A Guide to Curation in Community: Stop Looking for The One

A Guide to Curation in Community: Stop Looking for The One

Curating content within a community is a powerful exercise that not only benefits the members but also the community builder. It allows for the creation of a valuable resource filled with hand-picked information, providing quick access to trusted and vetted content. However, the true value of community curation lies in the act itself.

When we curate, we are forced to process what our members are sharing. This process helps us learn and understand the community we serve. It allows us to notice new ideas that emerge and spread, which we can then pass on to our community. Community curation is an opportunity for personal growth and knowledge expansion.

But before we save anything, it's important to ask ourselves whether it is worth saving. We must determine if the content is valuable and aligns with the goals and interests of our community. It's crucial to remember that not everything is special. If we treat everything as special, nothing truly stands out.

Creating a repository of curated content can be beneficial for any business or community. However, the real power of curation lies in the ability to connect the dots. It's about helping our people, whether they are our members or every employee in our company. By curating content across various domains and roles, we can foster personal growth and self-discovery.

This concept ties into the idea of "The Inverted Pyramid of Life." Often, we are led to believe that we must find our one true calling in life. We are told that the more defined we are, the better. But this notion comes from a place of constriction, where we try to squeeze ourselves into a narrow identity.

Growing up, we are encouraged to make ourselves smaller and smaller, describing ourselves with as few words as possible. However, this approach limits our potential and stifles our ability to explore different aspects of our identity. Research shows that searching for a single calling leaves us confused and uncomfortable.

Instead of seeking "The One," we can embrace the inverted pyramid of life. By optimizing for opportunities and not trying to define ourselves through specific expertise, we can expand our playground throughout our lives. This mindset, known as "self-complexity," supports emotional resilience and reduces the impact of failure or setbacks.

Inverting our pyramid of life allows us to have a richer, fuller experience. We can explore and evolve across various domains, learn anything, grow in any direction, and connect with anyone. Life becomes a giant sandbox where we can continuously learn and adapt.

In conclusion, community curation is a powerful practice that benefits both the community and the community builder. By curating content, we process and understand our community better, fostering personal growth in the process. Similarly, embracing the inverted pyramid of life allows us to explore various aspects of our identity and live a more fulfilling life.

Three actionable pieces of advice to take away from this are:

1. Prioritize value: When curating content, ask yourself if it is worth saving and if it aligns with the goals and interests of your community.
2. Embrace self-complexity: Instead of searching for "The One" calling in life, focus on optimizing for opportunities and expanding your playground. Embrace different domains and roles to foster personal growth and resilience.
3. Explore and connect: View life as a giant sandbox where you can continuously learn, grow, and connect with others. Embrace the freedom to explore different directions and expand your horizons.

By incorporating these practices into our community curation efforts and personal lives, we can create immense value and live a more fulfilling and enriched existence.