Why am I even doing any of this?
On detective fiction, business gone wrong, and 'how personal is too personal?'
Hi guys,
Hope you are well. I’m doing okay, Alhamdulillah.
I have had a very weird weekend. After procrastinating handing in a report for over 4 months, I spent 7+ hours yesterday trying to crank out 3,000 words. I finished after midnight and have suffered from writing fatigue since then. That report squeezed out all the juice from my brain and the last thing I want to do right now is to write. But here I am anyway.
Also yesterday, I received the surprise of my life. I had been informed a few days ago to anticipate a 'parcel' at my address, but nothing could have prepared me for seeing one of my favourite people (who was supposed to be in Lagos) in front of my apartment building on a cold Saturday morning. It was a very pleasant surprise, and one I would not forget for a long time.
Also yesterday, I had a bad headache and spent 3 hours of my afternoon trying to sleep it off. I typically do not like sleeping in the afternoon (unless when stuck in boring Engineering classes, in which case sleeping is mandatory), and only illness or extreme fatigue can put me in this position. Thankfully, the headache disappeared and I have since returned to some semblance of normalcy.
Until tonight, when I made a very interesting decision. It is something I had been thinking about for a while, but I never thought I would actually do it. I'm still like 80% sure this is a dream and someone would soon wake me up. 😂😂
Make we see. 🥴
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Since my brain is operating at about 20% capacity, today is another newsletter-lite.
What I'm reading
I am currently reading Eight Detectives by Alex Pavesi, a crime fiction novel set in the 20th century. I stumbled upon it in a supermarket, and the only reason I bought it is because it has a very bright cover. 😂
The book follows the story of Grant McAllister, a mathematics professor who specialized in creating 'rules’ or 'equations’ for murder mysteries and then used them to create his own crime stories.
While the idea of it is abstract (or maybe I just don't have the energy to explain), the book itself is quite interesting. I don't read detective fiction often, but this one is not so bad.
7.5/10
What I'm watching
I recently completed The Best Shape of My Life, a short series/documentary by Will Smith, following his journey to lose 20kg while writing his memoir at the same time. It is immensely personal, and will give you a behind-the-scenes view into the challenges of one of the biggest celebrities of our generation.
There was a scene where Will was genuinely tired of it all. Almost forgetting that there was a camera recording him, he said, 'This is nobody's business. Why am I even doing any of this?'
It is a question that anybody who shares a chunk of their life on the internet grapples with from time to time. I definitely do. On one hand, you want to be as explicit and genuine as possible, painting a true picture that an audience will connect to. But on the other hand, it frankly is nobody's business.
Is it your business that I had a headache yesterday? Or that I spent 7 hours on a report? It really isn't. Does sharing these things provide enough value to cover for the potential cost?
I'm not sure.
What I'm listening to
I am currently listening to The Journal podcast, specifically an episode about Activision Blizzard's culture crisis. If you have ever played Candy Crush, Call of Duty, or World of Warcraft, then you have contributed to Activision Blizzard's success.
Now, the $49 billion video game company has come under fire for tolerating sexual harassment, employee discrimination, and workplace misconduct. I really like learning about business stories gone wrong, because they are always filled with lessons on what not to do in the corporate world.
It is a 23-minute listen, and well worth your time if you are so inclined.
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I don tire. I dey go sleep, ola ni Monday.
** Jara content:
"If we wait until we're ready, we will be waiting for the rest of our lives." - Lemony Snicket.
Have a great week. ✨
Well, I think sometimes we share details of our personal lives online to inspire others.
I mean, look how Will Smith's video gave you something [meaningful] to think about. Same way your newsletter gives us things to think about. Even your report writing information could inspire someone to say:
"If 'Hameed could spend 7 hours on a report, then my 9 hours isn't so bad."
Providing some much needed ifokanbale, as you would say.
If people read what you write, regularly, it clearly ascribes value to it. The value extends to you, the author by default. Now as much as people should try to value themselves without comparison, our entire system of value is built first externally, right from the cradle. External validation is a given.
So when they read a bit of your personal life, while they value your insight, it becomes an easy way to measure their own actions. In fact those small insights into your life are all the companionship some people get. Because they have no one to share their struggles with, your review of a crime novel is all that lets them know that they can read stuff other than self help books and still make it in life.
So keep sharing, keep being genuine when you do and keep in mind that you're already mentoring some people when you do. All within moderation of course.😅