Why?

Why we start things, why we do things — and being curious with Ted Lasso

Welcome to this week’s issue. I’m glad you’re here.

Today we are focused on the fifth and final W: Why?

This is part of a series I started last month to clarify the purpose of this blog and give you a better understanding of me. So far, we’ve addressed who, what, where and when.

Next week, we will explore the final prompt: How?

So, why am I writing this? And why are you reading it? Let’s explore together, shall we?

Why did I start this?

I started writing this Substack in January because I missed having a place to contribute. Here is how I said it in the inaugural issue:

If you know me, you may know that I have been contributing content online for many years. From hand-coded websites in the 1990s to blogging in the 2000s to social media in the 2010s and now newsletters in the 2020s, the how continues to evolve. I have been watching the rise of newsletters over the past few years at the same time that I’ve realized I miss blogging. So, after a year of thinking about moving my legacy blogs from TypePad to WordPress like Seth Godin did a few years ago and resuming my blog, I’ve decided to give Substack a try. (emphasis added)

Why am I continuing to do this?

I am continuing to write for multiple reasons.

First, I want to develop the habit of writing again. I addressed the idea of habits in one of my first issues:

Making habits

This is the 21st issue. Since I switched from a daily to a weekly cadence, it has taken longer to achieve, but I’m grateful I have continued for 21 issues now. I missed one week due to travel and am publishing today’s issue later than usual. That said, I feel like I am beginning to develop the habit of writing again.

Second, I feel like — through this process — I have really clarified the topics that I want to focus on as we move forward and that is invigorating. Here they are:

1. Better: design and usability

2. Built Environment: architecture, urban planning, and the built environment

3. Business: branding, marketing, entrepreneurship, and strategy

4. Community: how to build community as an adult

5. Creativity: writing and photography

6. Discoveries: learnings and insights

7. Experiences: travel, nature, and everyday life

8. Media: impactful books, films and music

9. Personal Development: leadership, productivity

10. Technology: web, apps and privacy (source)

If any of this resonates with you, I encourage you to subscribe and come along!

And if you already subscribe and know someone who you think might enjoy this publication, please consider sharing it with them and encouraging them to subscribe, too.

Third, I have been gratified by your early encouragement and ongoing engagement and want to continue to show up for you. To date, only one subscriber has unsubscribed — and I’m still appreciative of her initial interest. Thank you, each of you, for your reading, likes, and comments (some public, some private). I’m so grateful that we have found each other.

Fourth, I believe life is a team sport. None of us have all the answers. I certainly don’t. But each of us does have something to contribute. We can learn from each other. And this Substack has the potential (with its flexible format) to be that platform over time — and to help us cultivate a community together.

Why are you reading?

I’m curious: why are you reading?

This series has been a lot about me and my reasons for starting this blog. Given that many of you are continuing to read and engage, I would love to hear why. You can reply to me or comment below.

Thanks for reading. Next week we finish this series with a focus on how.

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Be curious: Ted Lasso

During the pandemic, someone told me about a new show that had come out on Apple TV+ called Ted Lasso. It sounded cute but I didn’t have Apple TV+ at the time and filed it away.

More recently, I was on a flight that had some Apple TV+ content inflight for free. I watched the pilot to Ted Lasso and was immediately hooked. I watched all four episodes that were available and told my wife about it. She watched it on the return flight and also found it enjoyable. When we got home, we redeemed a trial for Apple TV+ and have been working our way through the first two seasons. The third season just came out this week (we haven’t started it yet).

If you haven’t watched it, it’s worth watching (well, with the exception of one very weird episode in season two).

The characters are endearing and there are both lighthearted laughs and deeper life lessons to draw from it.

Earlier this week, I was at an event with a national speaker who referenced Ted Lasso. As she spoke, I turned to the person beside me and quietly said, “I know the scene she is about to play — it’s the best scene.” The person beside me agreed. Here it is:

Be curious, be yourself and have a great weekend everybody!

Until next week,

-bp