After a lot of thought, I’ve decided at the half-way point (26 weeks) to discontinue the 52 Books in 52 Weeks Series. I realize that this seems a bit unwise considering that this is a personal development site and that some may say it’s giving the impression that I’m giving up.
Well, the truth is, I never realized that this project would end up monopolizing so much of my time. Between reading a book a week and writing the in-depth reviews about those books, I haven’t found enough time to write regular articles — the types of articles that make up the core of this blog and the reason most of my readers have continued to come.
The final straw came when I realized that each month my readership had been decreasing as opposed to increasing since starting this project six months ago. At first I thought it was coincidence, but after months of losing ground, it became apparent that not many people were interested in the book reviews. (If you are one them that is interested, I’m sorry 
) So for the greater good of all (me included) I’m stopping at the half-way point.
On a side note, I think there is a lot of wisdom in knowing when to change course. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to keep going down a path when you know that path is leading you further away from where you eventually want to be. Having the wisdom and foresight to see when it’s time to do something different is an important and necessary part of personal development.
Howdy – good for you for making the decision! How is the health and fitness stuff going? Still doing the “Body for Life” thing?
Left by Dean on September 29th, 2007
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Left by The Health is Your Choice » 52 Personal Development Books Update on September 30th, 2007
Hey Dean,
Thanks for the comments. Yeah, I’m still doing the “Body for Life” (it is For Life afterall
) however with a modified diet this time. (I should be writing about my experiences with this soon).
- Erich
Left by Erich on September 30th, 2007
Initially this project was good, but then I would agree that the book reviews dominanted your blog and became more of a book club blog than a personal development. I think you can give yourselves a bit more space, perhaps over 2 weeks per book so you can get back to the core personal developmental blog you were.
Also, I found it hard to find past reviews of this project as not all the book titles were listed on one page so that I can go through the list and see which ones I’d like to read in the future. Perhaps you can make a list in the 52 books in 52 weeks project page?
I support you in this decision. I’m glad you tried this project, but getting back to the main personal development articles are your core “thing” that kept this blog going. I’d like to see more quality articles once again
Left by An on September 30th, 2007
How about switching from one book per week to one book per month?
I like your reviews, I was even thinking about offering to help with putting them in a nicer form.
Why give it up? Why not just adjust?
Left by Peter on October 1st, 2007
An & Peter,
Thanks for the comments. I think continuing the reviews might not be a bad idea if they’re spread out a bit like you guys suggest. I’ll see how I do with the general articles first and I’ll then consider adding back the reviews over an extended time period.
Keep the feedback coming!
Left by Erich on October 1st, 2007
Peter,
If you’re serious about helping me out with putting the reviews in a better format then I’ll definitely take you up on that. Let me know.
- Erich [at] lifetrainingonline [dot] com
Left by Erich on October 1st, 2007
I think 52 books in 52 weeks was incredibly ambitious and admirable. I’m attempting to do 12 books in a year – one per month – on a varying topic. I’m hoping your recommendations will be helpful.
Left by Tess on December 28th, 2007
Great Tess!
Definitely check in with your progress.
- Erich
Left by Erich on December 31st, 2007
I think you did a great job with the 26 books you reviewed. Thanks! If readership has decreased, it certainly makes sense to stop the project. But perhaps you might take all those posts, put them in an e-book and create a mailing list by giving it away. No sense letting good work go to waste.
thanks again.
Perry, 44
Left by Perry on January 16th, 2008
Perry,
Thanks for the comments. I’ve actually been considering starting up the series again since I have more time now (I’ve been on a Polyphasic Sleep Schedule which has given me a lot more time than I had before. )
I’ve been using most of the time working on some other projects (not related to this site though) which has been the brunt of my focus as of late, but I do still have some extra time.
Stay tuned though…
- Erich
Left by Erich on January 16th, 2008
your blog is really great, and found these book reviews very helpful.
I am sad that u had to discontinue it but i m thankful for all the reviews you posted
please suggest me some other good blogs also if u know
and thanks once again for your efforts
Left by Deepak on March 31st, 2008
Deepak,
Istill do plan on continuing these reviews. I’m currently doing some certification courses and other projects at the moment, so this is put on hold for a time. but keep checking back!
- Erich
Left by Erich on March 31st, 2008