THIS NEWSLETTER

Let's recap.

In August, I asked you to take a survey about the future direction of this newsletter. I thought I'd take a month, try some new and improved versions, then get back to publishing. But, I was underwhelmed by any and every new thing I tested out. So, I needed more of a break than I counted on.

The irony of it all is that for the first time since I started this thing 4 years ago, I'm getting new subscribers every week. Finally, a winning formula: nothing! I guess "Content is King" isn't really true. "Silence is Golden", however, that's an axiom that pays dividends.

Until we're back full-time, stroll down memory lane with the last issue in the old format.


THE CHALLENGE MINDSET BOOK

I've been working on a book based off of parts of this newsletter for the better part of the pandemic. This has also been a difficult project because after an initial burst of writing and editing, I felt I needed more editing help to avoid releasing something that -- to put it bluntly -- sucked. At the same time, my publisher felt compelled to pressure me into tight deadlines and questionable art and design choices. No thanks?

As a result of this, I made the difficult decision to sever my relationship with them and finish this book on my own, which has simply taken more time than I initially expected. Then again, I've never written a book before. Turns out, pretty hard! But, this project is trending back in a positive direction and I should have some timelines and release dates to share very soon.


SPEAKING AT SXSW

One thing I asked of you, in the interim, was to vote me on to the agenda at SXSW this year as a speaker. I want to thank each and every one of you who took the time to do that. I was initially waitlisted, which meant I got enough votes and they sort of liked me, but ultimately I was informed that I wasn't accepted. At first, I was really disappointed, then I played Nada Surf's "Popular" a few times and realized SXSW probably never liked me liked me, WHICH IS NOT MY FAULT WE'VE NEVER EVEN MET, so I got over it.

For those of you who are new to the TIE Weekly (or you just forgot), I make my living as a professional speaker, whether that is at in-person conferences, workplace speaker serieses, and company retreats, which is to say I haven't been making as much of a living these last two pandemic-stricken hell years. Boo.

Part of this break has been spent rethinking how I spend my time, run a business, and make a living. At the same timer, the repeated cancelation of events also appears to be changing and I'm starting to get inquiries on doing something other than a company Zoom call again, which is news that can only be considered great.


PERSONAL

Finally, since you last heard from me in the Fall, I've had a few minor, but reliably annoying health issues, such as a month-long sinus infection, sleep regressions normally reserved for tiny babies along with some outright insomnia, and a most unwelcome second bout with Covid, which I have to say was completely uncalled for.

Now in better health, sleeping every night, and looking ahead, I'm excited to share that we are expecting our second girl in May, and big sister is also very excited, even if she thinks the baby is in her belly right now. (Go ahead and ask her, she'll tell you).

Well, that's everything notable for now. Hope to be back at you soon.