11. Balancing. Family, work, rest, blogging, community, exercise. Striking a healthy balance among each of them is required for long-term success in any of them.

Could I have learned these life skills elsewhere? Absolutely. But for me, it wasn’t until I started blogging that I was forced to explore, research, and develop these highly-transferable skills. And for that, I am very grateful. Becoming Minimalist has been (and continues to be) a life-changing adventure. Thanks for being part of it.

—

If you are interested in starting your own blog, I have written a helpful article just for you, “How to Start a Blog.” I think you will find the information to be both practical and inspirational.

Comments

  1. IT Infrastructure Management says

    October 24, 2022 at 6:34 PM

    I appreciate your post. I liked reading the content you provided. I hope your website continues to publish content like these. Thank You!

    Reply
  2. Ragnarwida says

    May 27, 2021 at 4:39 AM

    Great! Keep Learning brother. Life is a journey of learning. Lesson will never ended.

    Reply
  3. Roy Danny says

    May 27, 2021 at 1:56 AM

    Thanks for right tips, I like the list and will follow!

    Reply
  4. Isuamfon Offiong says

    January 13, 2021 at 5:42 AM

    Hi, Becker great list you’ve got here.

    Now before I forget, I think I like the number 2 even though number 10 at times is a big mountain on its own.

    I like the #2 risk because each time I combine it with #10 someone is helped based on the fact that I added value to the person, which of course, at the end of the day you get the rewards which means ads or affiliate links are clicked on your site where you earn some income.

    Also, it’s okay to be clear on the fact that the overall process needs patience.

    Reply
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    February 18, 2016 at 11:54 PM

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  6. abuya says

    January 30, 2015 at 9:37 PM

    useful tips… nice sharing.. good info for newbies…

    Reply
  7. Marc says

    February 3, 2014 at 12:21 PM

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  8. Jose Baizan says

    September 10, 2013 at 4:07 PM

    Living a balance life is very import to be happy!

    Reply
    • Jose Baizan says

      September 10, 2013 at 4:08 PM

      By the way I just tarted my blog…I live the minimalist life!
      http://philosopher82.blogspot.com/

      Reply
  9. Aryn Mayor says

    September 18, 2012 at 11:56 AM

    Great article! I just shared on my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AMCareerMarketing

    The risk-taking lesson is one that speaks to me daily – it can be so empowering and feel so vulnerable at the exact same time. I know that feeling of just hitting “publish” – it gets easier. I am motivated by helping others (hopefully!) and meeting new people.

    Thanks!!

    Reply
  10. Zen Presence says

    August 15, 2012 at 12:59 PM

    Nice topic. I had not thought of many of these. I certainly started blogging as a way to expand my world, and hopefully share a little with others as well. I see now it may broaden my experience in ways I’d not even thought of.

    Thanks,

    DSG
    zenpresence.com

    Reply
  11. Andi-Roo says

    May 21, 2012 at 12:01 PM

    One extra lesson we learned through blogging is that my hubz & I have complimentary skills. I supply the material & he posts, promotes, links, etc. Neither of us could do what we do without the other, & even if our blog never goes anywhere beyond our front door, we have found something we enjoy working on together, which in turn provides us with a common goal about with we are both passionate. It’s so much fun adding another dimension of partnership to our marriage.

    Reply
  12. Frank|Modern Monkey Mind says

    May 18, 2012 at 9:45 AM

    Just started taking blogging seriously recently and find a lot of this is so true. I’d add being authentic. Its something I struggle with constantly, ie writing from my own point of view/experience without coming off as an egocentric jerk.

    Reply
  13. Noch Noch | be me. be natural. says

    May 10, 2012 at 3:51 AM

    blogging helped me out of my depression too – but also make my eyes tired from staring at the screen too much
    Noch Noch

    Reply
  14. Renata says

    May 3, 2012 at 8:28 AM

    I have been blogging for over two years now, and I love it. The main thing I have learned is that, as good as it feels to be noticed, the most important thing is helping others. That is a good ‘clean’ goal I use to evaluate the quality of my posts, something solid for me to fall back on when it seems like I am writing into empty space. And it has worked great so far.

    Thanks so much, Joshua, for sharing the valuable lessons you have learned from blogging with us.

    Reply
  15. Kelly says

    May 2, 2012 at 1:55 PM

    I’m new to blogging as well, however in the past (before graduate school took over) I did a lot of writing. Part of the problem with writing as opposed to blogging is I kept my written thoughts myself for the most part. I realized that writing is great but it was going to be difficult to grow in my writing/ ideas without the input of others. I like your list, it certainly does promote lots of changes & growth in one’s life.

    Reply
  16. Mike | Homeless On Wheels says

    May 1, 2012 at 7:39 PM

    How to create numbered lists? How to select stock photos?

    Reply
    • joshua becker says

      May 1, 2012 at 9:00 PM

      Nicely played Mike. I think of you every time I post one.

      Reply
  17. David J Singer says

    May 1, 2012 at 5:56 PM

    Joshua:
    Agree on all counts. The more I write, the more I grow. The unexpected directions and experiences have been wonderful.
    Thanks.
    David J. Singer

    Reply
  18. Crystal @ Prairie Ecothrifter says

    May 1, 2012 at 4:23 PM

    You and I learned alot of the same lessons!!! I started blogging in early 2010 and my key lessons have definitely been “Being Entrepreneurial” and my writing. Blogging was also my first real introduction to a large community of sorts.

    Reply
  19. Jacob says

    May 1, 2012 at 4:01 PM

    I also just recently started up a blog and although I enjoy it I find I have to really concentrate hard and focus in order to get out posts in a timely fashion. Thanks for the article Joshua. It’s an encouragement!

    Reply
  20. Dan says

    May 1, 2012 at 11:01 AM

    My blogging has really taken off since I decided to stop trying to be someone else. We spend our lives fitting into the world, but now the world is fitting itself around me. It might sound arrogant, but it’s just about being self-possessed – put your stuff out there in an intelligent way and whether people like it or not you will learn something about yourself.

    Joshua – thanks for the thought inspiring post.

    Reply
  21. Beth @ Aunt B's Kitchen says

    May 1, 2012 at 10:21 AM

    Good post. Blogging has brought a lot into my life too. I’m grateful for it.

    Reply
  22. Fiona @ everydayspiritualwisdom says

    May 1, 2012 at 7:38 AM

    I love that you’ve learnt so much, it makes me hope for the things I’ll learn :)

    I’ve been writing for a long time but only publishing/blogging for a short time. I’m inspired by reading your work & some of my other favourite bloggers. I hope to be reading your work for years to come,x

    Reply
  23. Gina says

    May 1, 2012 at 6:44 AM

    Joshua – Great post, and so true! Thank you for your encouragement and help. In just this short time, I’ve realized the great responsibility and privilege it is to speak into people’s lives and affect them. I’m greatly humbled by the experience so far and I’m sure you have been too. Your tips have not fallen on deaf ears…like Aloysa noted, the balancing act is a challenge!

    Reply
  24. Aloysa @ My Broken Coin says

    April 30, 2012 at 7:57 PM

    Aaahhh…. could not agree. If anything, blogging helped me to sharpen my writing and, most importantly, it helped me to find my writing voice.
    Balancing is quite a challenge, I have to admit. I have not learned it yet. :)

    Reply
  25. Derek Mansker says

    April 30, 2012 at 7:07 PM

    You are really a rock star in every way Joshua. Keep on rocking!

    Reply
  26. Lorilee @ Loving Simple Living.co says

    April 30, 2012 at 10:35 AM

    Yes to all 11 and Sarah’s 12 :) I feel I have so much to learn in all these areas, but I am working at it. I have also learned a lot more about technology. It didn’t use to be so important but it is more and more of a life skill now.

    Reply
  27. Sarah says

    April 30, 2012 at 8:26 AM

    I’m a new blogger myself, and I’m learning a lot about commitment. I know no matter what, I am going to sit down every Sunday night and write that post!

    Reply
    • joshua becker says

      April 30, 2012 at 10:10 AM

      That’s a good one Sarah. I had “perseverance” on my original list as well.

      Reply

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