As I mention in episode 76 of the Happier podcast, I love writing manifestos—and I think it’s a very valuable exercise. Whenever I try to distill my ideas into a clear, succinct list, I find that my understanding improves, and I have a much better sense of what I’m trying to do.
I’ve done a Happiness Manifesto and a Habits Manifesto. And, of course, when Elizabeth and I started our podcast, I had to write a Podcast Manifesto.
As with all my Manifestos, this one is aspirational. It’s not necessarily what I do, it’s what I try to do.
Here it is:
- Be clear about what we’re doing.
- Remember the four desires of the listener: hunger for stories; fun of companionship; desire to learn; ease of listening.
- Be consistent, and also surprise.
- We don’t have conflict, but we do have differences.
- The more we reveal ourselves, the more others connect with us.
- Beware of banter.
- Remember how people listen.
- People love to learn, and people love to teach and share.
- It’s good to have fans, and it’s great to have a community.
- Connect with listeners in as many ways as possible.
- A strong voice repels as well as attracts.
I find myself thinking about the points of the Manifesto often, when we’re preparing and recording each episode. Let me know if you think I’ve forgotten something for this manifesto.
Do you find it helpful to write a manifesto—for work, family life, a creative endeavor, life aims?
