Lewis: The most important question
We have all had to do it — cancel a service or subscription. Most times, that easy one-step process we used to sign up is not available for canceling. Twenty-seven layers down in the menu, there is a number to call that is staffed from noon to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays. When you do get through, how often does the person on the other end try blindly to convince you to stay with a special deal? Almost every time, right?
One time I was canceling a phone service, and the agent just wouldn’t give up. I kept politely asking if they would just cancel the service, but the agent pressed on — offering deal after deal. What amazed me is that they never bothered to ask the simple question: why? Why are you canceling? If they had, they would have found out that I was canceling service for my mom, who had just died. Probably would have been good to know.
I switched all my phones to another company a month later.
Recently, the Vail Daily made the decision to stop publishing columns relating to national issues and politics and focus on local and state issues. As I write on almost every topic from local to national topics, I wondered if I should just change my focus or maybe stop writing. To decide, I reflected on the question: Why do I write these columns?
Most reporters, columnists, and writers write to earn a living. If they are fortunate, they also enjoy it. For some professionals and politicians, they might write editorials to further their cause or to help their business. I write for a completely different reason.
Support Local Journalism
After retiring, I spent a good deal more time doing physical activities, like hiking, fishing, skiing, and golf but I quickly realized that I also needed activities to keep my mind busy, so I took up writing. I wrote a thriller novel, “Snowcapped,” and have started the sequel, “Whitecapped.” I also started writing columns for the Vail Daily.
I have written almost 120 columns to date. My process is fairly consistent. At the beginning of the week, I identify one or two topics that interest me, set a hypothesis, and do some research. On Thursday or Friday of each week, I write the column.
While my objective for writing is to give my mind exercise, my hope is that these columns also give readers something to think about. It isn’t as much about convincing you to change your opinion as it is just to think about the topic and consider different points of view.
The Vail Daily is a business, so they need to deliver a product that readers want. It is completely up to them what they choose to publish. For me, however, this change to a more local focus was impactful because I am not a paid reporter doing a job — I am just writing about topics that interest me. Up until a few weeks ago, there were basically no restrictions, and the topic was completely my choice.
Based on my understanding of why I write, I have the proper perspective as to how I should react to this change. If, for example, I were a paid reporter where the “why” is about making a living, I would simply follow the new directive. In my case, I decided to just keep doing what works for me.
I am going to keep writing every week. If I write something that fits what the Daily is looking for, I will send it along and maybe it will get published. If the topic doesn’t fit, so be it. Since the why for me isn’t money, local notoriety, political ambition, building a business, or anything like that — writing what I want matters more than getting published.
If I have one piece of advice for you, it is to always ask: Why? Once you understand either your own or someone else’s “why” for doing something, your path to success will become clear.
Mark Lewis, a Colorado native, had a long career in technology, including serving as the CEO of several tech companies. He’s now retired and writes thriller novels. Mark and his wife, Lisa, and their two Australian Shepherds — Kismet and Cowboy, reside in Edwards.
