The case for sharing your work in public and how Amazon survived the Dot-Com Bubble

The case for sharing your work in public and how Amazon survived the Dot-Com Bubble

In today's digital age, sharing your work in public has become increasingly popular. Whether it's posting updates on social media, blogging about your progress, or participating in online communities, people are finding value in sharing their work with others. But why is this becoming a trend? And what benefits can it bring?

Some studies suggest that sharing your goals and intentions publicly may actually hinder your progress. This is because the act of sharing your goals gives you a sense of accomplishment without actually putting in the necessary work. You receive praise and validation from others, which tricks your brain into thinking you've already accomplished something. However, other studies argue that sharing your progress can be highly beneficial.

One example is sharing your weight loss journey on platforms like Twitter. By making your progress public, you are more likely to stay motivated and accountable. The support and encouragement from others can keep you on track and push you to reach your goals. Austin Kleon, author of Show Your Work, suggests becoming a documentarian of what you do. By sharing your work in public, you can reflect on your progress and plan your next steps more effectively.

Furthermore, sharing your work in public allows you to adopt a more iterative approach. By seeking feedback and engaging with others, you can ensure that what you're working on aligns with the needs and interests of your audience. Great ideas often come from a network of information in a transparent community. By sharing your ideas, you increase the likelihood of connecting the dots between your ideas and other people's ideas. This can lead to collaborations, partnerships, and even finding mentors in your field.

Working on an idea in isolation can stifle the creative process. Sharing your work in public opens up opportunities for collaboration and growth. While it may feel uncomfortable at first, with time and practice, sharing your work will become easier. Finding people who share your interests and passions is crucial. This may involve joining online groups or attending offline meetups to connect with like-minded individuals.

It's important to note that sharing your work in public should not distract you from actually doing the work. It should be done in a way that fits within your workflow and enhances your productivity and creativity. Once you establish the habit of sharing your work, it will become second nature, and working in isolation may even feel strange.