I've been doing a lot of thinking recently about the monumental task I've set for myself - the creation of a new in-person ritual. A gathering for people whose schedules are already brimming with commitments, folks who have a world of entertainment and experiences at their fingertips.
Think about it: There's an endless list of movies to watch across countless streaming platforms, and for those living in or near a city, there's a multitude of events they could attend any day that might suit their interests. There's a vast network of friends, hundreds to connect with virtually and likely dozens in person. Opportunities for solitude, for nature, for travel. Yet, here I am, wanting to add something to this abundant mix, something that would nudge them to alter their lifestyle.
The question then is, why?
The answer lies in the meaningfulness of the occasion. It needs to be something that not only resonates with me but is so compelling that others, too, find it meaningful. It has to be an event so incredible that there's nowhere else I'd rather be, and I can see why that might be true for others too. Until we hit that level of quality where I feel immense pride when someone opts to come to my event over all their other options, we have more work to do.
The aim isn't just to fill a room with bodies; the goal is to create a space that's truly worthwhile. A space that respects the fact that when someone decides to attend, they're making a trade. They're trading potential earnings, missed opportunities, and most importantly, their precious time. Until I can genuinely say that their time is well spent, until I can earnestly defend why I've asked them to take this trade-off, the event is not ready. It's a process of iteration on design and execution, striving for the exceptional.
This process is heavy on my mind as I plan to initiate a new weekly ritual in Atlanta. Each gathering has to be nothing short of extraordinary. People should walk in and be immediately struck by how amazing it is, so much so that they're grateful they didn't stay home to watch the latest Netflix series, that they skipped that wine party or that wedding. They should be thrilled they decided to prioritize this experience over their many other options.
If not, I would be letting them down. They might not want to attend any other events I'd organize, and I'd feel regretful for wasting their time. This challenge, therefore, isn't just about crafting a new ritual; it's about recognizing and respecting the value of the time of those we invite. It's about understanding that creating a pristine, meaningful experience isn't just a nice-to-have, it's a responsibility.
So, let's create something truly outstanding. Because that's what our guests deserve, and that's the standard we should always strive for.