Really? That’s your answer?
I’ve read several posts in my lifetime that offer the following advice, in one form or another:
If you don’t have anything good to say, then don’t post. Just step away from the computer. Never just put something up for the sake of publishing.
Hmmmm. Really?
I mean, I hear what they’re saying – which is basically, ‘Don’t post crap.’ But my response to that is this: Figure out a way to post something good. Work harder.
Every once in a while? Fine – skip a post. But, as a mantra? As a go-to M.O.? I’m not into it. That’s not what we’re here for.
Terry Starbucker wrote a fantastic post the other day – about leadership and optimism (which are the things he writes about) – called, The 7 Most Important Words Any Leader Can Hear (or Say). And they are:
“I don’t know, but I’ll find out.”
As Terry tells the story, one of his bosses, a long time ago, told him that it’s not a crime not to know. But it is a crime to use this ‘not knowing’ as an excuse to walk away and give up. Really – where is that going to get you?
This weekend, hard as I tried, I had a few hours where I couldn’t find anything good. (Okay, there were a couple of good things, but they were miles and miles away.) And the impulse was there, you know? To stop ‘posting’ as it were. And, I did, for the tiniest of whiles (when no one was looking), and then? I tried harder. I started looking around, I looked out into the insanely cosmic (blogging and live) community that I’m blessed to be part of. I met a colleague for coffee and heard her enthusiasm for an idea born from what should have been debilitating circumstances, I saw Terry’s post, I started to envision some of my own.
I didn’t know. I really didn’t. But, I set off to find out. And that was all it took.
The mere intention to reach up, lifted me out.
Image credit: Robyn Gallagher
Related posts:
- Worried you aren’t a good writer? The answer lies without.
- an intro to HARO and a question: should HARO reporters answer every response email?
- Well, if my subconscious mind thinks so…
3 Responses to “Really? That’s your answer?”
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Julie, great blog. The mere intention to reach OUT can also be a means to lifting yourself out. I have found it much easier of late to say “I don’t know, but I will find out,” rather than my response of previous years, “Gosh, I wish I was as smart as all of THEM!” Oh, yes, much easier. But sorry I can’t chat longer, I need to get going…there is so much I need to find out! Have a great day!
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I think there is some truth to the need to reach into yourself to pull out the good stuff. That said, sometimes the brain needs a break and the best thing for all involved is a little rest.
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I had (and still have) a boss that said the same thing. He has always said that not knowing is ok, but if you don’t know, go find out. I like to live my life above the line, it is very easy to get sucked in below the line, I think the important thing to do is rest the brain, like Alisa said, it gives it a chance to come up with options. Sometimes we try to force it so much that if we just relaxed a bit, a better way will present itself.
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