It’s funny what people consider impressive.
They are amazed by this guy because of the community he has built on his blog, and many other projects.
But that’s not the impressive part.
It’s the crazy work and effort he selflessly puts in his relationships.
They are amazed by the “insightful content” (your words, not mine) on such short posts on this blog with english as my second language.
But it’s the amount of time and pickiness I dedicate in every word that makes them resonate.
More often than not, it’s the boring part the one that’s truly impressive.
There is no secret. There’s only passion.
Now go find yours.
Sparked by Matt Cheuvront
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Carlos. First of all thanks for this – a totally unexpected summation of who I am and what I do. It’s clear that you understand what motivates me and what I (hope) I am recognized for now and remembered for later.
Am I the best writer in the world? No way. Are there people out there who are involved in more? Of course. But to me, as you have laid now, being impressive doesn’t translate into being the best or doing the most, it comes down to what YOU offer that others are not. In my case, I’m about building a community, I’m about putting a stamp of approval on every post I write as ‘GUARANTEED TO GENERATE GOOD DISCUSSION’ – I want people to expect something when they come to my blog or read what I write. I want people to know that everything I touch is something I’ve put my heart into. That I don’t half ass and don’t cut corners.
I continually strive to be the most excellent version of myself that I can be. By showing that I’m human, I make mistakes, I get stressed and depressed, but that I side with optimism and persevere through the adversity. The whole ‘If I can do it, you can too’ approach.
As you said, their is no perfect formal, there is not secret to success – you either have the passion, or you don’t. I have it, so do you – it’s about sharing our passion and dedication with the world around us. Cheers Carlos!
Matt really is the master comversation starter because he post/writes/works/lives with his audience and community in mind. He’s mindful of it and driven by it. Many people (myself included) post something with the intent of getting our opinions or insights out there, and then hopefully getting a response or conversation following the post. For Matt, he seems to incorporate seemlessly; the post is the conversation which is the post.
I think the splashes of philosophical elements help get people’s gear turning as well, just as is it does on Owl Sparks.
Cheers to writing, conversation, and community.
Matt’s comment word count > Carlo’s post word count. Just an observation
Carlos,
I don’t really understand what you are saying with this blog post. Both parts that you labeled as “boring” are descriptions of why you both are labeled impressive. I would argue that it is not the boring parts but the parts that are least boring to both of you that make you remarkable. Because you have such a passion for choosing the right words it shows through in your post. Same with Matt and his passion for discussion and community. Because you are both passionate and genuine about what you are sharing, others are drawn to your websites to see more of the passion.
I echo @Benjamin that both parts you labeled as “boring” are description of why you BOTH are impressive. I think that you have both created such an emphasis on community on Twitter and each of your blogs…taking time to give back to others, comment on other people’s blogs and also create relevant and interesting content=passion and drive. No doubt, everyone sees that and I have enjoyed watching it unfold.
@Benjamin
@Grace
The part that takes time, that shows endurance and persistance, the one people don’t see, that’s the impressive part for me. That’s the boring part, but people are usually more impressed by results, which is the final step, the easiest one of all.
Impressive is just as interpretive as boring. What you outline as boring are things that I think are extremely impressive traits to the bloggers. Which is interesting…you use the descriptions of the blog to outline “impressive” but you point out the character of the person writing to be the “boring” part. To the outside world the product (blog) is the first thing you see, the person behind it (the blogger) is secondary. I was impressed with both LWOP and Owl Sparks for before I was impressed with Matt and yourself. Confusing much?
I love this, and it’s so true. The most impressive things aren’t always the finished products, but what goes into making them as amazing as they are. Putting time and effort into something shows that you really care about it, like you said, it’s about passion. When people see how strong your passion is, they can’t help but be drawn in and impressed. Well said, my friend!
And a note on your content, you’re so good, I can’t even remember the last time you asked me to proofread for you! Props
Oh no, I still ask for help, but I just missed you online the last few times!