Shine a spotlight on one idea at a time.

Shine(SHīn) a spotlight(ˈspätˌlīt) on one idea at a time.

By Derek Sivers

Writing in this format(ˈfôrˌmat) of short little articles has been really rewarding.

I present(priˈzent,ˈprezənt) one little idea, something you can read in under two minutes, and shine a spotlight on it.

If it’s well-received(riˈsēv), I’ll see it tweeted(twēt), linked-to, forwarded, and shared on forums(ˈfôrəm).

The comments always improve upon it, making me see new perspectives(pərˈspektiv), or how I could have communicated it better.

I’m usually surprised(sə(r)ˈprīzd) by which ones get a reaction. Something obvious(ˈäbvēəs) to me may be powerful to others. Something powerful to me may be obvious to others.

But each idea gets its chance in the spotlight.

The work it takes to present it clearly and succinctly(sə(k)ˈsiNG(k)t) is rewarded, because it’s:

easier to communicate
easier to explain(ikˈsplān) to others
more likely to be read, instead of someone saying, “Too long, I’ll come back later,” never to return.

When I’ve written articles that were too long or had too many ideas, they didn’t get much of a reaction.

When I read books, I often feel bad for the brilliant(ˈbrilyənt) idea buried on page 217. How many people will read that?

Stop the orchestra(-ˌkestrə,ˈôrkistrə). Solo(ˈsōlō) that motif(mōˈtēf). Repeat it. Let the other instruments(ˈinstrəmənt) build upon it.

Present a single idea, one at a time, and let others build upon it.

https://sivers.org/1idea