Writing is ‘WHAT’ I do, but ‘WHY’ do I do it?
Tap, tap, tap go my fingers on the keys.
It is evening, when all the key tapping should be complete.
“What are you up to?” asks my brilliant bride.
“I’m writing a blog post.” I reply.
“It’s important!” I add, just in case she thinks it isn’t and comes up with something better for me to do from that list she maintains but I never get to see. I usually have to guess, and usually I’m wrong at trying to figure out what needs to be done around the house.
To be fair, there probably are a number of things that I could do that would could be judged more productive than spinning out a few words.
My wife wears a few hats professionally. She is a counselor, a pastor, and a probation officer.
Her work involves helping people move on from significant crisis, or events in their lives.
Important things happen because of her.
My work is leading a great team of brilliant people, and as a side gig, I write.
In a broad sense, I could be called a writer, because I write.
But that is 'what' I do.
(So… Where are you going with this Kevin?)
A good friend introduced me last week to a short YouTube video. A comedian named Michael Jr. has started a segment in each show where he takes a chair and converses with a member of the audience.
Watch the four-minute clip here, or click the image below.
Please watch it, it’s worth it.
Michael Jr. highlighted a great question we all need to consider.
We know ‘what’ we do, but do we know ‘why’ we do it?
Michael Jr.
It made me think about ‘why’ I write.
It certainly isn’t because I want to get out of chores (although that is not a bad side benefit).
I used to say I started to write (and blog) to capture some of the points I was making while giving presentations. It helped me capture thoughts, and remember ideas.
Writing things out helped me to fine tune my message, to test new ideas, and to create a library to build future presentations.
Another factor I came up with is that I was well mentored at the start of my career. Therefore, there are a number of people that I invest in. Writing things down about IT leadership, helped me share these ideas to this group of people. I would impart my knowledge from the mountain.
But even after these considerations, I still wasn’t satisfied with ‘why’ I write.
So I went to my ‘other office’ down by the lake.
Water helps me think things through better.
I took the picture above while I was there.
The wind was blustery, the dark clouds were looming, and the waves were crashing.
It was a highly interactive experience.
Then it hit me.
Writing for me, was about the interaction, not the process of putting words down.
I’ve mentioned before that I’m a raging introvert.
I like to process things before speaking, and I absolutely detest small talk (but have been known to do a great impression of someone who does).
But I do love to engage around ideas I’m passionate about.
I do love to challenge assumptions, and group think, and what I would deem bullies.
I do love to be challenged so I don’t think of myself more highly than I ought. (This is my wife’s personal mission and an ongoing challenge for her, but I digress)
I also love the art of a good story – the telling, and retelling, and the discussion around it.
Writing (for me) is not a solitary action.
As I write this, I’m thinking about the type of feedback I might receive through the comments.
I’m writing for you… the reader.
I’ve got my answer now about ‘why’ I write.
How about you?
_________________________________________________
Photo: K.W.Pashuk
About the Author:
I’m the Chief Information Officer for Appleby College, in Oakville, Ontario Canada, where my team is transforming the delivery of education through innovative application of technology.
I'm convinced that IT leadership needs to dramatically change how IT is delivered rather than being relegated to a costly overhead department.
In addition to transforming IT in my role as CIO, I look for every opportunity to talk about this... writing, speaking and now blogging on BeBee (www.bebee.com/@kevin-pashuk) , LinkedIn, ITWorld Canada, or at TurningTechInvisible.com.
I also shoot things... with my camera. Check out my photostream atwww.flickr.com/photos/kwpashuk
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Comments
Sara Jacobovici
6 years ago #28
Sara Jacobovici
6 years ago #27
Kevin Pashuk
6 years ago #26
Kevin Pashuk
6 years ago #25
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #24
Having something to say is your 'why' jesse. Thanks for engaging with me on this post.
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #23
Thanks Aaron. Your differing experience and opinion is a vital part of the interactive experience... which is what keeps me engaged. I do write for myself, but it tends to be non-linear thoughts and snippets all over a page with circles and arrows... more reflective of how my brain thinks and I would never share those writings lest someone think I have gone mad.
Ken Boddie
7 years ago #22
But vacuums 'implode' rather than 'explode' , Kev?
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #21
If that is your reason to write Mark, then beBee is a great place for you.
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #20
Thanks for the response Lisa, and the compliment on the photo. I take dozens of photos every week, post a few of them (mainly on my Flickr stream) and use them to capture the serendipitous details of life. My wife is indeed a special lady.
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #19
Perhaps Ken, you have 'exploding head syndrome' like Mr. Josh LeBlanc-Shulman in comment #1
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #18
jesse... while I sing mostly for my own enjoyment (whether or not others enjoy it is secondary), my dancing looks like a cross between a heart attack and electrocution... so that never happens in public.
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #17
I hope I didn't ruin your morning coffee Paul. There are indeed those who came out of the womb with a pen and notepad in their tiny little fingers. I admire those for whom writing is innate. Others of us have to develop that skill.
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #16
Thanks Jared. Perhaps I could encourage you to ask the question... If writing to share is 'what' you do, what is the story of 'why' you feel so strongly about sharing?
Lisa Gallagher
7 years ago #15
Lisa Gallagher
7 years ago #14
Paul \, you've got to be kidding? They complained for being mentioned too much? Ok, that's a new one LOL
Ken Boddie
7 years ago #13
Paul Walters
7 years ago #12
Gert Scholtz
7 years ago #11
Joel Anderson
7 years ago #10
Pascal Pascal Derrien. Will either or any of the rest of you sing for us now? :)
Pascal Derrien
7 years ago #9
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #8
I don't get cranky. It takes way more energy than being polite, and you get way more dinner invitations.
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #7
Mention away my friend. (I'm not sure what a "silent" Tweet is... Is it like a SBD that we used to smirk at in our adolescence that we have never quite grown out of?)
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #6
Some writers have no choice Renée about whether or not to write. They just have to. While I'm not one of them, it sounds like you are.
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #5
I agree Donald. My writing output has quadrupled since moving over to beBee... mainly because of the engagement I get here. There's never a problem coming up with an idea or two.
Donald 🐝 Grandy PN
7 years ago #4
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #3
Thanks Joel.
Joel Anderson
7 years ago #2
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #1
Thanks Josh. I would encourage you to keep on writing... we wouldn't want any exploding heads, would we?