It’s been a while since I wrote one of these columns. Before I say anything else, I would like to say thanks to Marc Boucher for sticking with me through this dry spell.
The reason for the dry spell is really nothing more than the usual “content creator burnout.” As anyone who has ever tried to generate regular “content” will tell you – it’s the need to constantly find new things to write ir talk about that eventually grinds you down. At some point some you just start to feel like you have nothing original or interesting to say.
At least that’s what happens to me. By the end if last year I kind of felt like I was in danger if repeating myself, recycling old ideas instead of exploring new ones.
As a content creator and columnist, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to provide what I hope is a unique perspective. It’s not just about sharing information; it’s about offering insights that challenge conventional thinking and provoke thoughtful discussions. It also requires me feeling like I have something to say that genuinely matters.
I find, though that this process, however, requires a good deal of introspection and self-discovery. I spend a lot of time reflecting on what my unique perspective is and whether it is something that is even worth sharing. Let’s face it, it requires a certain amount of hubris to believe you have something to say that other people ought to listen to.
That’s why the last article I wrote on the Dunning-Kruger Effect got me thinking. In case you missed it, this concept, explains how people with limited knowledge or competence in a particular area overestimate their abilities, while people who with extensive experience underestimate the effort required to master a subject.
Once I started applying this idea to what I do everyday it really started to resonate with me. In effect, it made me to see my own experiences in a different light and allowed me to think a little bit differently not only about writing these columns but also about the work I do every day mentoring founders.
You see, my journey in the space industry spans over 40 years. I’ve spent these years going to space and running or helping businesses that make a living in the space sector. This extensive experience has given me a wealth of experience and insights that I am genuinely eager to share, if anyone is prepared to sit still long enough.
Every day, I work with founders who are just starting out on their journeys, filled with passion and determination. Their energy and enthusiasm are contagious, and they constantly remind me of my own beginnings. It’s inspiring to see their growth and to be part of their journey. It is sometimes a little daunting to believe that I have anything that will add to their experience.
Lately also, I’ve also encountered investors and academics who are experienced and successful in their respective fields but are new to the business of going to space. I respect what they do and what they have done, but I find myself disagreeing pretty fundamentally with the way that want to apply that expertise to the business of space.
So that’s where Dr’s Dunning and Kruger come in. Essentially, its an issue of being at opposite ends of the Dunning-Kruger curve. Because I have lived in this reality for 40 years, certain things are just obvious to me. That’s normal. It is also normal that people who have not lived in that same reality will not find those things obvious at all. The academics would say that I am “unconscious” of my own “competence.”
So, really, my need to explain these fundamental realities (as I see them) is not hubris on my part. It’s actually quite natural that after 40 years, things that are second nature to me are not obvious at all to others who are “unconscious” of their “incompetence” because they don’t have the same experience getting to and working from space that I do, regardless of how accomplished they are in other endeavours.
This realization has been a pivotal moment for me because it also underscored the importance of empathy and patience in the work I do. In order to be effective, I need to remember that others may be encountering these concepts for the first time, and since they do not know what they do not know, I can’t expect that they will take my arguments at face value. This is not hubris on their part, it really is just a function of where they are on the consciousness/competence curve.
Thinking through this has got me thinking of and that’s what I should write about. The constant challenge of finding new and interesting topics to write about, of pushing the boundaries and offering fresh perspectives that engage and inspire readers. It’s a journey of self-discovery, constant learning, and the relentless pursuit of new ideas. My experiences in the space industry and working with founders and investors have shaped my perspective and insights. It’s about recognizing the value of experience while remaining open to new ideas and perspectives.
Content creator burnout is a reality that many of us face. It’s not just about running out of ideas; it’s about the constant pressure to generate regular, engaging content. But through this journey, I’ve learned that it’s okay to struggle, to take time to reflect, and to seek new perspectives. It’s all part of the process of growth and learning.
Thank you for taking the time to read my journey. If you have any feedback or suggestions, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. Let’s continue to explore and learn together.