Why are people reading?
Help me understand
Last week, I shared how my “Why” behind this blog has evolved into something more than just trying to be a clear communicator.
I’ve been writing for nearly 2 years now, and while it’s been draining at times, sharing my struggles in retirement from Rugby has played a huge part in my recovery.
A recovery I think anyone can make, and my why is now to help others who are struggling like I did.
While I haven’t written much this week, I’m proud to announce that I got accepted into Substack Grow- this platform’s training ground for up-and-coming writers.
Despite their 4am starts, I’m loving it and learning so much about how to convey a message, and it helped me discover my new why.
After asking us “why did you start writing?” in the first session, Substack got us to open our stats and reflect on our blogging journey.
Despite being inconsistent, I really enjoy writing. But to see a plateau in views at the start of year when I stopped made me realise that not dealing with my issues was the reason for my stress, which then made it hard for me to be consistent.
But now that I’ve reflected, this week’s homework was to find out why are people reading my blog.
A question didn’t have the faintest answer too until recently.
At the depths of my depression, I reached out to some friends and family, including former teammate and good friend Pat McCabe, who he suggested I chat with former Brumbies CEO Michael Thompson.
A softly spoken and highly respected member of the Canberra community, Thomo has kindly kept tabs on me since then, and we recently caught up.
“How are you going Ben?”
“I feel like my old self and the happiest I’ve been in 10 years”
“Great to hear! Plus I’ve been reading your blog.”
“Have you?! Why?”
“Sometimes I can closely relate to the ideas and discussion, other times not so closely. But in either case, I like the fact it stimulates my thinking and gives me a reason to pause and reflect.”
So, why do you read my blog? Help me understand and get my homework done lol.
Wallabies 30 - England 28
Thanks to everyone who participated in last week’s thread and gave their series prediction. A 2-1 series win to Australia was the clear favourite, and after Saturday…probably a pretty good shout!
Up the Wallabies!
After spending a lot of my career "being strong" I realise now that strength comes from vulnerability and am still working through what this looks like. Reading that others are travelling the same path is encouraging.
Plus, I love talking about rugby, even tangentially.
Your articles are perfectly timed to land in my inbox when I'm having my morning coffee in WA, so that helps 😀
But seriously, I read because it's the opposite of influencer "look how awesome my life is" content that is everywhere these days.
Not that I *don't* want your life to be awesome, but I think your articles provide a great service to people who may be struggling.
Lastly, I have zero exposure to professional athletes so it's interesting to see what it's like to transition from a sporting career to everyday life.
Cheers,
Ben
P.S. I'm changing my vote to wallabies 3-0