Now has never been a greater time to bring you someone who may not need much of an introduction for he is one of the most prolific self-development writers in the blogging world.
His name is John Wesley, the editor-in-chief behind PickTheBrain, an influential site covering a wide variety of personal development topics including productivity, motivation, self education, psychology and philosophy.
John was invited because I detected a note of authenticity in his work, a key ingredient in getting an interview here.
Although the style of articles at PTB are primarily written in bullet format, John deftly manages to weave in his personal stories, helping all of us make a personal connection with him.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: there is incredible power in storytelling. When we tell a story about ourselves, we are offering to share a little bit of our wisdom, creating the possibility that someone else’s life might be impacted in a powerful way.
The key?
Be completely genuine, says John in a timeless article, 27 Lessons Learned on the Way to 3000 Visits a Day and 2200 Subscribers. And that, my friends, is what he has consistently shown in his work. He is authentic. How can you not gravitate to someone like that?
When I first visited PTB, I had the impression that the person behind it had to have been super confident, a judgement I was making solely on the basis of the site’s enormous popularity.
One day, I stumbled across one of his articles, Overcome Shyness that turned my little world upside down, quickly blowing to pieces all preconceived notions I may have had about John. It was from this particular article that I learned he had been an introverted, inwardly directed person most of his life.
What!?
An introverted, shy person????
Shaking my head, I thought to myself, “How is that possible?”
Like most human beings tend to do from time to time, I jumped to conclusions a little too hastily. Intrigued with the above mentioned article, I went roaming around PTB, finding scores of articles that he authored.
He had kept his word about being genuine.
Right then and there I knew John would be a perfect fit for a guest spot here at Stephen Hopson Interviews. I’m very excited about our forthcoming interview and I hope you are too! If you haven’t already subscribed, please sign up via email or RSS feed in the little box following this post so that you won’t miss it next Wednesday, February 6, 2008.
Until the next time, enjoy your weekend!
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2:14 pm on February 2nd, 2008 1
Stephen,
The interviews are really a wonderful idea. Not only are we getting great resources we are also hearing various points of view and profound life stories. This morning I went to John’s site to read his “27 Lessons on the Way…”. These are great insights. Thanks John!
This led me to the Happiness Project, which led me to a comment written by someone who lost her husband last year and blogs as a way of staying connected and sharing her days with him. I was moved I felt so compelled to write to her. I sent her a long email and only stopped writing when my spirit stopped pouring the words out. Thank you for being the catalyst to connect me to her. Over the past couple of years I made a commitment to myself to act on the inner nudge to reach out and connect with others evey time I feel it. I believe this is the hand of God working through us to encourage and inspire one another. When I don’t do it, I’ve missed my assignment for that day.
That’s how I connected with you. I found your site and stayed up several hours and read it. I knew I had to reach out to you because I was so inspired!
So my gratitude goes to you for living a courageous life, making the most of every minute of it and for bringing like minded people together through Adversity University. Reading it and communicating back and forth as well as visiting the awesome blogs by other authors continues to open my heart and mind to the endless possibilities for my own life. You are a divine connection and I am forever grateful. Something wonderful is on its way to you…I can feel it! There has to be a big reward for being a bridgebuilder, a connector and an inspiration to all! Get ready!
Sharmaine
5:19 pm on February 2nd, 2008 2
Sharmaine:
How awesome is it that you made an unexpected connection the way you have! My heart is glad that you found John’s tips not only worthwhile but it took you to a place of connection with another person that you probably never even imagined happening!
That’s awesome! Thanks for writing in and letting John and I know of the impact today’s article had on you. Wait until you see next week’s interview - it gets even better!
John is one very interesting fellow!
8:01 pm on February 2nd, 2008 3
Stephen,
John Wesley’s will no doubt be a fascinating interview and I’m looking forward to it.
I was reading the last paragraph of Sharmaine’s comments and I’m sitting here saying… YES, YES I agree.
You stated that all so beautifully Sharmaine.
xo xo
Deb
Deb Estep’s last blog post..L@@K for the positive
7:08 am on February 3rd, 2008 4
Deb:
You guys are really great supporters - you consistently drop by and let everyone know of your presence and share your gratitude in ways I’ve never seen in a community. I’m flabbergasted!
I love watching subscribers support not only me but EACH OTHER!
12:37 pm on February 4th, 2008 5
YES! Sharmaine said it beautifully. I too am thankful for the inspiration and “magic” this blog has brought for me. I found Stephen’s blog when I was feeling the lows of starting a business. It’s like a slow-motion clip… the spirit beats from the bottom of my heart and swells up in my chest which in turn lifts my chin and eyes to create such a SURGE of positivity and confidence.
2:35 pm on February 4th, 2008 6
Lisa:
Sharmaine has been a long-time subscriber since the early days of this blog. She’s been a wonderful spiritual supporter and friend even though we’ve never met. It never ceases to amaze me how on target her comments seem to be.
You guys are the best!