Expose Yourself
Derek Sivers just posted yet another excellent story to his blog. It’s a good, quick read. I wish he had written it a few years ago so I could have referred to it in my book. Specifically, in this chapter.
After reading it, I feel compelled to point out something that I think a lot of people will miss as they read Derek’s story. He’s writing about the importance of practicing. But I’ve noticed something in a couple of Derek’s stories: his willingness to approach knowledgeable, accomplished people and ask them questions.
Then I heard a man giving a demonstration of Indian vocal music, and his pitch was so perfect, I went rushing up to him afterwards to ask how he did it.
Do you know why it’s hard to do this? Because by asking questions like this, you’re Exposing Your Ignorance. Derek is letting this awesome singer know that he doesn’t know how to sing very well. That can feel really scary at first. I remember doing something similar with Wyatt Sutherland back in 2002, when he led the Chicago Agile Developers group. I wasn’t as brave as Derek, I did it via email, but it still paid off handsomely.
It’s so easy to overlook this simple but difficult habit. Develop it. Practice it. :)
