The Things That I Must Do

What compels a 48-year-old man to build a website dedicated to himself? Vanity, surely, but I like to think there’s more to it in this case.

Whenever I find myself on the verge of a new undertaking or a daunting task, it always helps to clean and organize my physical space. Getting that space in order helps me clear my mind and focus on the change. Recently, I’ve not been engaging in the creative things that bring me great happiness – namely, my podcast, making music, and writing (hence this blog). In this case, the daunting task is reinstating these activities on a regular basis, and the website is a form of organizing a physical space where I can collect the fruits of these various labors.

This place is just a jumping-off point, though, because there is more to be done. In no particular order:

1. Stop Drinking So Much

I’m already doing this with some success (no alcohol during the week!). It’s no secret that I’m a fan of the grog, but the negative impacts simply outweigh the benefits of a nice buzz. My sleep suffers greatly, I gain weight (see point two), and I waste time sipping highballs and watching Apple TV when I could be writing songs and playing my guitar.

2. Lose Weight

I exercise constantly and generally eat a healthy diet, but I find myself heavier than I’ve been in years. I blame the booze, mostly. My metabolism has never been amazing, but it’s virtually ground to a halt these days. I can gain two kilograms after a night of drinking and grilling, and it will take a month of stoic living to make them disappear.

3. Make Music Again

I had a really good run a few years ago when, by my standards, I was churning out music. I learned how to record and edit, how to host music online and post it on the big streaming apps. I was writing nearly every day, even if just for a few minutes. I carried a notebook in which I would jot down inspirational turns of phrase or observations that might lend themselves to a song. Those habits and that momentum have slipped away.

4. Make Podcasts Again

My podcast, The Beanpod, for whatever reason, appealed to a decent number of people spread around the globe. I genuinely enjoyed making it every week for years, but work was busy and stressful, the desk where I recorded became cluttered, and it started seeming like too much trouble even though it wasn’t that much effort.

I think the concept of momentum is fascinating, whether the momentum is positive or negative. Banking positive momentum in any aspect of life can put you so far ahead (if you care about that sort of thing) – habits, career, knowledge, health. Negative momentum has the opposite effect. The more momentum you have in either direction, the more effort it takes to dislodge.

What compels a 48-year-old man to build a website dedicated to himself? For me, it’s the first step in course correction. And vanity, of course.