WIP: The Case for Sharing Your Work in Public: How It Boosts Productivity and Fosters Connections

WIP: The Case for Sharing Your Work in Public: How It Boosts Productivity and Fosters Connections

In today's digital age, we are bombarded with an overwhelming amount of information. It's no wonder that people have developed a tendency to skim through content rather than truly engaging with it. The internet has given us access to mass information at scale, and with the ability to share and receive instant feedback, it's easy to see why we may be more inclined to share our thoughts and ideas without fully digesting them.

However, studies have shown that keeping our intentions private can actually be more effective in motivating us to take action. When we share our goals and receive premature praise from others, it creates a false sense of accomplishment without actually putting in the necessary work. It's like receiving a pat on the back for something we haven't even done yet.

But what if there is another side to the story? What if sharing our progress and work in public can actually be beneficial? Austin Kleon, author of "Show Your Work," advocates for becoming a documentarian of what you do. By sharing your work in public, you not only reflect and plan your next steps, but you also take a more iterative approach. This allows you to ensure that what you're working on aligns with the needs you have identified.

Moreover, sharing your work in public creates an opportunity for collaboration and connection. Great ideas often emerge from a network of information within a transparent community. By sharing your ideas, you increase the likelihood of connecting the dots between your own thoughts and the ideas of others. This can lead to finding mentors, forming partnerships, and expanding your knowledge in ways you may not have anticipated.

It's important to note that sharing your work in public should not derail you from actually doing the work itself. 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 regularly, you'll find that it becomes easier over time. You'll begin to enjoy the process of engaging with others who are interested in the same space as you, whether it be through online groups or offline meetups.

In a TEDxOshkosh talk, Jim VandeHei discusses the art of smart brevity and the importance of writing less to say more. In a world where attention spans are dwindling, it's crucial to capture your audience's attention in a concise and impactful manner. VandeHei highlights the fact that even when people choose to read something they deem important, they spend an average of just 26 seconds looking at it. This highlights the need to prioritize and focus on the one thing you want your audience to remember.

So, how can we navigate this cluttered world and give ourselves and others the gift of time? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Start with why: Before sharing your work in public, identify the core message or purpose behind it. What is the one thing you want people to take away from it? By starting with why, you can craft your content in a way that is concise, impactful, and memorable.

2. Engage with the right audience: Find the people who genuinely care about your work and connect with them. This may involve joining online communities or attending meetups in your field. By sharing your work with the right audience, you increase the likelihood of receiving valuable feedback, forming meaningful connections, and finding support.

3. Prioritize quality over quantity: In a world where information overload is the norm, it's important to focus on creating high-quality content rather than simply adding to the noise. Take the time to refine and polish your work before sharing it with the public. This will ensure that your message resonates and stands out amidst the sea of information.

In conclusion, sharing your work in public can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. It allows you to reflect, plan, and iterate on your ideas while fostering connections with like-minded individuals. However, it's crucial to approach sharing your work with intention and purpose. By starting with why, engaging with the right audience, and prioritizing quality, you can harness the benefits of sharing your work while avoiding the pitfalls of information overload. So, embrace the opportunity to share your work in public and watch as your productivity and creativity soar.