If you are like me then you'll want to get an instrument rating simply just to have something new to beat yourself up over, but beyond that there are several sensible reasons to take your flying to the next level:
Increased safety - Inadvertent cloud penetration, poor visibility or severe disorientation at night without visual references has claimed the life of many VFR pilots. There is nothing more sickening and terrifying than the confusion you feel when you are way in over your head, training for your instrument rating will allow you sample this feeling regularly :) with the safety of having a CFII sitting next you. Eventually controlling the plane without the need for visual references will become second nature.
Increased Utility - You'll get more use out of the airplane and have more options on cross country flights with an instrument rating. Even a thin low cloud base can close and Airport and keep you grounded.
Honed pilot skills - The instrument rating requires more precise control of the aircraft as well as better cockpit resource management and enhanced spatial awareness. You'll become truly proficient with your VOR, ADF, DME and GPS equipment. You'll be pleasantly surprised just how useful all that navigation equipment is.
WX awareness - You'll get a far deeper understanding of weather systems, potential hazards and how to avoid them.
No more scud running - flying under clouds to maintain VFR can put a pilot in a little bit of a predicament, especially if the ceiling starts to come down. An IFR pilot has more options at their disposal to navigated to better conditions once airborne.
ATC - You'll enjoy the red carpet treatment from ATC.
Reduced insurance - Saving Money is good! Most insurance companies will give you a reduced rate with an Instrument rating.
Progress vs Stagnated knowledge - If you are flying to stay current you may as well be putting that time to use learning new skills.
Beauty - Nothing reminds you that you're actually flying more than popping up through a blanket of clouds into beautiful sunshine or navigating in and around clouds getting a true sense of speed as they wizz by. Joni Mitchell said it best when she said "I've looked at clouds from both sides now"
DP
230 Instrument Pilot.
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