“There’s already too many people in the space,” he said.
“That just sounds like an excuse to me,” I replied.
“No, it’s just true.” He was sorta barking now.
I had touched a nerve. Good. I knew I was on track.
He wasn’t unique. Like most people – yes, I said MOST people – fear was ruling the roost. I was just warming up. This wasn’t my first rodeo.
“And how does that impact your decision to start?” I asked.
“Well, it just doesn’t seem smart to jump into a space that is so crowded,” he reasoned.
“What space isn’t crowded?”
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I’m a man of questions. I may not have answers, but I do have questions. Lots of questions. Unlike many people, I’m willing to remain silent until I get an answer.
Silence.
More silence.
“I don’t know,” he was frustrated. Another good sign. We’re now in the Land of Discomfort. It’s where we come face to face with our reality. Self-defeat comes into focus.
“The cost of this pursuit is counted in time and effort. There aren’t many dollars on the line.” I was now going to begin the reasoning process to persuade him of the power of starting. Even if failure was certain. Yep, you read that right.
Lately, I’ve used John Saddington, aka @tentblogger, as a case study. He’s in a crowded space – bloggers who blog about blogging. It’s not even a space I’m necessarily drawn to, but John’s work is in my RSS reader. I follow him on Twitter. I listen to what he has to say. Why? Because it’s him. He’s not the same voice, or style as others in “that space.”
What if John had reasoned like my friend? Well, we wouldn’t have John’s contribution. I wouldn’t be listening to anybody in that space. This little part of the world would be silent to me, and I suspect others like me.
Then there’s Dr. Thomas Lamar who produces Spinal Column Radio. The tagline tells you what you need to know about his podcast, “The podcast for your backbone…the podcast with backbone!” I’ve listened to his show for over a year now. I admit I’m not a listener of every episode, but I am a regular listener. And that’s pretty amazing, too. Why?
Because I’m not a chiropractor. I don’t go to chiropractors. But still I listen. Why?
Probably the same reason I pay attention to John at TentBlogger. It’s interesting. It’s entertaining. And I appreciate their work, their craft – Seth Godin calls it “art.” He’s right. He’s often right.
You’re already spending your time doing something. Jeffrey Gitomer has long said that while other people are becoming experts in sports, news, politics or some TV series – he’s writing books.
What about YOU?
Will today be the day you start?
Will today be the day you quit?
