Die Empty by Todd Henry

Author:Todd Henry
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Penguin Group US
Published: 2013-08-26T21:00:00+00:00

What resonates with you?

Have you ever been listening to someone speak, or experiencing a work of art they made, and you suddenly find that your pulse is quickening, your breathing is getting more intense, and you can barely control your excitement? You want to shout “Yes!” and let them know that you agree with every word coming out of their mouth. If so, you’ve experienced the phenomenon that I refer to as “resonance,” and it can be a valuable clue on the path to performing your best, most unique work.

In physics, resonance is a term used to describe the phenomenon by which a system oscillates more at certain frequencies than at others. Each system has resonant frequencies to which it naturally responds, and when you hit upon one of those frequencies, whether accidentally or on purpose, the system will respond in kind by resonating along with the source.

In a similar way, we each have resonant frequencies that we respond to naturally, and when we encounter them in others, their words or actions are amplified in us and we begin to resonate with the other person. This can happen in the least expected places, such as when you notice a subtle theme in a work of art, you hear someone voice their opinion at a meeting, or you read their story in the newspaper.

Typically, these points of resonance are thematic, not specific in nature. It’s more about the deeper theme their words or actions point to and not just what was said. Their words struck something within you that is primal to your motivation. However, this takes some time to decipher and apply.

The best method of excavating these points of resonance and unlocking the deeper pattern behind them is to make a physical note each time you experience them. Carry a notebook with you, and jot down the context, the person who was speaking or what you responded to, and any general thoughts you had at the moment. What did it inspire in you, what did it cause you to aspire to, or what did it immediately make you think about in your own work? Over time, as you pay attention to your little intuitive nudges and responses to experiences throughout your day-to-day life, you will begin to notice patterns. You will become more deeply attuned to the qualities and attributes that cause you to come alive and feel motivated to tackle your own work.

Another way to explore qualities and attributes you’d like to imitate is to read the biographies of people you admire. Get to know their lives, the decisions they made, and the obstacles they had to overcome on the road to success. You can learn many lessons from the experiences of others, and can glean principles from their lives that allow you to navigate around the same mistakes. As you read, pay close attention to the attributes they exhibit that you would like to emulate in your own life. Try to be as specific as possible and avoid vague concepts and generalities.

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