• In order to write a regular blog, I have to plan my time and activities in advance. I can't usually just sit down and write one. Except this one. I just sat down and wrote it.
• I have to think of something to say. Usually this means either brainstorming many ideas way in advance or spending each day thinking a little about the big picture of the industry and my job.
• I have to write my thoughts down in a way that makes sense and which can be communicated to someone else. I am not a natural writer. Creatively writing something adds stress to my life.
• I have to put aside my fear of rejection. My blogs tend to have opinions in them (something to do with being a consultant, I think). Putting something out there on the Internet where many people theoretically could see it is scary. I don't want to poorly represent myself or the company.

So, writing this blog on a weekly basis makes me feel uncomfortable, and that is precisely why I know I have to do it. Writing the blog makes me uncomfortable because it is stretching me in ways that I obviously need to be stretched.

To be the best consultant that I can be:

• I should be planning out my time more effectively. I work on multiple projects at a time and help support many other consultants. Blogging doesn't mean that my time is scheduled effectively, but practicing good time management helps me in all parts of my life.
  
• I need to know more about this industry. When I started blogging, I had a number of ideas that I brought to the project. But since then, I have done research on books, management styles, and the industry in general in order to find topics to write about. We all can benefit from thinking more about our job and place in the industry.
  
• I need to improve my writing. At this point in my career, I do more technical writing than coding. The coders in our group are thankful for that, even if the technical writers are not. I am convinced that effective business communication is as important in my job as any other single skill. Every time that I write something is another chance to express thoughts (sometimes complex, sometimes not) in a way that can be understood. This forum also forces me to write in a different style from time to time. The informal tone and subject matter of a blog forces me to change up styles every once in a while. Again, this only helps my writing.
  
• I need to be more fearless. A fearful consultant is not doing justice to the client. I need to give honest opinion and direction. By throwing my thoughts out to the Internet, I am making myself vulnerable, which in turn makes me stronger and braver. Every time I write one of these, it makes me less afraid to do the next (even when I am writing about a subject like this).

Writing blogs is hard and makes me feel uncomfortable and, along with other aspects of the job that stretch me, it causes me to be a better consultant. I take comfort in that.