This is a great topic. When I first started writing, I was trying to do way too much and getting nothing done. After joining a copywriting course, my instructor advised me to focus on one idea, one message, and let everything else go.
Once I did that and ditched the "to-do" list, I became incredibly productive. I had been doing the 80% instead of the 20% that counted.
I thought it was a great reminder that the 80-20 principle applies to just about everything. I'm constantly referencing this with my clients, but it's easy to forget. As someone who just recently began writing and creating content, it was very helpful.
A lot of my client work involves applied emotional intelligence and adjacent concepts. I’ve always loved elephants and the qualities they represent and it just seemed like a great fit!
Ah, that reminds me of the idea of the elephant and the rider that I read about in the book Switch by Chip and Dan Heath. They got the metaphor from Jonathan Haidt.
From the Heath Brothers' perspective, the Elephant is moved by emotions and impulses, and the Rider tries to be rational and can struggle to control the Elephant. Figuring out how to get the Elephant and Rider on the same page helps make change easier.
Thanks for another concise, useful and (for me) timely post, Rodney. I'm going to apply the MRI concept to the content and promotion of some webinars I'm now planning .
I have two workshops that help people gain awareness, flexibility, and skill with their voice: “ voice as vibration,” which shifts emphasis away from personal expression; the other is “ voice as behavior” which builds on every day speaking skills as a way into singing.
I did this at work. Overexplained.
Now I let people come to me for answers. And stay quiet otherwise.
Interesting approach, Amal. How do you shape your answers to their questions?
I only answer what they ask. I've learnt that knowledge is wasted if people are not ready to receive it.
Good point
That was a great shift in my perspective - I will be thinking about this in the days to come.
I'm so glad the article helped shift your perspective, Gaby.
Rodney,
This is a great topic. When I first started writing, I was trying to do way too much and getting nothing done. After joining a copywriting course, my instructor advised me to focus on one idea, one message, and let everything else go.
Once I did that and ditched the "to-do" list, I became incredibly productive. I had been doing the 80% instead of the 20% that counted.
Larry, you had a great instructor and you are a great student to listen to his words.
Finding the one idea is the hard part and it sounds like you did that well.
Thank you Rodney, this is a great post. Super helpful 🙏
Thank you, Dr. Dillon. I really appreciate your kind words.
What did you find helpful about my post?
I thought it was a great reminder that the 80-20 principle applies to just about everything. I'm constantly referencing this with my clients, but it's easy to forget. As someone who just recently began writing and creating content, it was very helpful.
It's amazing how much mileage we can get out of 80-20.
By the way, I just hoped on over to your publication and read one of your thoughtful articles and left a comment.
What inspired the name Elephant?
A lot of my client work involves applied emotional intelligence and adjacent concepts. I’ve always loved elephants and the qualities they represent and it just seemed like a great fit!
Ah, that reminds me of the idea of the elephant and the rider that I read about in the book Switch by Chip and Dan Heath. They got the metaphor from Jonathan Haidt.
From the Heath Brothers' perspective, the Elephant is moved by emotions and impulses, and the Rider tries to be rational and can struggle to control the Elephant. Figuring out how to get the Elephant and Rider on the same page helps make change easier.
Very interesting. That book has been on my list for a while now, maybe it's time!
Thanks for another concise, useful and (for me) timely post, Rodney. I'm going to apply the MRI concept to the content and promotion of some webinars I'm now planning .
Thanks for letting me know, Christopher. I always love to hear how my content helps others.
I'm curious, what are the topics of your webinars?
I have two workshops that help people gain awareness, flexibility, and skill with their voice: “ voice as vibration,” which shifts emphasis away from personal expression; the other is “ voice as behavior” which builds on every day speaking skills as a way into singing.
Those sound amazing, Christopher. Do you ask your students what made them join each program? I bet the answers would be very interesting.