At my graduation there was a speaker. Well, actually there were a lot of speakers since so many people got honorary degrees, but there was one “keynote” speaker. I don’t remember a lot from it, but I do remember the theme and key takeaway… Edit.
The idea was that until you have to print it or turn it in, keep editing. He was from the New York Times and this was 1990, so there was a definite “publish date” associated with his narrative, but his point was don’t stop editing. Don’t stop improving it. Keep editing.
This has stuck with me for many years. Keep editing. Obviously the web allows for a more continual editing and evolution of an idea, story, or just about anything. But it applies to everything, including your career and your life. Don’t be satisfied with what you have, it CAN be better, so make it better… Edit.
After 17 years, and recently talking about this in a training class, I finally decided to figure out the name of the person I always referred to as “some guy from the New York Times.” Turns out it was William Safire. (wikipedia entry)
0 Responses to “Edit.”
Leave a Reply