Ben Lumley across at 6aliens drew my attention to the 7 Links Challenge that’s sweeping the blog world right now, thanks to Problogger.
The main aim of doing this challenge is to create a list post that highlights some of the posts in your archives to new readers (a sneeze page), that links out to another blog and that hopefully is a little fun (and not too much work) to do.
A Different Kind of Work just turned a year old, so what a great time to step back and look at things. I’ve really enjoyed putting this post together and would love your feedback on it.
My First Post
Can’t you just feel the euphoria in this post?! I know I certainly do as I read it back and connect with the part of me that had just cracked the technology involved in getting a WordPress blog set up. Now I smile at myself, of course, because it all feels so easy.
The Post I Enjoyed Writing The Most
How To Make Sure You Never Get Ahead
Michael Martine, who was fabulous in helping me get this blog off the tracks initially, told me that he thought I should use my wicked sense of humor on the blog. And so, I channeled it into this post, which I have to say was a complete blast to write.
A Post Which Had Great Discussion
Split Work-Life Personality? Join The Club
This was a fairly open and contentious post in which I shared some of the different bits of my own identity around work, not all of which are an obvious fit with one another by traditional or even logical standards. Lots of people resonated. Others saw professional compromise. All views were welcome.
A Post On Someone Else’s Blog I Wish I’d Written
Is Spiritual Business A Contradiction In Terms?
Written by the amazing Mark Silver this post appeared on Copyblogger. I’ve had the experience for years that a lot of work can be soulless. But how to get the spirit back into it without resorting to new age woo-woo language and completely disenfranchising the mainstream? Mark cracked that question here.
Your Most Helpful Post
10+1 Steps To Make Coaching Work For You
I think lots of people would like to do coaching, but as a client don’t really know how to navigate themselves through it. This post gave pretty concrete advice about being a powerful coaching consumer.
A Post With A Title You’re Proud Of
Unhappy At Work? A Different Look At This Weeks Job Satisfaction Statistics
I like this title because it summed up the post really well. Also, although it was written this January, it still drives most search traffic to the blog.
The Post I Wish More People Had Read
Work Detox: 5 Coaching Questions That’ll Change Your Life
This was one of my earliest posts and, although I’d sharpen up the style significantly now, I thought the content was better than the response indicated. Still, it’s all about learning!
So, some personal reflections and a bit of reading to get to off to a good start this week. Don’t forget to let me know what you think. And if there’s a topic you’d like to see me writing more about, let me know!
Related posts:
Christine, As a fairly new reader of your blog, this post gives a great overview of your outlook and style. I could probably have commented on all of them, I’m very surprised that the work detox one didn’t get a discussion going as it was pretty thought-provoking. The titles of the categories are great, they provoke a wide range of your attitudes to be displayed, especially the “Blog I wish I’d written” one. Perhaps you should consider other categories, e.g. “A blog I would now rewrite and why?” or “The blog that attracted most critisism and why I think I was right to publish it?”
Although currently not employed I have never really fancied setting up on my own, preferring the “security” of a guaranteed salary. I’ve never strongly considered a life-coach either, being sure I knew what I wanted, but I do enjoy your ideas and they have given me pause for thought (credit to Richard Maun too).
Keep up the highly informative and enjoyable blogs.
Thanks, Gerry, I really appreciate your feedback here and love your ideas for other things I could have included. Maybe when I do another review I’ll think to add them too!
Glad to hear you know what you want, AND that you can take some ideas from the blog. You’re always welcome here!
Twitter: jblack2012
Happy blog birthday as well. My blog is turning 1 tomorrow. These types of posts are great for reviving old content and allowing new users to see inside what you are up to.
-Joshua Black
The Underdog Millionaire
Joshua Black | The Underdog Millionaire´s last blog ..Not All Free Publicity is Worth the Price
Happy birthday to you too for tomorrow, Joshua. Looks like this last year has been a good one for you too? Hope this next year coming is another cracker!
Twitter: HeavenandEl
Another great addition to the 7 Links challenge. And you are one clever cookie because your discussion about each post was so compelling, I went off and read every single one bar one. I have to be totally honest and admit that I can’t say the same about all the other challenge posts I’ve read. Yes, this is partly because I’d not read many of these before but still, I think credit must be given where it’s due. The introductions to your posts were ace.
Eleanor Edwards´s last blog ..The voices in your head- in search of a loud mouth!
I think the intros read so well because I was having SO much fun writing this post. There’s a big learning in that and the feedback I’m getting as a result doesn’t escape me! Thanks so much for reading all bar one!
Twitter: HeavenandEl
Sorry, was the all bar one comment too honest?
It was Mark’s that I didn’t toddle off to read if that’s any consolation? lol
Eleanor Edwards´s last blog ..How to reverse the signs of aging- free and renewable daily
As I said, El, I don’t expect anything but honesty!! (Having said that, I’m a little relieved the post you didn’t read was the one that wasn’t mine – LOLOL!!!)
Twitter: HeavenandEl
hehehehehe
It’s so fab to see your site at 1 years old Christine.
It took me a while to get here to begin with but I wouldn’t miss your posts for anything. You’ve got some great content here which reflects your passionate and happy nature.
You go girl!
Ben´s last blog ..Productivity Corner- Friday’s Homework
Thanks, Ben!
That’s definitely my intention
Twitter: CoachScotland
Hi Christine
I am enjoying visiting the 7 link challenges around the web. It is a wonderful way to get to know the writer.
I really liked 10+1 steps to make coaching work for you. It was really honest and sound advice. What’s more I wish I had written it for my coaching web site.
Marion Anderson´s last blog ..The Amazing Benefits of Procrastination
Thanks, Karen. I appreciate both your being here and your feedback. Happy to get to know you!
Twitter: bigfishtopdogs
Hello Christine,
I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to follow your links and get to know you a wee bit. I’m thrilled to find a writer who discusses goals, and how to make them a vital part of your life. The “how” being the critical part.
I read so many authors who are unable to leave the academic and actually get down to the hands on — the “how”.
Loved your posts on making coaching work for you and 5 coaching questions. Very helpful
Happy birthday to you!
Theresa
Theresa Bradley-Banta´s last blog ..Starting a New Business or Venture Forget About the Bozo Behind You!
Hi Theresa,
Thanks so much for taking the time to read the links and get to know me a bit better! It’s good to meet you.
It’s interesting you pick up on goals. A lot of self-development sorts do rather miss the point that goals give life – including business – direction and indeed meaning. Maybe it comes from having worked at the sharp end for years before I moved into doing my own thing, but it’s one thing I’m pretty passionate about. Indeed, there’s a post in my new series scheduled on just this topic for tomorrow!!
I’ve just taken the liberty of clicking through to your blog too. Looks really interesting and a little bit different too! I’m going to swing back and take a bit more time later. Meantime, it was great to see that you’re using Thesis. That’s the theme I started on before I did my site redesign a few months ago. I still enjoy the look and feel of it!
Take care!