For those of you keeping count, this is blog post #160. This blog is about to turn three years old, so why not answer a few frequently asked questions as we approach this milestone. We celebrated the 100th post milestone with the 100 lessons learned, so today we move to your questions.
#1. Will this make it into your blog? (Typically when we are in the middle of a conversation and you say something interesting and/or embarrassing.)
Maybe. That is one hazard of being in a relationship (personally or professionally with me). If I do use it, I typically will ask you first and sometimes make it generic enough so that only you and I will know it is about you. Some people seem horrified at the thought of making it into this blog, while others welcome the idea. Don’t worry, we can still hang out either way.
#2. How do you come up with ideas for the blog?
I simply live life and try to notice things that happen all around us. The idea may be a phrase someone says, or some lingering concept after a meeting, or something I am wrestling with either personally, or some idea or issue that comes up when consulting with or coaching others.
#3. Do you have a process for keeping track of ideas?
I didn’t at first. Writing down ideas help, and I have moved to keeping a list on my phone and computer where I can jot down simple concepts or phrases that may need to be fleshed out later. These ideas kind of float out there for a while and finally land at the most interesting times. Before I kept a list, I would have great ideas that never materialized because I would forget them.
#4. Why do you write a blog?
As someone who presents a lot, writing has been that other discipline that I have always wanted to do and a blog is a good way to start. Blogs are also a great way to spread ideas and meet new people. My goal is to post about once a week, so if you haven’t heard from me in more than a week, feel free to check in.
#5. Do you have any rules or guidelines for you blog?
Yup. I try to write about either lessons learned, provide guidance, or reflect on interesting things. I am not interested in being snarky or delving into controversial issues. A question I often ask myself is “Will this make the world a better place?” Obviously not every post is earth shattering or profound, but the overall goal is to help people to Know Themselves, and Change the World.
#6. What is your favorite color?
I used to think it was green, but more and more I find myself drawn to blue.
#7. What is your favorite blog post?
That is a hard one. Each one seems to have a purpose and reason when I wrote it. Sometimes I have to browse the older posts to make sure that I not already written about my next big idea. When I go back and read some of them, I am reminded about the “why” I wrote it, and there are times when that post really applies to something I need that day. It is weird, as if the me from the past is passing along some nugget of truth to me today.
How about a few of my favorite ones (in no particular order)?
Silencing the Narrator (3 part series)
Three Lessons I Learned in the Navy
The Adventure Within (the Adventure)
Rocks, Remembering, and Reflecting
私に好意的に見てください(please look favorably on me)
If you have other questions that I didn’t cover here, feel free to leave a comment and I would be happy to provide additional answers.
Also, which post is your favorite?
Carl Weber Consulting 