#381: SPOTLIGHT: MJ Kaplan
Question for MJ:
Randy Pausch once wrote that “walls are put in front of us to see how badly we really want something.” Is there a project in life or work that came with (or comes with) many obstacles (i.e. “walls”) that revealed that your initial intention and excitement was not as strong as you thought it was ?
MJ's Response:
How’s this for irony ...year after year I put ‘write more’ at the top of my goal list only to see months fly by without translating this intention into words. Thanks, Amanda, for this invitation. The brief deadline and your warm encouragement to ‘just let it flow’ are helping to override the wall that blocks me.
Why do I want to write? I humbly believe that I’ve gained some experiences and maybe even wisdom that might support and encourage others. Helping people discover their path is central to my sense of purpose and passion. When I work directly with people and teams, I often feel like I’m dancing. The engagement feels smooth, joyful, connected...even though I’m aware that grace and elegance is built on a foundation of research, discipline, and practice. So much practice. Why am I blocked? I stiffen up when I face the blank page. Sometimes panic ensues. Often I simply abandon the task.
There’s a script that tells me that I couldn’t possibly have anything to share that hasn’t been written more beautifully, more clearly, more inspirationally by someone else. When I do make an attempt, I get tangled up trying to sound smart, rather than expressing authentically what I ‘know.’ Perhaps I could rewire my intention and write from my heart and soul instead of for others. Will the walls come crumbling down?
Amanda’s thought…
I suspect MJ would love all direct responses from you. I find it incredibly encouraging when I hear from any of you after I share my thoughts. It is powerful for me. I assume many others have a similar experience. So here is MJ's email… pip
MJ, thank you for sharing so openly and authentically. I have had similar pressuring thoughts when I sit down to write. But I love your mention of shifting the focus back to intention, as sometimes when I hone in on the true reason behind an act, my thoughts and expectations retreat and I can enter that flow-state because I am re-connected to the initial purpose. Thank you for this note, MJ. And I love the vibrant photo.
- AP
