Why this website exists

Everyone can benefit from reading this book regardless if you show your work or not. However, I would say the person who struggles with showing their work will receive the most benefit from this book. I am too one of those people, hence why this website exists. This book is one of the main drivers on why I decided to create this website. At first and I still am a little bit apprehensive about this website because showing my work is something I have never done before. It is not something I really thought about doing until I came across this video from Ali Abdaal. There are plenty of things to takeaway from this book and those things vary from person to person. For me, I wanted to know why showing your work was important and how would you go about it. Thankfully, I figured out a good answer to both of those questions because of this book.

Why you should show your work

This is the first thing you see when starting the first chapter of this book. I think this is a perfect saying to introduce the idea of showing your work because I feel like so many people including me only want to show there finished work. Work that they feel is completed and worthy enough to show to the rest of the world. Sure, this is not a bad thing but if you really want to connect with other people then showing the process of your work is a great way to do so. Many people do not want to do this because they are afraid of showing the process. A lot of this thinking comes from being perceived a certain way or not feeling like it is enough. When we show the final product of our work it is because we want to feel some sort of connection with other people or some sort of validation. This is not bad whatsoever but you can achieve a better outcome or connection if you show the process. It is easier for people to relate and truly appreciate your work if you show where you are coming from and the mistakes or struggles you went through along the way. I quote that I would like to share is "In order for connection to happen, we have to allow ourselves to be seen-really seen" - Brené Brown.

When you show your work you attract like minded individuals. You inspire others to do something they may have been afraid to do. You are able to look back and see your progress. This website serves as a foundation for all of those things. The internet is a beautiful place to show your work because people can come and go as they please. If they do not like your work they can leave at the click of a button. If someone enjoys your work they can stay and connect with you. It is a win-win situation for all parties. Don't be afraid on how you will be perceived because at the end of the day, it doesn't matter.

How you should go about showing your work

There are plenty of ways to go about this, especially, in this digital age. The internet is huge and social media is bigger than ever. There is enough space for everyone to show their work so you should make space to show yours. Creating a website like this one is a perfect way to do so. By creating a website you are free to share whatever you want at your discretion and it can be all about you. Like I said earlier, people have the freedom to come and go as they please. A website is like your social media page but bigger and better. It is like your own kingdom in this huge space we call the internet. It is also a place where you have more freedom and you can tie everything together. You can share all of your social media here and other things you may be working on. Creating a website is a tremendous way to go about showing your work.

The benefits you may receive by showing your work

I am at the very beginning of this process so I cannot really speak with my own experience in regards to this topic. However, I can speak about what others have experienced and the reason why I am motivated to continue with this website. Your website can serve as a documentary for your life. You are able to see how far you have become and where you are going. The best part about a website being public is that others can see it as well. People enjoy seeing other people's process because it is easier to relate to. Imagine getting a job offer, getting a gig to a venue, an opportunity to connect with others just because you created a website. Heck, you may even be able to make an income just because you decided to show your work. If you clicked on the video I linked in the first paragraph you will see how Ali Abdaal became a millionaire just by showing his work. The same thing can happen to you as well. One day, the work you showed, will work for itself.

My takeaway

Showing you work is a great way to put yourself out there and connect with like minded individuals. Creating a website is one of the many good ways to take advantage of the internet and create a space for you to express yourself and what you are working on. I wouldn't really worry about the quality of your work because that will come over time. Rather, you should focus on if you are showing your work in the first place. Something is better than nothing. Just, show your work!