There’s a common piece of advice in the blogging world: if you want to be successful, focus exclusively on one subject. While there’s some wisdom in this—specialization can help build expertise and a dedicated audience—it’s also an incredibly narrow way of looking at both writing and life. People aren’t one-dimensional, and our interests don’t fit neatly into one box. So, why should a blog be any different?

Think about it: when was the last time you discovered something new that you’re passionate about? Chances are, it didn’t happen because you stuck rigidly to your comfort zone. More likely, you were talking to someone who mentioned something intriguing, sparking your curiosity and leading you down a path you never expected. Our world is vast and varied, and our interests often evolve in unpredictable ways. Limiting ourselves—or our blogs—to a single, narrow topic means shutting the door on countless opportunities for growth and exploration.

Life Is Not One Thing, So Why Should Your Blog Be?

Look at the lives of great thinkers, writers, and creators throughout history. Sir Isaac Newton is a prime example. Best known for his contributions to physics and mathematics, Newton didn’t just stop there. He dabbled in alchemy, wrote extensively on theology, and explored topics as diverse as philosophy and astronomy. Imagine if Newton had restricted himself to just one field—our understanding of the world would be much poorer for it.

This kind of interdisciplinary curiosity is not only the hallmark of genius; it’s also what makes life rich and exciting. Think about your friends. How engaging are the ones who talk about a wide range of subjects? Now think about those who obsess over just one thing—whether it’s a hobby, work, or a particular viewpoint. They might be enjoyable in small doses, but over time, the monotony can get tiring. No one wants to hear about NASCAR every single time you meet. Even if you’re a die-hard fan, at some point, you need to talk about something else—or risk becoming a caricature of yourself.

Broadening Your Horizons: An Antidote to Narrow Vision

Sticking to one topic in life—or in writing—can be comfortable, but it also makes us prone to a narrow vision of the world. The problem is, life is not just a single subject; it’s a vast ocean of experiences, knowledge, and ideas. Staying on one side of the pond limits our exposure to new thoughts and opportunities. By exploring unfamiliar topics, we not only learn new things, but we also gain new perspectives that can transform our understanding of our favorite subjects.

Reading about a subject you have no experience with can be an adventure, and I guarantee it will challenge and surprise you. In my own blog, you’ll notice that I don’t limit myself to one topic, because life isn’t just about one thing—it’s about many, many things, often more than we can even imagine. Sure, I have favorite subjects that I return to frequently, but that doesn’t mean I confine myself to one niche. I appreciate having a diverse circle of friends who offer different perspectives and experiences, enriching my journey and helping me grow.

Avoiding Intellectual Stagnation

The beauty of embracing multiple subjects is that it keeps us open to new ideas. Consider the social dynamics in “Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes” by E. Randolph Richards and Richard James, which examines how cultural contexts shape our understanding of familiar texts. The book explores the profound differences between collectivist and individualist mindsets, showing how much we can miss when we read through only one lens. Imagine applying that same principle to life or blogging—how much are we missing by only seeing things through the narrow lens of a single topic?

Engaging with diverse topics helps prevent intellectual stagnation. It keeps us learning, thinking, and evolving. And it makes our conversations richer, our relationships deeper, and our lives more textured.

The Joy of Being a Polymath

History is full of polymaths—people who excel in multiple fields. Leonardo da Vinci was not just a painter; he was also an inventor, scientist, engineer, and anatomist. The polymath approach to life isn’t about dabbling superficially in everything; it’s about embracing the interconnectedness of knowledge and recognizing that exploring one field can deepen your understanding of another.

Being a polymath in today’s world doesn’t mean you have to become an expert in everything, but it does mean staying curious and open-minded. It’s about finding joy in the unexpected connections that form when you allow yourself to explore without constraints.

Conclusion: Embrace the Messiness of Life

So, why should your blog—or your life—be confined to a single, narrow topic? Embrace the messiness and the complexity. Let your interests evolve and your passions lead you in new directions. The world is far too rich and varied to be reduced to a single lane, and so are you. Dive into the unknown, talk about what excites you, and don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten path. After all, life is not a straight line; it’s an adventure, and the most rewarding journeys are those that take unexpected turns.

So, pull up a virtual chair, grab a cup of whatever makes you feel good, and let’s embark on this adventure together. Whether you’re here to ponder, reflect, or stumble upon a nugget of wisdom, I’m thrilled to have you join me in this exploration of life’s wonders. Cheers to the journey!

Reflections

• Are you living a life guided by curiosity, or are you trapped in the comfort of familiarity?
• How much of your identity is tied to a single interest, and what would happen if you stepped outside that comfort zone?
• What’s the last topic or idea that made you uncomfortable, and did you lean into it or turn away?