There are a few times when my past life wrestles with my present life, and one of those times is attending SXSW, the tech/music/art festival that happens this time every spring in Austin.
Yesterday we walked past the site of Allhats 2 and 3, and paid our respects. Ate tacos at Güero’s and thought about buying boots at Allen’s. Later, we sat in a church and listened to a guy make music from the electric signals exuded from plants. And I thought about you and us and those many memories so many of us enjoyed together. Humility is a great word. Part of its root is the concept of fertility - when we have humility, we are open, fertile even, to insights and nourishment. Thanks for the many reminders!
Beautifully written, David. This year’s version of you at SXSW was my favorite. And if we’re being honest, it was probably my most favorite version of me too. Thank you for sharing so vulnerably.
Hi David, this is so refreshing. But not surprising. I think we all get humbled. Some are just more self-aware of when it happens than others, but it happens to everyone. I just noticed that my blog is nearly 20 years old and when I started it, I was on the outside looking in and you were part of that group that was on the inside looking out. The amount of navel gazing going on back then was mind-numbing, there were so many pretenders and so many poseurs and yet despite that, I was in it for the long haul. I
"It" being social. It fascinated me then and still does now. Yet now, I am a humbled and grizzled veteran. I wanted to learn and listen then and still do now. Your stuff, it hasn't changed. You are literally the last person of all of those people from back then, that still puts it out there, it's just stripped down and even more real. Humility is the perfect word. Thanks for that.
Thanks for that Marc. You might appreciate that I’ve been very inspired seeing some “vintage” live music acts over the past few years… Depeche Mode, The Cult, Social Distortion, Def Leppard, Journey, Morrissey and more. They all sounded amazing. Still bringing the heat. I thought if they can do it, so can I. Thanks for your words.
Your talk at TalentNet Live came up again today on a call with a colleague who travelled down from Dallas to see you. She is still reverberating. We all are. How bout that? 😘
Then there's me, who doesn't even see the point in going to SXSW anymore. Back in the Copyblogger days we would throw the most kick ass parties, with me putting myself in the DJ booth or behind the bar. Fun times and memories, but no longer necessary to feed my ego. Humility is a great thing.
Thank you for sharing such an honest and vulnerable take on growth as a professional, leader and human. This one, like so many of your other posts, hits hard.
Having gone back and forth between relevance and obscurity, the sensation, the ebb and flow of ego becomes predictable (and therefore avoidable or suppressible).
It's a very strange experience to go between the two so interchangeably and regularly. Especially if that's not what you're chasing, it gets easier to ignore and focus on what matters, but only if you're so inclined . These posts help too.
Hi David- profoundly vulnerable, raw and real post....I somehow feel that this year, your deep connection with a FEW was likely more impactful and significant than the blur of the erstwhile crowd....I for one, went to SXSW ( and CES) but once ...it was enough because the friction diminished the value. I prefer highly curated, intimate environments where the competition among egos for attention does not undermine the content.
...and yes, your post evokes the "circle of life, the wheel of fortune" ...it turns for us ALL ...I found wisdom in the brilliant lyrics that Elton John wrote when I was imparting values to my baby daughter who was born in the year the Lion King was released, and to this day also in my own life as I find myself on the path unwinding....link in case you want to sing along! https://genius.com/Elton-john-circle-of-life-lyrics
Annalie, you can find those smaller moments at SXSW, but you have to work for it. I do agree, though, that the shift from breadth to depth is very real. So glad this resonated with you!
Yesterday we walked past the site of Allhats 2 and 3, and paid our respects. Ate tacos at Güero’s and thought about buying boots at Allen’s. Later, we sat in a church and listened to a guy make music from the electric signals exuded from plants. And I thought about you and us and those many memories so many of us enjoyed together. Humility is a great word. Part of its root is the concept of fertility - when we have humility, we are open, fertile even, to insights and nourishment. Thanks for the many reminders!
Ah how lovely that you paid homage! Sorry I missed you old friend
Beautifully written, David. This year’s version of you at SXSW was my favorite. And if we’re being honest, it was probably my most favorite version of me too. Thank you for sharing so vulnerably.
We live and learn, friend! Such is life. Always good to see you.
Hi David, this is so refreshing. But not surprising. I think we all get humbled. Some are just more self-aware of when it happens than others, but it happens to everyone. I just noticed that my blog is nearly 20 years old and when I started it, I was on the outside looking in and you were part of that group that was on the inside looking out. The amount of navel gazing going on back then was mind-numbing, there were so many pretenders and so many poseurs and yet despite that, I was in it for the long haul. I
"It" being social. It fascinated me then and still does now. Yet now, I am a humbled and grizzled veteran. I wanted to learn and listen then and still do now. Your stuff, it hasn't changed. You are literally the last person of all of those people from back then, that still puts it out there, it's just stripped down and even more real. Humility is the perfect word. Thanks for that.
Thanks for that Marc. You might appreciate that I’ve been very inspired seeing some “vintage” live music acts over the past few years… Depeche Mode, The Cult, Social Distortion, Def Leppard, Journey, Morrissey and more. They all sounded amazing. Still bringing the heat. I thought if they can do it, so can I. Thanks for your words.
Thanks for honesty here. Had a similar experience without the reconnects you had. The best way— the only way— to learn humility is the hard way.
Your talk at TalentNet Live came up again today on a call with a colleague who travelled down from Dallas to see you. She is still reverberating. We all are. How bout that? 😘
🔥
Then there's me, who doesn't even see the point in going to SXSW anymore. Back in the Copyblogger days we would throw the most kick ass parties, with me putting myself in the DJ booth or behind the bar. Fun times and memories, but no longer necessary to feed my ego. Humility is a great thing.
This resonates with many I’m sure. Thank you for giving a little bit of your time, and a little piece of your heart today.
Jim, you are most welcome! Giving away a few pieces of my heart is more economical than a night at the Four Seasons these days. Better ROI too. ;-)
Thank you for sharing such an honest and vulnerable take on growth as a professional, leader and human. This one, like so many of your other posts, hits hard.
Having gone back and forth between relevance and obscurity, the sensation, the ebb and flow of ego becomes predictable (and therefore avoidable or suppressible).
It's a very strange experience to go between the two so interchangeably and regularly. Especially if that's not what you're chasing, it gets easier to ignore and focus on what matters, but only if you're so inclined . These posts help too.
Appreciate you sharing this David. I think you articulated the tension well. But yes, it does get easier to ignore!
Hi David- profoundly vulnerable, raw and real post....I somehow feel that this year, your deep connection with a FEW was likely more impactful and significant than the blur of the erstwhile crowd....I for one, went to SXSW ( and CES) but once ...it was enough because the friction diminished the value. I prefer highly curated, intimate environments where the competition among egos for attention does not undermine the content.
...and yes, your post evokes the "circle of life, the wheel of fortune" ...it turns for us ALL ...I found wisdom in the brilliant lyrics that Elton John wrote when I was imparting values to my baby daughter who was born in the year the Lion King was released, and to this day also in my own life as I find myself on the path unwinding....link in case you want to sing along! https://genius.com/Elton-john-circle-of-life-lyrics
Annalie, you can find those smaller moments at SXSW, but you have to work for it. I do agree, though, that the shift from breadth to depth is very real. So glad this resonated with you!