In a Funk

{ 33 comments… read them below or add one }

1

Michael Connick 06.23.08 at 2:48 pm

First of all, I read your blog regularly through RSS. So although you don’t directly see me visiting here, I read and look forward to your postings. So, just how many customers do you need to be happy?

Second of all, I’m 61 and helping my wife right now through terminal cancer. Strangely enough this experience, it hasn’t depressed me (or her) at all. In fact, since I’ve taken a leave of absence from work and am with her 24/7, we’ve had a simply wonderful time together. The entire experience has drawn us much closer together and closer to God.

Which leads me to my third and final point: I’ve personally found that the best way out of a funk is to get out of yourself and get involved with others. Nothing cures depression like working to help others. I’m sure there are tons of needs in your community right now that are crying out for your involvement. Get involved with your church’s community outreach programs, get involved with a local food bank, or volunteer at a hospital or nursing home, and I pretty well guarantee that you’ll stop feeling sorry for yourself!

Thanks again for all the time you’ve spent on this blog and you’ll be in my prayers.

Michael Connick

2

capo 06.23.08 at 2:54 pm

I’m behind you by a few years but I think I know what you mean. Tech lately has been more sizzle than steak, and really not even all that much sizzle.

3

Jeremy Stein 06.23.08 at 3:10 pm

I “discovered” you when I read your Big Picture article. I’ve been following you ever since, trying to glean some wisdom from one who has gone before. I felt like an online stalker, but your encouraging emails and comments have made me feel like an online friend instead. I know you only through your writing, but I know you well enough to predict that not only will you pull through your “funk” and feel better, you’ll write up a blog post with tips and techniques that will help me through my next funk!

You’ll always be in my RSS reader, Bruce. Good luck to you.

4

Bruce Keener 06.23.08 at 4:04 pm

Thanks for the thoughts, guys.

Michael, I lost my wife almost 7 years ago, and while dealing with death and suffering does bring some people closer to God, it has not had that effect on me. I find hospitals depressing, and it makes me wonder too much about how God could allow it all. So, doing the volunteer route is probably not the thing for me, right now. Perhaps I will change my tune on that, but I need to change within before I can feel helpful to others.

Interesting thing is that I thought I would help people through this blog. From what I am hearing, I am doing that for some of you. I guess I’m just wondering if my overall effectiveness at it is pretty low, that is if I’m batting 100 instead of 500.

I’m the kind of guy who doesn’t like stagnation, yet I feel like I started out batting 100 and have never gotten beyond that. So, perhaps that means I am playing the wrong game.

Yet, Michael, I also think you are right, in that if I am not helping people, what the hell good am I?

Well, I’m in too much of funk to really talk this through very well. Lance sent me a separate email suggesting a vacation and a complete break from technology for a while. Maybe that’s what I really need.

Anyway, I appreciate you guys very much. Very much. Jeremy, thank you for your vote of confidence!

5

John 06.23.08 at 7:15 pm

I come here 3 to 5 times a week and enjoy your writing. I don't comment very much but I'm kinda of a quiet guy in real life, too.

Even though I use a paper planner, the upcoming release of the updated iPhone OS is exciting and I was looking forward to your comments about it. Although it will probably have shortcomings too.

Sorry to hear you're down. Hope things work out.

All the best.

John

6

John 06.23.08 at 10:15 pm

I come here 3 to 5 times a week and enjoy your writing. I don’t comment very much but I’m kinda of a quiet guy in real life, too.

Even though I use a paper planner, the upcoming release of the updated iPhone OS is exciting and I was looking forward to your comments about it. Although it will probably have shortcomings too.

Sorry to hear you’re down. Hope things work out.

All the best.

John

7

Bruce Keener 06.23.08 at 10:24 pm

Hi John,
Thank you for the well wishes, and for reminding me that some people are just quiet by nature. I used to be a quiet guy, too.

Thanks also for reminding me that we do have iPhone 2.0 to look forward to, and I do expect to do a review of that. Actually it will be of the 2.0 upgrade to my iPod Touch, as I am beginning to think I might not be able to get an iPhone for a while: it’s only been a little more than a year since I got my BlackBerry Curve through AT&T, with a 2-year plan, so I might not be eligible for an upgrade. We’ll just have to see how that pans out … I’ll try to get one at the reduced price. If they tell it’s $500 plus, then it will wait.

Again, thanks for the well wishes and the reminder that at least Apple hasn’t gone to sleep at the wheel, and still comes out with stuff worth talking about.

8

John Rocheleau - Zen-Moments 06.23.08 at 11:26 pm

Bruce,

I sure know where you’re at. I’ve been there in my own way a thousand times with life in general and my conception of where I fit in.

You seem to be a sensitive person who is also a very logical and organized thinker. That combination can bring the troubles you describe. Your organizing mind tries to make sense of all your sensitive emotional, creative, and psychological meanderings. You end up second-guessing and judging yourself too much.

If you weren’t so logical and organized, you would probably let your creativity and sensitivity fly without reservation.

I don’t know how many times I have thought and felt as you do now. I also see the end in sight. I am 57. That perspective creates an uncomfortable sense of urgency in me. I feel the need to accomplish the things that are special to me before I reach that end. At the same time, it troubles me that I am perhaps not doing that, and as in your case, it can become a self-fulfilling prophesy.

Sometimes a lack success in this race to achieve is an indication that we haven’t had enough faith in who we really are. Maybe we need to put ourselves out there, without our guards or disguises. There is strength in all of those qualities, that in our careers, we often subordinate in an effort to be efficient and aggressive. It’s time now to shift priorities.

Another thing: working from home, I have the tendency to be a bit of a hermit. It helps my perspective when I get out to be with people more. Have you thought of joining a group in an area of personal interest? Or better yet, how about teaching a group or giving workshops related to the areas that you really want to blog about?

The personal interaction would be good for the spirit and it would provide creative juice for your blog writing. I think you should be a teacher, give workshops, and blog from that center of motivation. The net can be impersonal, and we need to be personal.

You are a pretty gutsy guy to lay yourself open like this. Just another reason why I like you, and your blog.

John

9

Bruce Keener 06.24.08 at 11:01 am

John R,
Firstly, thank you for the kind and flattering comments. I think you have a knack for making people feel better.

As to the specific suggestions, you have given me food for thought. I have turned into a hermit and some sort of social dynamics would probably be helpful to my perspective.

You know, I really just wanted you folks to know where my head is at, so you are not alarmed that I might publish sporadically. I did not expect much feedback. But, all who have commented have given me something to think about, and I appreciate it very much.

10

twmiller 06.24.08 at 11:01 am

Hey Bruce –

I think you have been doing a great job. I first found your website years ago and have been following it since. I realize I don’t comment much, but I read your blog daily – gleaning important information and applying as such. At the very least I want to let you know that you do make an impact. Thank you for the time and effort.

BTW – I agree technology development is in a rut right now. Kind of dull at the moment.

11

Bill Myers 06.24.08 at 4:39 pm

Bruce,

I dropped off your blog for a bit because things got super-busy for me at work. But your writings have had a profound effect on me and if you’re in a funk, the least I can do is to reiterate how much I value your blog.

I read very few blogs these days because so many of them amount to nothing more than manufactured knee-jerk sniping matches. Yours is one of the few I’ve encountered that consistently elevates my thinking rather than degrading it. You strive to add to the sum total of human knowledge rather than to have an opinion for its own sake.

Web stats are tricky beasts and don’t always give a full picture of how you’re doing. As for comments — sometimes its hard to add a comment when your well-written posts have said what needs to be said, and better than could have said it! And, y’know, you could always boost your readership by being foul, crude, unnecessarily opinionated, and aggressively ignorant. Except that just wouldn’t be YOU, now, would it?

I’ll drop you an e-mail shortly. I don’t want to go all personal in your blog but I think I have an inkling as to what you’re going through. But for now I’ll leave you with this: your blog makes a difference. Thank you for sharing your gifts with the rest of us.

12

Steve 06.24.08 at 4:46 pm

Bruce, just a word of encouragement … my home page in all my browsers is iGoogle. On my iGoogle page is a section of Google Bookmarks. I just counted 17 bookmarks that I like to have quick and easy access to. Of those 17 bookmarks, two of them are blogs that I read everyday. One is Lifehacker and the other … Keener Living. Now I know I may not carry much weight in the “everyone cares about Steve’s opinion” department, but from reading the other comments left in response to this post, I would say you are held in pretty high esteem by your readers. I have appreciated your honesty the most. I can read some of the other bloggers of technology, but only you let us see your soul, and that means a lot to me. We “all” struggle with a battle(s) of some kind and I think your writings/posts help me know it’s going to be OK. Take comfort in knowing that I for one appreciate your knowledge and wisdom.

13

Bruce Keener 06.24.08 at 5:29 pm

I am blown away by the encouragement from you guys. If I could, I would shake your hand and/or give each of you a hug. I really appreciate the very positive feedback.

It is clear I would disappoint many of you if I did stop blogging, so I will keep on slugging away at it. I do a feel a need to build a fire within myself, though. Of course, even if I succeed at that there will still be times of writer’s block, and I still need to put my diminishing years and health into the proper perspective, and not let my thinking of it keep me from enjoying what remains and from being effective and useful.

Thank you so very much!

14

Trevor Nelson 06.24.08 at 6:49 pm

Bruce,
While I have your blog in my reader, and read it regularly, I’ll admit that it’s not my first read. And i think a lot of the frustration you have with/towards it is a by-product of your other frustrations (ie: interests, focus, etc.)
While I enjoy your writing I really don’t have a sense of what your blog is supposed to be about, or what the real focus is. There’s productivity, theology, technology, Jerry Reed, social commentary, your wife, etc. And some posts are nothing more than link farming or other blogs.
When you mention other blogs linking, or generating traffic, I think the piece missing is a focus. Personal Finance blogs link to other PF blogs, Tech to tech, productivity to productivity, etc. And while most of those also have the occasional off-topic post, for the most part I know that if I go there I will find something new about “X.” And the thing about those blogs is that the writers are passionate about the subject. When you ask or poll us for what WE want you to write about it tells me that you have no connection of passion to the answer. Anyone can poll a group and then write about that. I read blogs by people who have an interest and passion in the same things I do (which is how I found your site in the first place - your article on Palms.) Which means that there are millions of blogs I don’t read, because they write about things I don’t care about. And that’s fine. Those people get there audience too.
I wonder what your real intent for this blog is then. If it’s just to have a place to lay down some thoughts, then you’ve succeeded. Judging by the comments, you not only express your opinion, but others enjoy reading it. That alone should make you smile. Perhaps more in-depth posts, or questions, would bring more comments and interaction. Who knows.
If your intent is to make money, then I think more focus is required.
Secondly I would mention frequency. Today is the 24th, and you’ve posted 15 times this month. Most of the blogs I look forward to I do so first because they interest me, and second because they update frequently (at least once a day.) Again, this is only an issue if you’re trying to grow. As a “my thoughts today” blog it’s fine.
Don’t take this as criticism, just observations on your post (you wanted comments ) I think you’re a sincere man and a good writer, and I enjoy reading your thoughts. And I will continue as long as you choose to share them.

15

Bruce Keener 06.24.08 at 7:26 pm

Trevor,
Thank you very much. You have hit on a number of points that relate to my “funk.”

To me, the lack of passion right now is central. I mentioned a lack of passion for technology, but I am also becoming pretty uninterested in productivity topics, too. For example, I think back over my 32+ years as a business professional, and I was very productive during those years, all of them, even the ones that came before I heard of Stephen Covey or David Allen. My hunch is that everyone who reads this blog is productive. So, I wonder: why is it that we (me included) spend so much time reading about something we’re good enough at. Oh, I believe in improving on our abilities. But doesn’t one reach a point where enough is enough? So, on one hand, I want to talk about productivity, because life is short and we should know ways to accomplish what we want to accomplish before we die. On the other hand, I realize that most of us know this pretty well and doing pretty well at accomplishing what we need to.

What I still have a passion for is helping people to see things differently, so they can choose whether to change their thinking. But, then again, how many such articles can one write?

So, I have to agree with everything you are saying. That is why the funk. By the way, not to be argumentative, but to just let you know, the main reason I do the “link posts” is that someone suggested that they are useful. Just shows that we can’t satisfy everyone all the time.

Thank you for taking the time to lay this out, Trevor. I appreciate it. Clearly there is a good bit for me to think about.

16

Pam 06.25.08 at 10:47 am

Bruce,

I’m very impressed that you shared your state of mind with your readers, and I just want to add my voice to the others of people who regularly visit your blog and find it both interesting and helpful.

I’m not necessarily encouraging you to continue your blog, as I (and others!) want you to do whatever makes you happy. If blogging about technology and productivity is no longer it, then my wish for you is that you find something great to replace it. I’d miss your blog, but would be pleased to know that you’re doing something that makes you happy. I also think Lance’s idea of a vacation is a good one.

17

Bruce Keener 06.25.08 at 11:57 am

Thank you, Pam.

I am starting to think that I will continue to blog, but probably as just a personal blog, talking about whatever is on my mind … from an occasional book review, to a discussion of the 2.0 update for my Touch, a topic from science that fascinates me, and what have you. May subtitle it “thoughts from a retired guy” or something along those lines (suggestions welcome). But, as you and Lance point out, a vacation is really in order. I need to step away from it all and let my mind work on it subconsciously.

Thank you again.

18

Trevor Nelson 06.25.08 at 2:05 pm

Bruce,
I'm glad you took my comments in the spirit they were intended.

If I may, let me offer a suggestion - let's change you're post to “I'm at a crossroads.”
Reading your posts, and your subsequent comments, it sounds not so much as if you're questioning “whether” to write the blog, but rather you're not happy with what you've been writing about. And perhaps that's the answer. Maybe instead of writing about productivity you should be writing from the position of “why our obsession.” You've already stated that this question. I too have the same question. I read several blogs that deal with productivity. And yet when I see some posts that offer “learn keystokes to save 10 minutes a day” I think “Really?” Are we really at that point. Are all the tips out there now and the only thing left is shaving minutes. It seems a bit silly. I'm pretty sure NO ONE is working so hard, so consistently, that shaving 10 minutes is a goal.

Maybe the answer lies in combining the things you mentioned - theology, productivity, family, and writing about these things as a whole and forgetting the “tips” angle.
Like you, I have been an admirer of Covey (and user of his systems) for many years . And one of the things I've always liked was the holistic , overall view that his work takes. David Allen gets all the buzz right now, but as you've noticed, it's tips and tools first, and then looking at your life, whereas your view is more in line with Covey and looks at your life first (and the meaningful things in it) and then tools to work around THAT.
And honestly, aside from you, I really haven't found anyone that writes about Covey or is even interested/familiar in his work. GTD gets all the play.
So, to steal from Covey, perhaps it's time to write about “What Really Matters.” I think you have a unique perspective on that.
Plus, Covey's work is most certainly going to promote more comments and interaction than simple tips. You asked “how many articles can someone write?” About productivity? A limited number. About life? Infinite. And readers will comment. and those comments will inspire new thoughts and posts. And so on.
You have a great writing style, and a rich life full of experience and unique insights. Use those, and write about what YOU want to. And see who shows up.

19

Trevor Nelson 06.25.08 at 2:24 pm

You're welcome.

“I do think it is important that we pay attention to what really matters”

I think that says it all. Good luck.

Trevor

20

mike 06.25.08 at 4:33 pm

You cannot stop blogging. There now, wasn’t that simple.

I’ve been reading your stuff since you had your old website and I remember a period of time when you weren’t writing (or maybe I didn’t know where you went) but you picked it back up again and I enjoy reading it.

Sometimes you just need a good old kick in the ass to get yourself motivated again and I’m sure you can find someone to do it…maybe Bruce Keener could lend you his foot. If you can catch that on video you should post it…a guy photographing himself kicking his own ass….might even make it on YouTube.

Keep writing Bruce, we need you and your idea’s !!

21

Bruce Keener 06.25.08 at 5:04 pm

Thanks, Mike. Now I’ve got this image in my head of me kicking myself in the ass. Not pretty.

Thank you for the kind words, seriously.

22

Trevor Nelson 06.25.08 at 5:05 pm

Bruce,
I’m glad you took my comments in the spirit they were intended.

If I may, let me offer a suggestion - let’s change you’re post to “I’m at a crossroads.”
Reading your posts, and your subsequent comments, it sounds not so much as if you’re questioning “whether” to write the blog, but rather you’re not happy with what you’ve been writing about. And perhaps that’s the answer. Maybe instead of writing about productivity you should be writing from the position of “why our obsession.” You’ve already stated that this question. I too have the same question. I read several blogs that deal with productivity. And yet when I see some posts that offer “learn keystokes to save 10 minutes a day” I think “Really?” Are we really at that point. Are all the tips out there now and the only thing left is shaving minutes. It seems a bit silly. I’m pretty sure NO ONE is working so hard, so consistently, that shaving 10 minutes is a goal.

Maybe the answer lies in combining the things you mentioned - theology, productivity, family, and writing about these things as a whole and forgetting the “tips” angle.
Like you, I have been an admirer of Covey (and user of his systems) for many years . And one of the things I’ve always liked was the holistic , overall view that his work takes. David Allen gets all the buzz right now, but as you’ve noticed, it’s tips and tools first, and then looking at your life, whereas your view is more in line with Covey and looks at your life first (and the meaningful things in it) and then tools to work around THAT.
And honestly, aside from you, I really haven’t found anyone that writes about Covey or is even interested/familiar in his work. GTD gets all the play.
So, to steal from Covey, perhaps it’s time to write about “What Really Matters.” I think you have a unique perspective on that.
Plus, Covey’s work is most certainly going to promote more comments and interaction than simple tips. You asked “how many articles can someone write?” About productivity? A limited number. About life? Infinite. And readers will comment. and those comments will inspire new thoughts and posts. And so on.
You have a great writing style, and a rich life full of experience and unique insights. Use those, and write about what YOU want to. And see who shows up.

23

Bruce Keener 06.25.08 at 5:13 pm

Thank you, Trevor, very much.

I like your thinking. And I will give some thought to “re-theming.” I’m also intrigued by the possibility of just writing a personal blog, without having to worry about specific topics. I think, knowing my nature, I would tend to put a sort of Covey-spin on a lot of those posts. I do think it is important that we pay attention to what really matters, which is kinda why I’m at my crossroads.

BTW, thanks for the suggestion to rename the post, but I think I’ll leave it as is for now … I really am in sort of a funk … it’s not just blogging, it’s more.

Anyway, thank you for the additional insights and thoughts. I appreciate you taking the time to lay your thoughts, and I like how you think clearly and express yourself well. You’ve given me something to think on.

24

Trevor Nelson 06.25.08 at 5:24 pm

You’re welcome.

“I do think it is important that we pay attention to what really matters”

I think that says it all. Good luck.

Trevor

25

Ray (Guitarmantoo) 06.25.08 at 5:54 pm

Hi Bruce, sorry you're going thru what you are. I would think losing your wife would have a profound affect on you. I know it would me. Seems to me the combination things going on in your life right now are working against you. One thing that helped me was to stop using all tobacco products and to stop drinking. I still have a bloody mary every once in awhile, but was drinking a six pack a night.I used tobacco for close to thirty years. I just got tired of being a slave to it and I bet you feel the same way. I had a trip to the hospital wake me up about these things. I joined a gym and go about every other day. It has made a great change in my attitude ,outlook on life and not to mention my health. Just saying, it's never too late to change things in your life. Hope things get better for you. Too bad we don't live closer to each other and could get together and pick a little. Take Care.

26

Ray (Guitarmantoo) 06.25.08 at 8:54 pm

Hi Bruce, sorry you’re going thru what you are. I would think losing your wife would have a profound affect on you. I know it would me. Seems to me the combination things going on in your life right now are working against you. One thing that helped me was to stop using all tobacco products and to stop drinking. I still have a bloody mary every once in awhile, but was drinking a six pack a night.I used tobacco for close to thirty years. I just got tired of being a slave to it and I bet you feel the same way. I had a trip to the hospital wake me up about these things. I joined a gym and go about every other day. It has made a great change in my attitude ,outlook on life and not to mention my health. Just saying, it’s never too late to change things in your life. Hope things get better for you. Too bad we don’t live closer to each other and could get together and pick a little. Take Care.

27

Bruce Keener 06.25.08 at 9:17 pm

Ray,

Thank you, fellow guitar-picking buddy. You sure are right about the tobacco — it is literally killing me, but I am so addicted. Pathetic. As to the drinking, I gave it up 22 yrs ago. Had to: I was an alcoholic. If I had still been drinking when Vickie passed away, I know I would have literally drunk myself to death. So, it is good I quit it long ago. If I were to ever start back, I would be toast.

I wish we lived close enough to play together, too. Damn, I have come up with some really cool licks the past few days, and have nobody to share them with. Oh well, at least I get the pleasure of creating.

Anywho, thank you again. I appreciate you.

28

Prashanth 06.26.08 at 12:05 am

Hi Bruce:
Something to be passionate about? - With all due respect how about yourself?
Ever so often, I need to analysis my behavior and goals to recalibrate; coz over the course of time, I tag on baggage, lose focus of my principles and where I want to get to; so I refactor my goals, my responses and my behavior.
Also pertaining to your dissatisfaction with your blog stats, I agree with Michael Connick’s line of thinking? “…So, just how many customers do you need to be happy?..”. I mean you have previously approached the question of WHAT it is that you expect out of this blog. Your investment in time, energy and money. I see a small but dedicated readership, sure its not zenhabits with 50K+ visitors; (in any case it helps; I visit keenerliving more frequently than zenhabits :))

In any case; I enjoy most of your posts; and I guess outlining and verbalizing your “funk” is the first step; you can’t fix what you can’t identify, I guess.
(All comments made with due respect; hope you are not offended.)

29

Bruce Keener 06.26.08 at 9:42 am

Thank you, Prashanth!

You guys are the best!

30

Thomas R. Hall 06.27.08 at 12:51 pm

Bruce,

There is a ton of good feedback already in this thread, but I did want to chime in a bit. Your site is one that I check several times a day in my reader, even if I don’t have time to read other sites. You always have good and insightful thoughts. I don’t comment much on the non-tech/productivity comments because those are what I am most interested in, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like the rest of the site.

If your interests are changing, then so can what you post about. For example, if you don’t feel that there has been a lot of groundbreaking technology except the iPhone, write about your usage of the iPod Touch and even how you have moved back to a mainly paper-based productivity model. Those topics are interesting as well, and are why sites like D*I*Y Planner and Analog GTD are popular - some people just like an analog model more than electronic.

I would add more, but don’t want to get too wordy. Just know that your site has a profound impact on those that read it and we are telling others about it. Keep up the good work!

31

Bruce Keener 06.27.08 at 1:48 pm

Thank you, Thomas!

32

Frankinho 07.01.08 at 9:36 am

Hi Bruce,

I’m a somewhat regular reader of your sites and I do love your posts, you’re very good - no, make that “excellent” - at describing tools and attitudes and stuff when it comes to productivity. Your writings almost always inspire me to think about how to improve my own productivity. So for heaven’s sake: please keep posting!!!

Greetings from Berlin/Germany,
Frankinho

33

Bruce Keener 07.01.08 at 10:30 am

Thank you, Frankinho! You are very flattering.

You live in a beautiful country, by the way. Been a long while since I visited there, but I sure enjoyed when I did.