Using Social Media for Learning: What I Learned About Joy and Process From Twitter

What are your thoughts on social media? Like most people, I can see the traps. It can be a complete time suck, distort reality, and lead to feelings of inadequacy. If done with intention, however, sites such as Twitter can be great for learning and development. This week, I discovered two videos which shifted my perspective.

Jim Nantz: Joy vs. Fun

Legendary broadcaster, Jim Nantz, joined Mike Gervais on the “Finding Mastery” podcast. In the short clip below, Nantz mentions how before going on air people usually say, “Have fun.” Nantz believes fun isn’t enough. He says joy is the better descriptor: it’s the wonder, curiosity and amazement with the moment.

How are you approaching your craft lately? Could you use joy as a performance enhancer?

Dusty Baker: Lesson on the Process and Not Taking Yourself too Seriously:

After the Astros won the ALCS, the MLB network interviewed Astros manager, Dusty Baker. Despite all of the emotions that typically accompany such an accomplishment, Dusty appeared as cool as ever. The announcers were curious. While everyone else began celebrating after the last out, Baker took the time to write something down. What was it? “I wrote down who made the last out.” Why? “Because I do it every day.” It was a great reminder to stick with the process regardless of the stakes involved. For Dusty Baker, he records the final out: it doesn’t matter if it is a spring training game or the championship series.

My other big takeaway from this interview was his humor. He laughs hysterically about getting “punched” during the celebration. He describes how he buys slugger, Yordan Alvarez, oxtails to keep him happy. He goes out of his way to genuinely praise the performance of their opponents. The clip shows a man who is over his ego. His job as manager is to serve the team.

When asked about social media, it’s easy to see mention all the negative things associated. At this stage of my life, it’s very likely the best tool for my personal growth and development. I hope the clips above added value to your life like they did mine.

Make it a great week,

Mike