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I’m a busy father of two young daughters. I work for an awesome company doing something I really like to do. I try to work out daily, and in my spare time (spare as it may be) I like to read, write, loaf, and engage in one of the dozen or so hobbies I’ve taken on over the years.

So why, in the abundance of time that I have to spare, did I decide to create a blog? 

Keeping Things Sorted

In a way, I’m hoping that this blog can keep me sorted. I’ve been journaling on a semi-regular basis since I was 15. I’ve mostly done so as a way to process my thoughts. My mind is so distractible, that I needed a way to organize the chaos in my head.

My journals are typically just expressions of whatever is on my mind at a given time, but they are accompanied by a wide range of lists, goals, projects and other randomness. Over the years I’ve read and experimented with all sorts of different formats, techniques and tools, trying to find a style that works for me.

In addition to the dozens of physical journals I’ve used (most of which are still around, much to my wife’s chagrin), I’ve also written in Google Docs, Word, Evernote on probably a dozen different computers, laptops, tablets.

Writing and recording my thoughts in so many disparate places has, in effect, turned what was once a way to keep my mind sorted, into an even more jumbled mess. Which is why I’m hoping that I can use this blog as a way to keep me sorted and organized with my writings, thoughts and projects. 

A Little Accountability

I’ve always wanted to take on more than I could. I’ve got reams of paper outlining my dreams and aspirations. The trips I’ve wanted to take, the things I’ve wanted to learn, goals to achieve.

But, as I look back through my journals, I’ve realized that the goals and aspirations I wrote down 10 years ago, are much the same as the goals and aspirations I have today. And, sadly, I’m no closer to attaining them now as I was when I first wrote them out.

On the silver linings side, it means that at least I am consistent with who I want to become. On the less rosy side, it means that I’m terribly bad at following through and realizing my dreams. And though I know I’m not alone on this matter, it is something that I think I can fix and get better at. 

So this blog is an attempt to change that. By helping to surface and put into focus those things that are most important to me and keep me on track. Additionally, even though I’m not really writing this to be read by others (as a primary concern), it does add an element of social accountability, which is a powerful motivator.

Honing My Craft

Finally, by trade I am in digital marketing, primarily focused on search engine marketing. My primary job is to get my company’s websites to rank higher on Google and get more people interested in our products. 

From a career perspective, I like to know what tools are out there, how to use them, and if they are superior to any of the tools I’m currently using. To build this new website out I’m trying out a tool called Webflow. My perception is that it is a really good middle ground between a WYSIWYG editor like SquareSpace and a more traditionally website platform like WordPress. Additionally, I can use this blog to test other aspects relative to my job without impacting any of our company’s websites. So wins across the board.

My goal is to update this site regularly, with weekly blog posts and a couple of other pages that I will maintain. I’ll cover a range of topics, but will mostly be writing about my goals, books I’ve read, things I’ve learned, experiences I’ve had, and projects I’m working on. I hope some of this will be interesting from an outsider’s perspective and if so, I hope you enjoy.