The Magnifying Glass

Please forgive me in advance…

A lot of these newsletters will be about what I learned from writing the book.

I try to write about other things but the reality is, working this long on a project this hard will teach you things. A lot of things. And I want to share those things with you.

Today, I want to tell the story of the magnifying glass.

In early 2021, when I started the book, I hired a writing coach named Azul who I met through my friend, Nathaniel Drew.

Azul is an author, publisher and speaker. But before any of that, he was a middle school principal for 20 years.

Let’s just say he knew how to deal with chaos.

When him and I first connected, I was a mess. My head was spinning, sifting for all the reasons I couldn’t do the book.

One reason in particular stood out: there are so many books…what could I possibly say that was different? Was it really worth adding to all the noise?

I brought this concern up to Azul. He laughed, “Welcome to being an author, Matt.”

He assured me that this doubt wouldn’t go away for a while. That it would take time for me to find my voice, to gain confidence as an author. “But first,” he said, “Let me tell you about the magnifying glass.”

He began…

Imagine you have a magnifying glass that you’re holding up to the sun.

Although the light comes from the same source as everyone else, what comes through your magnifying glass will be unique to you.

That uniqueness, that perspective, that is your story Matt. Yours and yours alone.

We each have our own.

All stories share the same underlying truths because they come from that same source.

But they will be told from different perspectives. Perspectives only we, individually, can provide if we’re brave enough to hold up the magnifying glass.

That conversation with Azul changed everything for me. That was the beginning. The start of using my magnifying glass. And of encouraging others to do the same.

We each have something to say. Stories the world needs to hear.

That includes you. Yes you, reading this.

It doesn’t matter what medium you choose so long as you’re willing to express.

I’m now of the firm belief that this generous sun of ours is patiently hanging around, praying that you’ll collaborate with it.

Hoping that you’ll share what you see.

That you’ll speak its truth in only the way you can.

Love,

Matt

PS - We’re doing the first live Q&A for the pre-order squad on September 28^th. So make sure to order the book before then and I’ll see you soon!

PPS - If you’re curious about what I do before we start recording podcasts, here’s a 19 second clip :)