What next for Ben's Blog?
It’s been over a year since I started blogging, and while I’m enjoying writing, I’ve been thinking about whether I should to keep it up.
I only started writing after realising my struggles in retirement came from a “rushing mind”, and thought that by writing this open journal of sorts would help keep me accountable to combating it.
And after a scattered start, I feel like I’m achieving that and I can’t thank those of you who subscribed enough, as your inbox endured a bumpy ride early on with a few dud posts!
Substack (this website) have said that publishing regularly is the main key to improving, and while the act of writing is getting easier, conjuring up something interesting to write about each week is getting tough.
Luckily I’ve had some guidance from Chris “Blocka” Dutton at the Canberra Times around topics, and recently had a chat with former sports journalist and best selling author Rupert Guiness, who helped me come to the conclusion that I should “Zoom out” and look at the blog from a bigger picture.
Why am I still blogging?
Why are people are reading it?
And what more could I share that’s interesting and could help others?
When I started, I just wrote about whatever came to mind and had no idea what readers wanted to know, let alone why they would subscribed.
But getting feedback about how my writing has helped to improve people’s lives (like how to escape the endless dieting cycle) spurs me on, so I guess that answers question 1: Why am I still blogging? To help people.
Now for Question 2: Why are people reading my blog?
Based on page views, blogs that have done well have been when I’ve written about Rugby or my struggles in retirement and how I look after my mental health.
So with that in mind and to answer Question 3: I do feel I have more to share, especially with how I’m going about changing careers, and how I’ve had to start again from scratch.
My career transition is far from complete, and I still have a ton of work to do to get Alfred sustainable, but I do feel that I’m on the right path and that a full-time career helping people to be a bit healthier is within reach.
Changing careers is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, and believe I’ve some things to share that could help anyone who’s looking for a fresh start.
I’m no career transitions expert, but I do feel I’m qualified to share my expericence.
So starting from next week, I’ll be doing a 6 part series called ‘The Leap’ where I’ll share the things that are helping me navigate the stressful time of having to start my career again.
Thanks for reading, espcially to everyone who’s given feedback, commented and subscribed.
Part one of The Leap will be out next Thursday, so if you’re interested, please subscribe below (It’s free!).
Cheers.
Also, a big thank you to Ben Brearley from the Thoughtful Leader for pointing out an embarrassing typo that’s been in my email header since day 1!
“A JOUNREY in retirement”. Hahaha! Too true.
Ben, I love reading your blogs. The fact you have written about different topics, expressed your opinion and recognised the challenges you face in life make it all interesting. I don't always agree on some things, but life is full of different opinions. It is worth hearing them and considering your own ideas.
As an overweight, old front rower, reading about your challenge leaving rugby hits home. I miss playing massively and would love to go back, but I don't think the knees would cope. However my dream is to play that one game with my boys. Only two years to wait on that possibility. I'll be 52 by then but keeping active with them keeps the dream alive.
Keep writing, it spurs me on to that goal.
Cheers
Richard
Glad to hear you're continuing. I really enjoy reading and the honesty in your posts is fantastic. I'm not an old rugby player, just a guy in my 40's but can relate to a lot of what you have been through. Thanks for taking the time to write.