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Michelle Elisabeth Varghese's avatar

Right from the jump, 10/10 title!

Really really enjoyed this essay Chris! You are capturing the experience of transitioning from corporate to creator world so well. This idea of the dance between exploring and exploiting is one I’ve thought about often but haven’t been able to articulate. The bee metaphor resonates. Your journey resonates.

So many gems I wanted to quote, but this was the kicker:

“Creating builds on itself like a snowball. I went from zero creative output, to writing a weekly newsletter, to teaching people how to take action by starting newsletters. No longer was I drifting like a leaf. Instead, I had agency. My value isn’t arbitrarily and callously determined in some executive’s office; my value is determined by the quality of my ideas and effectiveness of my actions. Everyone should know this about themselves!”

Side note. It’s funny how context changes what you’re known for. I can see how you’re the “newsletter guy” but I feel like because of WOP, you’re the “editor” guy to so many people. All that to say I think it adds up to the point you’re making. The definition is always evolving.

Great essay!

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Sandra Yvonne's avatar

Chris,

First of all, “Niches Get Stitches” made me laugh so hard when I saw it in my inbox. 😂

And so awesome to get to read this essay! I’ve been looking forward to it since you told me about it.

I love this: “My field was barren of flowers, yet I remained. Why did the bees’ natural inclination to explore the risky unknown elude me? If bees had made my mistake, their hive would have perished long ago.”

What an interesting point about being in the wrong phase leading a person to be inauthentic. Great read, nice job!!

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