Achieving Great Work: Combining Curiosity, Effort, and the Convenience of Technology

Achieving Great Work: Combining Curiosity, Effort, and the Convenience of Technology

In a thought-provoking talk at the XOXO Festival in 2013, Evan Williams, the co-founder of Blogger, Twitter, and Medium, shared his insights on human desires, the convenience of technology, and the importance of staying focused on the bigger picture. Williams highlighted that human desires, such as love, money, status, a sense of belonging, influence, answers, and the desire to create, have remained constant over the years and generations.

He emphasized that the convenience of the internet was achieved by two key factors: speed and cognitive ease. By taking out unnecessary steps, the internet made it easier for people to access information and connect with others. Williams suggested that in order to leverage modern technology effectively, we should identify human desires that have lasting value and find ways to simplify and streamline the processes associated with them.

However, Williams also cautioned that convenience should not overshadow the main purpose or essence of a task. He used the example of food delivery apps, highlighting that while they provide convenience, they may not always deliver the nourishment or satisfaction that comes from preparing and enjoying a home-cooked meal. Convenience, therefore, should not be a substitute for quality or meaningful experiences.

To achieve great work, it is essential to identify what truly excites and interests us. This involves reflecting on the subjects or ideas that constantly draw our attention. By focusing our efforts on these areas, we can tap into our passion and leverage our expertise to create something unique. Williams encouraged individuals to explore connections between different fields and merge their passions and interests to generate innovative ideas.

In the pursuit of great work, it is important to embrace outlier ideas and challenge conventional wisdom. Trusting our expertise and intuition, even when faced with opposition, can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and achievements. Williams referenced Richard Hamming's lecture, "You and Your Research," which emphasizes the value of patience and persistence. He highlighted that great work often requires a depth-first search approach, where individuals stay committed to a problem or idea, even in the face of setbacks or challenges.

Setbacks should be viewed as opportunities for growth. Learning from mistakes and adapting our approach to overcome obstacles is essential in the journey towards greatness. Great work is not just about the end result but also about the struggle and growth that comes with it. Foster a habit of original thinking by actively seeking out new ideas and perspectives. Engage in conversations, write about your interests, and ask thought-provoking questions. Collaboration with like-minded individuals who challenge and inspire you can lead to surprising insights and diverse perspectives.

In conclusion, achieving great work requires a combination of curiosity, effort, and the convenience of technology. By identifying our true passions and interests, exploring connections between different fields, and embracing outlier ideas, we can create something unique and impactful. Staying committed, staying curious, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible are key to achieving greatness. To put these principles into action, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Reflect on your interests: Take the time to identify the subjects or ideas that truly excite and interest you. These are the areas where you should focus your efforts and leverage your expertise.

2. Embrace setbacks: View setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Adapt your approach, learn from your mistakes, and persevere in the face of challenges.

3. Foster original thinking: Actively seek out new ideas and perspectives. Engage in conversations, write about your interests, and collaborate with like-minded individuals who challenge and inspire you.

By incorporating these practices into your journey towards greatness, you can unlock your full potential and make a lasting impact in your field.