Comparing ourselves with others is as natural as breathing; we simply can’t help it. This happens all the time in the digital world and not only does it happen at a more frequent (and fast) pace but the distance and magnitude of those differences can seem even greater.
In short, we deceive ourselves too easily.
One of my goals this year in terms of blogging is to begin to look critically and wisely at both the “who” and the “what”; an imbalance is unhealthy and focusing on one without the other is similarly unwise.
When I look at only the “who” (the people behind the blog) I see someone just like me: Human. This person comes with all the flaws that I currently possess. This evens the playing field and helps me keep things in perspective. But, it can also make me depressed because I can see how well-networked they are and that their overall brand is so much bigger than mine.
When I look at only the “what” (the things they do with their blog) I can be tempted to see only success and rarely failure. This, of course, is untrue, but temptations of jealousy or bitterness can easily corrupt my thinking. In addition, I can also be tempted to believe that I too can do exactly what they can do with the same level of success. This isn’t always the case and typically isn’t the case either; I can then swing from ignorant optimism to depression.
What I want to be able to see clearly is the entire package: Both the who and the what in a holistic framework. The who is also the what and the what is also the who and most importantly I simply want to trust that whatever platforms that they have (and the ones that I don’t have in comparison) are exactly as they were intended to be according to God’s gracious will.
I want to find the “models” of success and wisely approach them with caution, lest I fall to ego and pride and self-absorption. I want to be positive and extremely thankful for the platforms that I do have and trust their growth to God.
Finally, I want to be less inclined to compare. There has been little value that has come directly from it. This year is a “heads down” year for me; do well with what I’ve been doing and ask not for more. I want to finish well.
[Image from thebusybrain]
Aaron says
New branding? Just in time for the new Apple tablet release! 😉
Keep rockin' it, John. I've learned much between this blog and the other.
Kyle Reed says
Couldn't have said it any better.
I like this, looking not at just the what but the who as well.
This is and will be a constant battle for me daily.
Tom says
"I’ve been doing and ask not for more. I want to finish well." Word.
I think that when a site begins to take off, one of the early mistakes to make is to think "what kinda content can I branch out and start covering?" When, in reality, it's more of reminding yourself to say true to the niche content you've got. That's what attracted readers in the first place. Be the gift that keeps on giving =P.
You know this, obviously. I'm just rambling.
I'm good at doing that.
My recent post Taking Responsibility For Your Life – This Is No Time To Pray
Phillip Gibb says
You are living at the top of Maslow's hierarchy of needs dude. I am sure that there is a good blog post in there.
My recent post Director Interviews: Steven Spielberg
jennhudson says
great thoughts. wow. you totally read my mail. u are not in the "who or what process" boat alone sir. u have uncovered a truth in all of our subconscious world that needs to be dealt with, daily. surrendering that ugly side of our self to Christ. thanks for the lesson in transparency.
Mikes says
Amazing! I really like this kinds of post of yours. It gives me windows to the "who" you really are. I may not be very good with the "what" of church crunch and other succesful blogs but you're right they're unremovable from each other. For me I'd like to start fixing my who and start learning the what from the rest asking God to bring me to the level He wants me to be!
My recent post Unconditional Acceptance