An echo can’t exist without a gap in time between its source and return.
In fact, it’s kind of central to its definition.
The delay of a clap in a small room may be just a few almost imperceptible milliseconds.
The call and response of a shout across a mountain valley may near a second.
And a radio ping sent out across the galaxy might take years to make its way home.
Creative success is an echo as well.
The delayed result set in motion by an earlier broadcast.
Depending on the scale of our aspirations and the environment into which we are projecting them, the time it takes the echoing results of our efforts to return will vary.
As will the strength of signal required to reach its destination and then make its way back to us without dissipating.
In a way, it’s a comforting thought.
All the work we’ve broadcast, all the noise we’ve made… out there, somewhere, hurtling through space, waiting to collide with something against which to bounce back.
Or perhaps it already has.
And the echo of previous work is at this very moment making its way back to us.
Explore how to navigate a creative life that matters
This article originally appeared in my weekly Creative Wayfinding Newsletter. Each issue is the product of a week of work, and contains something not available for sale.
A fresh perspective, a shot of encouragement when you need it most, and maybe even some genuine wisdom from time to time.
Each week, we explore a different facet of the question “How do we navigate the wilds of creating work that matters?”
It’s something I’m proud to create and I’d be honoured to share it with you.
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