The end of the year marks the time for reflection. My thoughts first turn towards gratitude for the resources to write the blog and those who validate its value by reading it. Next comes a series of questions: What happened? Was it consistent with my purpose? What, if anything, do I change?
In 2025, the 52 messages generated more than 5,000 reads, but subscriber growth was negligible. Writing the blog remains an outlet for my desire to write, contemplating the subject matter strengthens my thinking muscle, and the consistent practice develops my writing skills.
Besides wording my objective more eloquently, I see no reason to change it: to provide useful messages on meaningful subjects that lead one to a more fulfilling life, because I want to be helpful, and I enjoy writing them. I could wordsmith it to add something about provoking thought, but I think it is already there.
My reflection also considers two critical trends: AI and current information consumption.
AI
It is like “plastics” from 1967’s The Graduate, which symbolized radical transformation and opportunity. If possible, AI may have an even larger impact on society, which I hope does not pollute our minds as much as our oceans.
In last year’s year-end message, I stated that AI writing lacked the emotional depth and personal touch my messages need. This year, I concede that AI can take my writing and make it better than I can. However, I do not use it for 52 Steps Forward except for Grammarly’s ability to point out grammatical errors.
My message development process requires me to wrestle with my thoughts and words. Writing for me is thinking; I am trying to see what I believe, holding it up to scrutiny so that I can better understand the subject. Even though one may consider the message not as well-written, the process yields an equally valuable message; I need the process to accomplish my purpose.
I hope you can compare it favorably to your grandmother’s gumbo. I suspect she could take shortcuts and use a more consistent, store-bought roux, but there is a certain magic to her preparation. Anyway, could AI include a reference to The Graduate and gumbo in the same post?
Thanks to Jeff Goins’ article on doing the thing even when it does not apparently matter for inspiring my thoughts on this subject.
Against the Tide
Today, people consume information by scrolling rather than reading. All thought is condensed into a single screenshot, tweet, or meme. You can see 100 pieces of content in the time it takes to read a blog post.
What irony. I often lament that there is so much left unsaid in a 700-word post. Many think there is too much said. Should I read the tea leaves and join the herd? No, I will not abandon my craft to become a tweeter or meme writer; I will continue messaging that requires 500-700 words and three minutes of your time.
I acknowledge my decision places me in peril of becoming a modern-day Charlie Chaplin who fell into obscurity with the advent of talkies, or an unphotogenic rock star in “Video Killed the Radio Star,” or a silver fox searching for love in a bar instead of on Tinder.
Please know I take responsibility for the most significant reasons behind my blog’s modest popularity: my thoughts, writing, and nonexistent marketing efforts. In an effort to address marketing, if you find 52 Steps Forward helpful, please expand its reach by inviting others to join our readership group here.
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2026 Predictions: You will not need to guess what I am thinking about; there is always a lot more to say, and you know where you can read it. Happy New Year!
