I can’t do it anymore, guys.
Publishing a brand new article every Monday has been something I’ve done with consistency for over three years.
We’re 178 articles in, but it’s time to be honest with myself. It’s not something I can do anymore.
I feel like I’m beginning to write for the sake of being able to proudly say, “I’ve never missed a single Monday without publishing.” It’s the wrong reason to keep this streak running.
When I first started Self Stairway, I set out with the task to stand out from all other self-improvement websites and to avoid re-hashing the same old feel-good clichés. I began this website so I can bleed stories from my own life and relate to you, hoping to inspire and help you.
I’m afraid that if I continue publishing every single week, I’ll hit a point where I’ll begin publishing for the sake of a deadline I’ve set for myself while sacrificing quality in the process.
Back in November 13, 2011, I sent out an email to my favorite writer, James Altucher, who I modeled much of my early writing style on.
This was about 14 months before I finally started Self Stairway, but I asked James for some pointers. Here’s what he told me:
“ONLY bleed stories from your own life. Explore your memories. Then people can relate. When we all relate and realize that we’re all going through the same thing: life on this planet, and that it’s hard – that’s self-improvement.”
So that’s what I’ve done since day one. I’ve bled stories. I’ve only written and given advice based off of my reality and personal experiences in hopes that you’d relate and realize that we all have our own flaws, struggles, and triumphs.
I’ve always been honest with you.
Don’t worry, Self Stairway’s not shutting down. There are so many stories left to tell and so many lessons to give.
Hell, I might even publish an article next Monday, but gone are the days of an article going live each and every Monday morning. There might only be an article once every other week or once a month.
Who knows?
Another one of my favorite writers only writes once a month (sometimes twice a month or more), so obviously publishing at least once a week isn’t a strict rule that all good writers have to follow.
Yeah, it’s the end of an era, but hopefully this means each article I publish means more and I can continue giving each piece my all.
I’ll continue bleeding stories from my life.
Don’t think I’ve forgotten you.
I think it’s a good decision, and to be honest with you, just like you’re honest with us, I really like your old articles more, like the one you published last week about being a good friend, it’s one of the first articles I’ve read on SelfStairway.
Although I believe that schedules are the best way to do a great and consistent work, I personally couldn’t maintain high quality with a schedule like “publishing one article each week”, maybe every two weeks or maybe just let thing flow.
Don’t do it for the sake of meeting a deadline, do it for the sake of expressing something valuable that can better someone’s life, sound like a good way to go Vincent!
But we’re going to miss your articles when you don’t publish and you’re going to lose some loyal readers out there when you don’t publish !!! just kidding, will always support you 🙂
Haha it’s always interesting to hear people’s preferences when it comes to newer vs older.
I’ll certainly try to keep some sort of minimum (at least once per a month) but this decision at least removes the deadline that might be too constricting.
Indeed you “bled” stories and also your vulnerability. I’m glad you decided to do this. Sometimes you have to say no to the good stuff so you have time for the great stuff. We’ve talked about this for a quite a while and I’ll continue to look out for your emails (I know we both do the same for Mark).
Hah, I’m actually not on his email list. I just check the site manually. 😛
Thanks for all your articles and stories.
And looking forward to more if not every Monday!
And thanks for reading along with us! 🙂
How about singing instead of bleeding?
Hahah I don’t think James used the word bleeding to mean it’s a bad thing. The way I’ve always interpreted it is that sharing pieces of yourself is hard enough to do with close friends. Doing so with strangers is even more difficult, similar to pulling teeth.
It hurts sometimes to share parts of yourself that aren’t perfect, but that’s ultimately how you (and I) get readers to relate.
All Good!!!! 😉
In the neighborhood!
Yep. Do what you gotta do. My weekly newsletter is very short, every Wednesday. Okay, well, mostly on Wednesday. Oh, wait, not every Wednesday. Okay, most Wednesdays. The rest are on autoresponder and deliver a bat-ton of content that is new for each subscriber as they go through the process. But my personal Enews….yeah sorta Wednesday. ish.
Bleeding stories is wonky advice. Compelled by story: much better.I look forward to your sorta Monday ish thing. Or not Monday. Sounds healthy. Hang in there.
Is it wonky advice? I don’t know!
Check out the reply I wrote to Desaesis above on how I interpreted “bleeding”.
oh, and…now….you should consider to make a book out of your older posts….too bad you don’t know anyone with a publishing group….oh, wait…you do. 🙂
Haha! Perhaps someday. Just not today. 😉
I have enjoyed watching (reading) you grow, and mature on your site. Thank you for giving us a head’s up that you are changing your writing schedule to meet your needs (desires).
We support your decision.
Wholeheartedly.
That really means a lot. Thanks, Lei.
Thanks for sharing and caring, it has made a difference.
I really am glad to hear that. Thanks!
Hey Vincent
better to write something great and useful once a month than something of lesser value more often – good call.
Thanks, Mark!
Fair play to you! It’s really difficult when you’re putting so much pressure on yourself to write something amazing. Relax now and the inspiration will come to you when the time is right. Enjoy the break ?
Whew… A lot of weight off my shoulders!
Good for you for being true to yourself. Congratulations and best wishes. We look forward to your writings whenever they come.
Betsy
Thanks, Betsy!
May I suggest you ask for topics to write about or every Monday feature a followers writing on a topic from their perspective.
I’ll have to pass on that. I used to take guest posters but decided to stop a couple years back. Thanks for contributing ideas though!
Keep writing ,keep inspiring as you feel convenient . You are a wonderful writer as you explained in your stories and whatever your journey is ,was and would be ,you deserve a better future ! Good luck and enjoy life as it comes on your way !!
So good to hear that, thanks a ton! 🙂
I just found your website for the first time today and have read a couple of articles. They are inspiring and send a positive message. Don’t forget that the things we do in our lives can have a significant impact on another person. You did that for me today, and I thank you! Follow your heart and the rest will follow…
Thanks, Jon. Leaving an impact on others is what this site’s for. 🙂
Hey dude! Congrats on moving forward with a tough decision – keep crushing!!! >:D
Thanks, Austin! Just taking some much needed rest from writing!
Genuinely curious, I thought this site was your life. What have you been doing otherwise?
Usual stuff. Hanging out with friends and family while simultaneously running the main business. This site really only took one Sunday each week, but that’s not a commitment I enjoy making on a weekly basis anymore. Only going to write when there’s a strong urge now.
Cool just wanna say that I LOVE JAMES ALTCHER TOO. OMG THAT DUDE IS AMAZING
Now you are happy …by not writing
Sometime we dig our own graves
So do you think you have done a mistake because after you last post nothing has come out past 129days ..
Whatever habits you have cultivated in the year building the blog has gone..
What is your take Vincent..??
Of course it differs at the way you see things but I know what your mind is heading to…
You may accept it or give a diplomatic way of reply …
You have done some great job in the past articles you had written .. It did affect many lives and of course I did learn lot of things you have shared..
Like the video share you have done to fetch the Philipines job and then the excel
Sheet share on approaching strangers and talking to them ..
All the best .. You have the fighter instinct .. You will do well
Hmm…
It’s been several months, nearly half a year even, since this article. I can safely say I haven’t quite had the urge to write anything since publishing this one. What initially started as a one-week hiatus grew into something much more than that. It led to the realization that I was writing through obligation instead of through sheer desire.
I don’t think any time here has been wasted. I may start writing once a week again. Who knows?
But today? Right now? I’m okay with not writing. 🙂
Hey Vince, I miss those articles already! Well, I’m sure by now you already know you made the right decision. And it’s good that you consciously decided on that. In my case, I slipped into posting articles and ended up not doing so for over a year now. I still get this guilt feeling of “I-coulda”. But somehow I managed to move on and focus on what is needed now. Best of luck to you!
I think I have! Still haven’t gotten the urge to write yet, but I certainly will when the feeling’s kicked in.
Hey Vincent — I followed your blog for quite a while over the past few years and sporadically left comments. You popped into my mind today. I had been working on how to find a way to put together my appreciation for the internet and connecting with people with my days as a med student. I shared the start of this way back when, maybe in 2014 with you on your blog. I finally found a way to do it, in a way that was authentic to me and beneficial to others. It’s totally modest (not on your scale ;)) BUT I love it and it brings happiness to my viewers. Just wanted to share that sentiment with you, as your writings and your determination and your rule defying ways were something I’m so glad you boldly shared with the internet! Whatever you’re up to now, wishing you the best.
Hey Shilpa! Thanks for being a loyal reader. One of your first comments goes all the way back to 2014! Awesome!
So glad to hear you’re doing something that’s helping others while also being very important to you. Hold onto that and keep going. It’s one of the most rewarding feelings you could possibly have.
Aww Vincent. I just saw your site. Is this your last post already? If it is, that would be too bad. You can keep publishing as long as the call to publish continues. You should not do it just because of your schedule
Well, shoot, guess I am too late for the party then :/ but I will read your articles even though the Blog is “gone” for now since I like your writing. Hope you have a great Journey and thanks for the 178 articles youve written, cheers!
The news is very interesting thank you very much for the information ..
Ppl still reading this today 5 years later!!! I just found this and it taught me something I wish I’d learnt years ago approx 25 years ago. Listen to what others say you are not invisible and you’re definitely not the best thing ever but I’ll say one more thing on this friends are not infinite. Relationships and the memories they create are who you are never take that for granted. What a page /thread / #whatsocialmediaisgoodfor
I replied to the wrong thread but all of you get me ?
I love that tip by James about only sharing stories you bleed. That’s one of the things I love about revisiting old posts of yours – you share your heart and life.
Have you thought about writing again?