Gossip, Broncos & Aiming for Failure!
What I Learned at School This Week
Howdy Y’all!
Hope everyone is staying safe and buckling up for this second wave. I’m hoping it’s a bit more of a bump than a tidal wave, like the first one that hit mid-March. From the looks of it though, I’m not sure.
Gossip
I heard a quote earlier this year (who knows when, it’s all a blur at this point) that I keep revisiting in my head. It basically said: “news has become gossip; it’s no longer about facts, but instead, it is stories about how people reported on the original facts.”
The idea is nuanced, but simple. If you turn on CNN or Fox, you’ll mostly see things that get clicks and views. And one of the best ways to do this, is through ‘gossip.’ Maybe because our ancestors viewed gossip as a valuable resource. Or maybe it gets clicks just because it’s fun or provocative to talk about others. Either way, I have started reading news through this lens. Is this facts + commentary? Or is this gossip? If it is merely an opinion piece, that’s fine - but call it what it is.
Why Facts Don’t Change Our Minds
James Clear (author of Atomic Habits) wrote a great article explaining why we don’t believe facts: Why Facts Don’t Change Our Minds.
Understanding the truth of a situation is important, but so is remaining part of a tribe. While these two desires often work well together, they occasionally come into conflict.
This goes back to the quote I mentioned last week: “ego is who is right; truth is what is right.”
This whole article was amazing, I highly recommend reading it. It’s especially important right now, with such important and polarizing issues around politics, covid, the BLM movement and the economic health of our nation.
Is It New Or Does It Suck?
Dan Shipper started a couple companies and exited them successfully. He currently writes and charges via subscription on Substack, and has recently started bundling others’ publications within one subscription (yes, re-inventing the magazine!) via the “Everything Bundle”.
He wrote an amazing piece that really resonated with me: Is it new or does it suck?
I have tried lots of ways of building habits, and found that you really do have to stick with something until it becomes ‘normal’, to finally enjoy it and thus, stick with it.
Here’s a snippet that helps summarize the thinking in his article:
It turns out that whenever we’re going through a transition, whenever we’re doing something new and hard, it’s probably going to make us miserable at least for a little while.
In other words, new things tend to suck no matter what. If you’re doing something new and it sucks it doesn’t mean that you won’t grow to like it eventually, it just means that it’s new. You haven’t had enough time to morph into the kind of person who can enjoy it yet.
Sorry @Teachers! I Still Love You!
I don’t entirely agree with this. But I must say, I don’t entirely disagree.
That said, I have learned that I learn best, by doing. Touching, feeling, getting my hands dirty. Sure, observing is helpful. But reading a book about business has helped me 2%. 98% is by doing [the thing], failing (or succeeding — but usually failing) and then iterating, improving and getting better.
I’m not trying to make a point about re-inventing education. But I am trying to make a point about encouraging failure more.
The Re-Invented Bronco! AKA ‘Merica!
Ford’s latest release video could be a case study in consumer marketing.
This also speaks to the American brands that trend upward, after major US events (ie: Levi’s after WWII).
I’m not a ‘car guy’ but when I saw the simultaneously futuristic and nostalgia captured in the clean lines of this new Bronco, it made me want to get one. But for now, my motorcycle (and no car) will be sufficient for me in San Francisco. :)
Until then, I’ll be dreaming…
Have a great weekend!
Cheers,
Brendan J Short