The WTP Quarterly
What stuck with me, what I’m contemplating, and one question worth asking
Well, hi there. This is a new type of post. I plan to release one every quarter moving forward to share some of the valuable things I’ve discovered. It will include what stuck with me, what I’m contemplating, and one question worth asking.
Ok, here we go…
What stuck with me in July-September 2023
.
Madly, Deeply: The Diaries of Alan Rickman
Reading this book was like having a companion to share my days. His high standards (for himself first) resonated with me. His entries also contained more information about the who than the what. I’m not sure if he would see that as a good thing given the following self-critique:
“On the plane. Re-reading some of this diary. A lot of people, a lot of places. Eating, drinking. Not too much thinking, shaping, doing…”
I found it a valuable reminder that one leads a fuller life when relationships get the attention they require.
.
.
The age of average
By Alex Murrell
This deep dive struck me so hard that I rethink almost every design choice I make. Is it my choice? Or am I gravitating toward the average?
It also forced an acute desire to diversify my visual input. According to the article, designers use the same online platforms and draw inspiration from the same sorts of visuals, which results in our creating broadly the same thing. Personally, I think this trend is one AI could exponentially exacerbate if it hasn’t already.
Murrell sees this age as one of opportunity:
“When every supermarket aisle looks like a sea of sameness, when every category abides by the same conventions, when every industry has converged on its own singular style, bold brands and courageous companies have the chance to chart a different course. To be different, distinctive and disruptive.”
My take: Seek out different input. Make cross connections people don’t expect. Put in the time to do something that doesn’t scale.
.
.
You'll forget most of what you learn. What should you do about that?
I’ve made this post required reading for my team. I already knew we forget a lot of what we’ve learned (although, I didn’t realize how much).
Mastroianni argues that it’s okay. We have access to information when we need it. What we need to impart to students — or those we teach — are vibes:
“What you really needed was a) to recognize that this is a solvable math problem, b) to feel like you can solve it, and c) to have some sense of where to begin.”
Knowing how to look for information seems to be a good place to start. I’m putting more energy into developing resources my clients (and you, dear reader) can build into their workflow, based on the assumption that they won’t remember most of what I’ve shared.
What I’m contemplating
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the idea of more. It’s an endless pursuit. But if not more, then what?
It’s reasonable to think the answer is the pursuit of less. I’m an essentialist; I’m good with less. But that doesn’t really capture the value I’m seeking.
Depth however does.
Humans naturally want to create. We also want to experience, to learn, to feel, and to cultivate relationships. And while we may not always want to (she says, eyeing the mostly full vacuum), we also have to take care of ourselves. I think people will forever return to the pursuit of more if we stop at less. Going deeper, among other things, allows us to extend the process and appreciate the work. Much like what you value, how deeply you want to explore or experience different things in your life will be unique to you.
I’m looking at my life and noting where I’m sad or resentful that I didn’t get to spend more time. For example, I thoroughly enjoyed assembling a birthday gift for my brother’s fiance. I took my time sauntering store to store, then table to table to find the right complement of items, including going booth to booth at the Providence Flea. Then, I read through cards at the CVS, looking for the right message in the right color palette so I could beautifully wrap the gift.
Under the pursuit of more, it’s only logical to argue I should have been more efficient so I had time to do more things. Depth doesn’t work that way. Had I been efficient, I doubt that she would have gotten the same quality of gift, nor would I have supported the artists and small businesses I did. And the value I experienced certainly would have been less.
One question worth asking
On what actions do you resent spending time?
.
⊗ Hey, I’m Katie. I’m the mastermind behind MatterLogic™, the only system for running a business in the value economy. I’m an essentialist thinker, Entrepreneur contributor, thoughtful speaker, and jargon slayer. I shift your focus by asking “What’s the point?” Connect with me on LinkedIn and subscribe to WTP to get more of my perspective.