A very timely post for me, Susan. I was thinking again just this morning how much I HATE lists. As you correctly point out, we are rewarded for writing in lists. Look at any big blog post aggregater (e.g. Smartbrief) and you will consistently find lists. My favorite bloggers (e.g. Bog Sutton, Wally Bock) write intelligent, thought provoking pieces that challenge me to think or see something differently. They rarely write in "to do" lists. I too have written in lists but every time I do it I am painfully aware that I am pandering to some simple minded person who's main purpose is to sell their site.

It does not sell subscriptions, but I try to write for myself. I have a lot still that I need to learn, need to understand. When I learn something new or chew on something in a different way, I archive that on my blog. It is a way for me to codify both the content and process of my thinking and learning. My blog is more than anything else my own personal learning journey.

I am convinced that blogging and the pursuit of understanding it represents (for me) has made me a better person and a better performer. Thankfully, I have a day job and don't have to depend on content marketing to pay the bills.

Thanks!

Bret