I trimmed down the number of people I follow on Twitter and Google+ (after reading this blog post), deleted a few accounts I wasn't really using (LinkedIn, HootSuit, Schemer, just to name a few), cleaned up my computer and completely reworked how I use it in order to be simpler and more efficient (directions here), and began writing on topics other than technology in the classroom.
I have to admit, I really like making things more simple and writing about other topics. After almost two years, and nearly six hundred blog posts in one area, I'm ready to break out and share more thoughts and ideas I have about things other than just educational technology.
Don't get me wrong, I love technology just as much as the next tech enthusiast, and I love integrating it into the classroom so students benefit, but I also find myself trying to figure out ways to use technology for making all areas of life more simple, rather than giving the tools and gadgets we use the opportunity to fill up and overflow our plate.
I want email to make communication easier and faster, and not keep me constantly checking it so that I can't enjoy the extra time it created. I want to learn personal productivity habits that will keep me organized so that I spend less time on projects, therefore leaving my mind free to think about other things besides the steps needed to complete everything. I want to understand websites and social media better, so they aid in research and resources that make life more full, and for finding deeper connections, but not dragging or slowing me down because of how many there are and the sense of responsibility to all of them.
I want and seek simplicity.
To make life more simple I have decided two things:
- I am combining my two websites into one; www.thecatchsystem into www.tjwolfe.com. This will give me the opportunity to have one home on the Internet where I keep all of my thoughts, ideas, resources, and connections, and an easy place for people to find me and the new content I'm excited to share.
- I am going to write less often. One blog post per week instead of seven. This allows time for writing deeper and more extensive posts about other areas in life, in addition to educational technology. I plan to alternate posts between the seven success areas of life; Spiritual, Family, Intellectual, Physical, Financial, Social, and Career.
The transition to the new website, content, and setup will take some time. I don't want to make an instant change. I'd like it to be slow and as natural, without rush. The number of people who read and keep up with my two websites has grown over the last couple of years and I would really appreciate you coming along with me. I know that some will not come, and that's ok. But, I want to invite you to join me on the upcoming journey into simplicity. Please continue to read and share and interact.
Over the next two weeks a few things will happen.
First, I will be taking most of the content and information from the existing www.tjwolfe.com and moving into www.thecatchsystem.com.
Second, when the two sites are merged, www.thecatchsystem.com will begin shutting down and start redirecting to www.tjwolfe.com, so that everything will live there.
Third, I'll start sharing the new content and writing I've created.
I'll be writing on Spiritual matters and faith, and the ways I try to follow Christ's example. I'll share some of the experiences and ways I put my Family as one of the top priorities. Describe a few of the Social things I like to do and the ways I connect with people. Start discussions around Intellectual pursuits that include writing and academia. Talk about Physical health and well-being and the food and exercise plans I follow. Teach Financial lessons I've learned in getting and staying Debt Free. Lastly, describe the Career aspirations and habits I've come to find over the years.
Again, I invite you to join me in making life more simple. As I move everything over to www.tjwolfe.com, I hope you'll move all of your bookmarks and subscriptions with me. Let's start something new together! :)
Photo By B Tal