To Share or Not Share

There are many people who are happy with consuming what others create. They enjoy reading the great books, listening to epic songs, admiring beautiful artwork, and tasting great food that others make.

There are others that feel a spark, a drive, to create. Some creators share with no one, while other creators share everything in public. I’ll call this The Sharing Continuum.

Every teacher, poet, musician, writer, sculptor, chef, or artist chooses their spot on the continuum.

1st Degree: 100% Private. There are some people who create, but don’t share their work. They create because it adds value to their life, but they don’t share it with anyone. Creating things helps them make sense of their world and brings them joy.

2nd Degree: There are people who share some of their work with family and close friends.

3rd Degree: There are some people who expand their sharing to include acquaintances, colleagues, students, and small communities.

4th Degree: Some people create and share their work in public. These creators, such as Tim Ferris, Tiago Forte, Brené Brown, Glennon Doyle, Dax Shepard, and Richard Rohr, always seem to share their work with the world, though they have unseen work as well.

5th Degree: 100% Public. At the far end of the spectrum, there are people like Henri Nouwen who seem to publish every thought. In reality, no one actually can or should share everything.

There are some people who are content with their position on the continuum. There are others that want to make a move. Moving to a higher degree always involves risk.

I’m in the 3rd Degree and I’m moving toward the 4th Degree. Where are you? Do you want to share or not share?

If you aren’t happy where you are today, why?