One year ago today I wrote my last words here. Three hundred sixty five days ago, not long after concluding a month of writing every business day, I consciously decided to stop writing on this blog for a bit.
I’d love to say I planned to wait a full year, but I didn’t. I was alerted to update a WordPress plugin yesterday and noticed the date on “Delivering A Quality Experience.” Curious, I then decided to read it. After a year, you get to read your own writing with a fresh perspective. My conclusion? I shouldn’t have stopped writing.
Upon reflection, the only purpose for writing every business day for a month was to prove to myself that I could. That’s it. There was no other purpose. Once completed, I simply didn’t see the point in continuing. As I mentioned in a post published not long before stopping, “It felt forced. It felt like I was doing something just for the sake of saying I was doing something.”
It’s not that there weren’t some positive results. The results were actually immediate; traffic went up and more people subscribed. But there was no focus to my writing. I woke up each day, paid attention to what was in my head on any given morning and then just ran with it. I didn’t filter very much. And without a focus, it seemed pointless to continue. I doubt many would disagree. In retrospect, as I read through some of the last few, all I really needed was a good focus filter.
So, one year later, I’m going to give that some thought. I’ll be back once I’ve figured out what that focus filter should be. Clearly I haven’t found it yet.
If you’ve got any ideas … I’m all ears.
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Featured Image: Andrew Cool via Loss Of The Night
I’d take unfocused and unfiltered Jeff Turner over no Jeff Turner.
That is of no help, just stating the facts.
Thanks, Jay. And yes, that is of no help. 🙂
OK, Jeff, I am curious what you are doing to continue to regular “touch” the individuals in your world on a regular basis in the midst of a non-stop daily professional calendar. I am still working on mastering this one.
I think we are all still working on mastering this one, Jim. It’s much easier to use the technologies available to regularly touch my business contacts. Somehow those don’t feel authentic for my friendships.
Some people have a responsibility to write because they influence and inspire others. JT you are one of those. Please write.
I’m flattered, Kristal. And if that is true, I think I have a responsibility to do so with some focus.
Actually I think the lack of focus is what brings out the best content. It is why I started “over” blogging at my own-name domain.
I can write about anything and I don’t have to force it. It doesn’t have to be about a certain business I may be doing (or ignoring). It can just be how I feel.
I can not write and it doesn’t matter. But I’m almost feeling like the early days of blogging there.
I waver back and forth on this, Loren. Right now, I’m on the focus side of the pendulum swing. Who knows where I’ll end up. 🙂
Wheeee! Hang on, Jeff!
Loren – I miss those days.
Champion, your posts always make me think harder, and in turn that makes me a better me. I miss reading them. Hey, sometimes I even miss you! Get back to that keyboard soon please.
I can’t tell you how to filter, but I’m glad that you will be back at it again. I really enjoy reading what you write and hearing your thoughts. Maybe you can throw some photography tips in there too! 😉
Now that might be fun, Jennifer!
Jeff, I value your insights and miss your posts. Daily is hard. Have you considered at least a monthly post, with an occasional bonus post in-between? You have a lot to say and I found your information interesting and useful. Maybe you could tell us some more about your 6 kids (1 wife) and 0 worries.
Thanks, Kevin.
I feel your pain! When I’m inspired, I surprise myself with what comes out of my keyboard. Would love to hear about it when you figure out how to get back to that inspired place, because I could use some inspiration over here. 🙂