Origins
Almost exactly 2 years ago, on 28th July 2013, the first post of this blog was published.
Stumbling upon Mr Money Mustache and Early Retirement Extreme earlier that year, I was really inspired to write and document my own philosophy and experience. Moreover, I had benefited greatly after setting up camps on various local financial blogs for years and felt that it was time to pay it forward.
After handing almost $200 bucks of cash to BlueHost to create this website, I told myself that minimally, I had to commit a year to blogging. And honestly, that promise appeared really daunting, even if I had already drafted almost 3 months worth of posts within the first few weeks. #Kiasu
The Journey
Amazingly, two years have passed. 162 posts, 17 pages, 1,444 comments, and close to half a million page views. The numbers tell a pretty good story but doesn’t really capture the essence of why I blog and continue to blog.
Admittedly, there were times when I felt like giving the whole thing up. Periods like Feb-March 2014 and Jan-Feb 2015 (when posts were few and far between) spring into mind. However, the pride and accomplishment from writing a well thought-out post, the positive encouragement from readers and relentless support and endorsement from fellow bloggers kept me going and reminded me of why I wanted to write and blog:
To be a positive influence for others in personal finance and beyond
I know that’s a pretty lofty mission. But seriously, besides blabbering about personal finance and investments, I have felt the need to occasionally delve into social and even political issues. The desire to share certain viewpoints which might have been marginalised was just too strong and I hope you, the reader, benefited from it even if your primary interest for popping by was just to learn how to semi-retire earlier and easier. 🙂
Because even though I have not earned a single cent from this blog (yet), I have learnt alot just by sharing my limited knowledge and experiences. Invitations to attend courses and seminars, gatherings and lunches to know new and interesting people and meaningful conversations and interactions on the comments page (an example is this with Entrepreneur) were very much invaluable and priceless.
What’s Next?
Thanks for following and reading up till this point. I have probably rambled for far too long. But well, since I actually forgot to celebrate the blog’s 1st Anniversary last year, this relatively long and self-indulgent post can be justified, eh? 😉
Anyway, to become a stronger influence, I have decided to take on a more active role on social platforms like Facebook, Twitter & maybe even Instagram (want to know what I have for breakfast, lunch and dinner without the need to stalk me?).
And of course, yes, I have started drafting a potential E-book. This has been an ambition of mine for the longest time and it should eat up alot of my time in the coming months. More on this in an upcoming post?
Lastly, before you close this tab, I just wanted to point out that one main thing that causes a blog like this to sizzle or fizzle is readership. If you have enjoyed my writing thus far, do click “like” on my Facebook. It REALLY helps.
Knowing that I have a wide outreach does provide me with further motivation to write more articles. And if you share articles you liked on Facebook, Twitter, or any other social platforms that you are a part of, this can potentially start a positive cycle and bring in even more readers.
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P.S. Dear wife, even though I might spend more time typing away on this “free” Toshiba laptop on weekday evenings as compared to giving back massages for you, you can see that you are really more important than this blog. Afterall, I NEVER forget our anniversaries and of course, your birthday.
Hi 15hww,
Haha, I never thought of celebrating my blog’s anniversary…and I never did. I never thought I’ll be blogging for 10 yrs, and since then, like yours, this had grown to a level that I had not dreamed of. It almost acquired a life of its own. I never intended to meet up with like minded individuals also, never expected to share my thoughts to anyone other than myself.
Keep on the good fight, and many more years to come!
Hi LP,
I remembered, as I was prompted for payment a couple of weeks back. =p
The “goodies” are somewhat unexpected and hopefully, like you say, more to come! When you give unconditionally, the rewards do flow back in one way or another.
Hi 15HWW,
Good job and you didn’t forget to thank your Mrs. Two thumbs up!
Looking for more inspiring posts from you and hopefully more people will join you in your 15HWW.
Cheers!
Hi Derek,
Yeah, your post on property reminded me to think of my other half more! =p
I haven’t started my 15HWW yet but hopefully, it will not be too far away in the future.
Hi 15HWW
Your blog is uniquely written in your style, which differ from most bloggers. Original and apparently, well received. Good job here!
Hope you have a great celebration with Mrs 15HWW.
Cheers
Hi Frugal Daddy,
Thanks for your encouragement, and of course for dropping me a text yesterday.
Celebration? Hmm, maybe a can of Tiger Radler for me tonight? Need to learn more about frugal ways from you. LOL
Hi 15hww
Happy 2nd year blogging anniversary.
Understand your feeling that there were some moments where you feel like giving these whole thing up about personal finance but glad you didnt take down that path because there’s a larger community beyond just blogging in words and I think we’ve yet to seen the best to come.
Hi B,
You are an inspiration.
A newborn, helping your wife with her online biz (I am sure you did), work and increasing your blogging intensity! When I look or think about you, I will inadvertently put away my distractions and take out my laptop and start typing away.
So my readers must thank you and hopefully they all visit your blog too!
Hello 15 HWW,
Have fun!
Hi SMOL,
Yes, indeed I am!
Hi 15 HWW : Nice recap and congrats for your second anniversary milestone. I think it is important to celebrate such milestones as it has invisible force to motivate us to keep going…
Looking forward to your ebook!
Cheers!
Hi Richard,
Thanks for your message. Think such milestones serve as some form of reflection. And generally, we learn best through thoughtful reflections!
Congrats 15hww.
Hoping to get more of the inspirational post from you in the coming years.
best wishes for starting on 15 hour work week soon
Hi GP Blogger,
Hope thus far, some of my posts have been at least enjoyable, if they have not been inspirational. =p
A 15HWW soon? To be honest, some form of a 15HWW will start next week but I am hoping for one closer to 30 hours now in order to save up a little more.
Congrats!! May you have many more years ahead.
I treat my blog less respectfully.. it seem… just like my diary, say whatever I want LOL
Gambatte
Hi sillyinvestor,
Hopefully, I will continue blogging till at least my mid-thirties? LOL
I love your blog because you never pander to readers’ interest and you are amazingly honest in your writing. #Respect
Hi 15HWW,
I suppose in these two years, you already subconsciously developed a liking / passion to blogging. That is probably why u almost give up but never.
Your writing style is uniquely yours which is something I really like. No gimmicks, no intent to pacify the public, but just from your true inner voice!
You are no longer 15HWW frankly if blogging is inclusive. Because the definition of “work” probably may not exactly means 8-5 job.
Congrats on the anniversary (the marriage one I mean).. for that is more important haha LOL!
Hi Rolf,
Passion? That’s overrated. Perhaps I have some “talent” for writing, received “compliments” and did well in it and is just addicted to these positive reinforcements? =p
I think I have a definition of “work” that could be useful for most people, including myself.
“If I am willing to do something for free or at less than half the going rate, that wouldn’t be called “work”. “
And for this category, I am really only willing to put in 15 hours of my time per week in the long run.