Shedding the Ego and Starting Afresh
This post marks a new chapter in my blogging activities. Not only does this blog have a brand spanking new theme, but it also has a new name: The Change Blog.
I had been uncomfortable, embarrassed even, with the former name of this blog for quite some time. There was too much ego in the name for my liking, and it really didn’t reflect my true intentions behind my blogging.
Last month I found my motivation for this blog plunged. In fact, you may have even picked up the signs: an article about me having trouble waking early, no edition of my blog carnival and no mention of my career transitions series. Something clearly had to change.
The name "The Change Blog" came to me one morning just after I woke up. It’s hard to find a good URL these days that isn’t taken, so I was surprised when I saw that it was available. For me the name is perfect because it maintains a link to the former name of this blog while signifying that I am moving forwards.
Of course when it comes to life there is always change. So I would like to clarify here that the change I am interested in is consciousness change. Typically I have discussed change on a more individual level, but you may have noticed over the past month or two my articles expanding to also discuss the global shift in consciousness that is currently taking place. Basically my focus has moved from simply “how can I change?” to “how can we change?”.
About the New Theme
I could not be happier with the new theme that Jon (from the Freelance Folder and Spyre Studios) has designed and coded.
Things fell through with the previous designer I was working with. After that experience, working with Jon was like a breathe of fresh air. Not only is he probably the friendliest person I know online, he is also a very talented designer.
If you are thinking about a unique theme for your blog, I highly recommend you contact Jon to see if he can help you in any way. Send him an email at jon [at] freelancefolder.com. Oh, and don’t forget to tell him I sent you 
.
So, these were the two big changes I referred to in my last post. What do you think??? I would love to know. And if you find any bugs, please let me know in the comments (I’m sure there will be a few!)
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41 Comments
April 16th, 2008 at 7:32 am
Peter,
This is great stuff! I believe this fits your style quite well. I was starting to wonder where you went. I hope all is well and you’ll have to let us know how Hawaii went! Talk with you soon.
Tad
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April 16th, 2008 at 7:32 am
GOOD for you man, I am glad you feel more comfortable with the name…and the site looks GREAT. I also love your recognition and focus on the change, or shift, in consciousness that is happening. You will serve your 2,500 subscribers and the world at large greatly with that focus!!
Todd
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April 16th, 2008 at 7:37 am
Peter - I love the new theme! It is very clean and well organized. I really enjoy your writing so I hope these changes help you to get going again. A fresh start like this might be just what the doctor ordered. I like the name change too. I look forward to seeing how the new direction for your site unfolds. Way to go!
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April 16th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Peter, I really like the new them, I think it suits this blog quite well.
I also love the new name as well. I think “I Will Change Your Life” sounded a little more like a life coach blog. But this name fits the them of personal development and your aspiration very well.
It’s good to see you having the courage to make the necessary changes you need in your life. I hope this new start is an inspiration to you and all your readers. =)
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April 16th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
I like the new theme and name Peter. The name fits with what I feel like you communicate in posts, and the theme is very welcoming and disarming. Hope you had a good trip to Hawaii!
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April 16th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
I love the new look. Very nice. Glad to see you are back and enthused again.
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April 16th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
It’s a big deal to overhaul blog look and name, but it sure does breathe some fresh air into our motivation…that was certainly my experience.
I like the clean, crisp look and the direction you’re taking. I look forward to what’s next!
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April 16th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
The new look is great Peter. I didn’t know it was you at first. Also glad to see you were able to get all your old files and readers transferred over without a major mishap!
Keep up the good work.
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April 16th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Oh congratulations! My blog is currently going through a big makeover as well. I’m keeping hte name and domain, but it’s topic is totally changing. Good luck. I’ve already subscribed to your new feed!
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April 16th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Love the new design and glad to see you’re back! I’ve got to say you are probably the most underrated writer on the internet and one of my favorite.
About the design, I think you should put a more personal picture for the header, or a random header script. I think it would make the front page more “inviting” so-to-speak. But that’s just my opinion.
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April 16th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Hey Peter, congratulations on the revamp! I absolutely adore your new design. Fresh, vibrant and full of life! Pretty much what you’ve exuding from your writing. I must admit Jon did a pretty good job!
I definitely hear ya on “lack of motivation” part about blogging. We all face them time to time but don’t let that stop you from creating great stuff, like you’ve always been.
Cheers,
Ellesse
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April 16th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Peter, I really like the new theme and name change. I think you hit the nail on the head. Cheers to many more years of success!
Cameron
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April 16th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
Thanks everyone for your positive comments! I really appreciate them.
@Todd: your own personal story and everything you are currently up to has been a HUGE inspiration for me. I actually chose the name of this blog the day after reading your Costa Rica article… I’m sure your article had a lot to do with the new name coming to me.
@Tammy: it’s a real buzz to relaunch my blog like this. Like you said it is a big deal, and once again I can’t say enough good things about Jon. He has gone above and beyond to help with the overhaul.
@Ben: thanks for the header suggestion. Actually I was already thinking of rotating a few different pics through the header so I am glad to hear you think it is a good idea.
@Goal Setting College: yes motivation is something I struggle with - it seems to come and go in waves. It has definitely helped to spend some time away from the computer the past 2 weeks (although I didn’t fully “unplug”). Also, being aware that I wasn’t happy with an aspect of the blog previously and fixing it has been crucial.
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April 17th, 2008 at 1:23 am
I love your new format - very clean and easy to navigate. I will certainly be linking to you from my own Site (http://effortlessabundance.com) and submitting articles to your carnival.
Good luck!
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April 17th, 2008 at 1:27 am
Hi Peter,
Congratz for the new theme and title.
Your previous blog name caught my attention… I believe many as well Somebody dare to change my life ?! =)
I’m sure people won’t take it as your ego, it’s more showing the intention and the purpose of this blog. Hopefully you still change our life!
Cheers,
Robert
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April 17th, 2008 at 1:43 am
Hey Peter!
Love the new look. Another gem made by Jon
I recognize what you write about the former name of your blog and your intentions. But the great thing is that you took the step and plunged in. By starting and gaining experience you have uncovered the what and how of what you want to achieve a LOT faster than if you would’ve lingered in a state of thinking about it. Way to go!
And I recognize the waves of motivation as well. I have had a period of really unplugging in March, which has helped in clarifying a lot of things that were on my mind! Because things became clearer, the motivation came back as well. Now it’s a matter of riding the waves of motivation, and not getting frustrated in between
Good luck on the relaunch! Let me know if I can help.
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April 17th, 2008 at 5:44 am
Peter:
Congratulations on the name change. Seems like spring cleaning is in the air around the blogosphere. Wendy Piersall changed hers from emoms at home to sparkplugging with a whole new design and theme.
Hmmmmm…..maybe I ought to overhaul mine too? Nah, I think I’m okay for now. LOL. But very nice job you’re doing here. I can understand why you thought the original name “iwillchangeyourlife” was ego-based. Maybe for some of us when we first heard of it thought it was snobbish, but apparently it attracted a nice crowd of subscribers (if I recall correctly, you had over 2,000 subscribers the last time I looked). So obviously the original name didn’t hurt.
But I can certainly understand why you would think it was ego-based. My opinion is that the new one is more spiritually oriented and more inline with what you’re truly trying to do. You’re trying to make a difference by changing lives of others through the sharing of your own experiences. Right?
Well, then I think you’re definitely on track to go to the next level! Congratulations on finding a name that was available. I can certainly relate to the dilemma of trying to find a good name that wasn’t already taken by others who hold on to them in the hopes of selling domain names for a higher price. Good for you!
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April 17th, 2008 at 6:15 am
Cool change in motivation.
I look forward to reading more on your blog.
I LOVE what I’ve read so far.
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April 17th, 2008 at 6:41 am
Peter, I’m looking forward to the future of you blog.
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April 17th, 2008 at 7:22 am
Hi, love the blog. Some good advice for living. Good luck with the change.. I’ve started a blog myself which looks at philosophical and political issues in a light hearted way. Please read http://houlscerosis.blogspot.com/. Any comments would be appreciated. Its my brithday
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April 17th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Hey Peter,
Love the new them, a bid for freedom from the “wordpressy” old one (which was ~ahem~ the same one I’m still using). I actually thought that the old name was supposed to be a bit tongue in cheek and liked it
Still what’s in a name? I’ll be back regularly.
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April 17th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Congrats Peter. The new design looks good.
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April 17th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
@ Kate: the old site name took on about 5+ meanings for me. And yes, there was definitely a tongue-in-cheek aspect to it but I think that was often missed by people.
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April 17th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Hi Peter,
The new design looks great! Very fresh indeed…Love the related entries feature.
I’m going through some major changes and A-Ha! moments myself . Spring always brings a special energy doesn’t it?
Sending positive thoughts and energy your way. Change is good!
Cheers!
Yanik
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April 17th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
@Yanik: glad to hear you like the new design. I didn’t really think about the connection before between spring and the new design, but now that you mention it I’m sure subconsciously my mind was telling me “it is time to give your site a spring clean”. I’ve been blogging for a year now (and up till now I only ever used the Mistylook theme)….
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April 18th, 2008 at 2:56 am
Hi Peter,
The new design is fresh and professional. I really like it.
David
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April 19th, 2008 at 5:40 am
To new beginnings! The site looks great Peter.
I really enjoyed your other site too so this is just icing on the cake.
All the best to you!
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April 19th, 2008 at 11:19 am
I like the new name.
It’s shorter and more to the point of your blog.
I’m glad you were able to register it.
Bret
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April 19th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Hi Peter,
I must say, I completely agree with you on the name. I think that “I will change your life” gave a misleading impression of what the blog is about and, more importantly, what YOU are about. I think “The Change Blog” is a great name.
I like the new design too (not that I disliked the old one) — it’s clean and sharp with a modern feel.
On a purely selfish note, I’m glad your vacation is over cos I want to read more posts from you
Take care, and keep blogging,
Ali
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April 19th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Hi Peter - it’s great! It’s good to see a three-column theme with advertising can still look elegant and not tacky - and you were so lucky the domain name was available!
I want to thank you for your last set-up, though, because it gave me the idea of using MistyLook for my blog, and I referred to it often while I was setting my blog up, from the technical point of view.
Anyway, I’ll think I’ll put you in my side-bar right now!
Cheers
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April 19th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
@Bret: the last one was a bit of a mouthful wasn’t it!
@Ali: haha! Well I flattered that you want to read more of my posts. I have lots of ideas in my head, it is just a case of finding the time to write them…. That said, I should be back a regular posting schedule from this week.
@Robin: thanks! Mistylook certainly served me well. And when I found myself getting bored with it I would usually just changed the header image (I did this maybe 5-6 times over the year I used the theme). And in regards to advertising, I wanted to incorporate more advertising into this theme but in such a way that it wouldn’t look tacky. Glad to hear I succeeded!
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April 20th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Love it! I never thought much about your lats name for it, but I can sympathize with how you feel about it. I feel like when people read my blog they think, “She must think she’s very innovative and clever.” That wasn’t really my intention at all. My intention was to blog about all things travel that are innovative and unique and inspiring to me. And I kind of doubt anyone else really cares what I cal it. : -) Regardless, you need to feel powerful and positive about it, so good move!
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April 20th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
I’m all for it. It’s direct and to the point and makes a real statement. I did like your last name too, though. But I can understand how you feel about it. Nice design, hope it goes well!
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April 20th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
I liked the old name as well, it was like a challenge that you wanted to take up, but like everyone else says, I understand why you needed the change. One glitch that I’ve noticed is that on the main page when I click on the comments after your most recent article, I end up getting a blank page with the advertising off set a bit. If I go to the archives and click on the most recent article, then a page comes up with the article and the comments that go with it. Other than that, I think it looks great!
I’ve been a lurker on your blog for quite awhile, I came across one of your articles about a month or so by happenstance, I really liked it, so I started at the beginning and systematically went through and read all your articles from start to present to get me all up to date - a fun process and a neat way to see your progression quicker than most people have. Great blog, I really enjoy it.
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April 21st, 2008 at 8:24 am
[...] has renamed his personal blog to The Change Blog - Peter Explains his decision in this post on Shredding the Ego and starting afresh. I think it’s a great name for his thoughtful articles on self [...]
April 22nd, 2008 at 11:50 am
I think that the old name did a lot for the site in so far as getting it to gain some traction traffic wise. The old name was far more memorable, where as the new name is far more reasonalbe. Anyways, yeah, the new design is definately pleasing to the eye. Congratulations.
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April 24th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Hey, I love your new blog name and look! Always appreciated your writing but the new name now fits your writing!
Lexi
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April 27th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Peter,
Excellent blog theme. I am deeply impressed with you candidness, your desire to speak from your heart. There are not many blogger who are as successful as you are yet have courage to admit the truth. I believe your honesty shines through your blog. I have always been your big fan and will alway remain. I wish that this blog will remain here to inspire many more souls seeking path to excellence in life.
Shilpan
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May 3rd, 2008 at 10:48 pm
The only thing predictable about this physical existence is its impermanence. Life may seem to continue for you as it always has, but underneath the surface, incredible things are transpiring. As you evolve to heighten your sensitivities, you gain new insight into how and where you get worked up over nothing. Chapters of your life are constantly ending and new ones are beginning. The question is, what are you choosing to learn from each one?
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May 14th, 2008 at 3:57 am
[...] I started writing about personal growth in April 2007. In April 2008 I relaunched the blog with a new name - The Change Blog - and a new theme. If your readers are curious, they can read my reasons for the name change in my post Shedding the Ego and Starting Afresh. [...]
May 15th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Peter, the new look and feel of your blog is great. I also like the name change. I reacted negatively to the old name each time I read it. I am the only person responsible for changing me.
Patricia - Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworkers last blog post..Blessed By Strong Women—Happy Mother’s Day
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