the 5x2
Lately, I often thought about how the people, brands, artists, musicians and more that I like deserve to know, even if they might not see it, not respond or I am just one of many. I just felt like sharing my appreciation with them no matter the outcome. I recently also did the same at work with someone whose work I appreciate, but the mail also included some work stuff, and in their response they just answered the work stuff, which was a little awkward, but I realized not everyone is comfortable responding to compliments so it's ok :)
So I decided to write a list who I want to write to, and decided I would write them an email. After writing the list, I noticed it would be two of each category, coincidentally:
- 2 small music artists
- 2 Youtubers
- 2 devs of a product I use
- 2 small food brands
- 2 bloggers
So internally, I called it the 5x2. Why not. I gave myself a couple days, worked through the list in order and tried to write from the heart with each, trying to make it as specific as possible, no template.
My experience with it has been:
- It can be really really hard to find ways to contact some people or places. I get why, but oof. But don’t worry, I am a master detective and I will find an email or contact form >:)
- It's a little awkward when management is involved. I can't msg the artist directly for them to read it, now Josh has to read it too...
- I felt very nervous about it for some reason, even though I could imagine no scenario in which anyone would ever be offended by my words. I tried to get over it by realizing how unfitting it is that I feel more nervous about sending someone compliments than I would be if I sent them a bomb threat, and laughed.
- It got progressively easier with each mail, but at the same time at the end I felt as drained as if I did 500 because I thought really hard about each message.
- One was done via an anonymous feedback form without an option to reply because it felt more appropriate, because aside from just giving my compliments in the text box, I could check some boxes for feedback they actually want.
- Surprisingly many answered!
All in all, I think I would do it again. Maybe if you read this, you can also try and think of 5x2 that you want to know about your appreciation?
Published 27 Dec, 2024