Why (More) Of My Personal Archive Is Going Public

My whole plan seemed obvious to me, but it didn’t seem obvious to everyone else.

I meet people, I consume stuff, and I reflect on it. I keep track of it all so I can re-use and re-purpose it in my client work AND my personal life. I’ve been doing it for almost 8 years now and it’s the best creative habit I’ve ever had (in the truest sense that it’s a creative habit that helps pay the bills!).

I’m talking about my plan with putting this Personal Archive in public, and then how it continued - with putting so many of the conversations I’d be having anyway in public on YouTube so people could find them.

If I’m doing the work anyway, why not share it? It fuels everything else I do. When clients come to me asking for help putting ideas together, or meeting people who can help with their business, life, kids, etc., this is where I go. Making it public seems to make my life easier.

Plus, it’s fun.

Josh Spector had me on his podcast to talk about what I’m up to and help bring me some clarity, especially as I hit my one-year mark with the YouTube adventure.

The best thing he ever could have pointed out to me was, “I’ve been following you, and I had NO IDEA you did so many other things for the people you actually work with too!”

When I practice my way through completing a thought about why something someone said is impactful, when I write it down so I can look it up later, and when I capture the source material for reference - I can connect with all sorts of people on their level.

I can talk to the adult 40 years older than me about their legacy. I can talk to the kid 20 years younger than me about their career ambitions. I can talk to the peer about how I’m coping with the same stuff they’re coping with.

If I’m taking all these steps for myself, why not make it easier for you - my readers - to see what I’m doing, connect with who I’m connecting with, and create your own reflections as we go?

You can see what I mean here on this Matthew Stafford post if you want a tangible example. I’m changing a few things up with format as I further integrate the YouTube videos. And, it feels really good.

Even if it also feels like I’m stating the obvious. Josh was onto something by calling me out. Let’s see what comes of it.

How do you feel about this? Watch for more posts using some new tricks this week too, but - does this work? Did you know how this fits together already? I’m genuinely curious. Click reply or come find me.

PS. Josh is great for helping people think through this. Watch him work my brain out here, and I love (love love) his newsletter, For the Interested and gladly pay for access to his Skill Sessions. If you make content and want to reach people, Josh is just THE guy.

Pss. Remember that time Josh came on MY podcast with Dennis Moseley-Williams?