I must begin this blog with an apology to my faithful readers. I was a bit (okay, a lot) slack toward the end of the year. I could make all kinds of excuses, but I won’t. For more than four years, I have published twice a week, every week.

Then one day, I missed a day. I didn’t have a blog written, and I told myself I would work on it at day’s end. I’m sure you know the rest of the story. Of course, once I missed posting that one blog (or skipped that one workout), it was easy to skip the next one.

For a brief time, I considered simply ceasing to post altogether. However, I was talking with a business partner in Ann Arbor, Michigan, who shared how much he enjoyed my posts (thanks Rick!). It was nice to hear those words, and I realized how much I do enjoying writing and posting.

For 2014 I’m recommitted and I’ll be working the plan. What will be different?

Preparation: Part of the reason I skipped a blog post was that I had fallen behind on my research reading. I also wasn’t writing down possible blog topics that often provide inspiration when it’s a day to post the blog.

Content Calendar: I have all of the dates mapped out through June and even ideas for each month for the second part of the year. I’ve noted when I’ll be attending conferences and workshops that might provide inspiration. And the pile of books that I threaten to read will be great blog fodder once I finish them – now that’s inspiration.

Switching Days: I realized that posting on Sundays and Wednesdays was not working for me so I’m switching to Tuesdays and Thursdays. I hope that will be good for my readers who are seeking inspiration at work. For me, it means a weekend to research, write, edit and reflect, and still meet my deadlines.

Creativity: When I was shooting a photo a day, I often shot photos that would illustrate blogs. Sometimes the very act of shooting a photo led to a creative idea. Since I ceased that project, I often have no photos to accompany the blog, yet studies show that images are processed in the brain 60,000 times faster than text.

So, I’m back, and I hope I made the right decision. Let me know what you think about the Tuesday/Thursday schedule or any topics you’d like me to cover. I’ll do my best.

And thanks for sticking with me!