Relationship Rhythm

I just finished reading “The Legend of Bagger Vance” by Steven Pressfield. The movie with the same title, starting Will Smith and Matt Damon, is forgettable. The book is outstanding.

Toward the middle of the book, a sportswriter is trying to describe the swing of legendary golfer Bobby Jones.

According to the writer, Jones’ spectacular gift is his rhythm, and how that leads to confidence.

“Rhythm and confidence are twin names of the same quicksilver element. They are two sides of the same coin; rhythm the physical manifestation, confidence the mental. You may start with either; it will irresistibly produce the other.”

In marketing, the same is true. I was explaining this to my son, Adam, who is working on growing his YouTube audience. I was touting the virtues of consistency; delivering his content product on a regular basis to attract and then nurture a loyal audience. But I believe the word rhythm works better.

Doing something over and over again on an ongoing basis creates a unique rhythm, which, in turn, builds the storyteller’s confidence. This is a main reason, at least when it comes to content marketing, that you should only produce on “thing” at a time. Focus on a great podcast or an amazing magazine or a beautiful blog, and don’t be tempted to do all things at once. I can’t remember of one good content marketing case study where multiple initiatives have been launched at the same time. Do one thing and do it well. Consistently. Over time. Focus matters. When a loyal audience is built, then you can move on and create something new.

That takes us to today’s image (see above). This is the kickoff picture to our seventh season for summer Sunday-night basketball. There are 14 guys who play on a regular basis. Sometimes we get six. Sometimes everyone shows up. We play for about two hours or until someone has a major injury (which seems to occur more as we get older).

I just read this fantastic article about a group of guys who’ve been playing the same Dungeons & Dragons game for 30 years. Obviously, they have stayed best friends throughout the years.

I believe it’s the rhythm of these events that builds close relationships over time.

My wife Pam has been organizing a “girls’ night out” for over a decade now. I have a Thursday night golf league. Three couples plus Pam and I have been doing a “New Year’s Eve Eve” event for over a decade now. Pam and I have been attending Playhouse Square shows (Broadway-type events) with three other couples for over 15 years now.

In each case, the regularity is critical to keeping these relationships together and growing.

The people I know who are unhappy don’t seem have these sorts of regular activities.

Without really thinking about it, Pam and I seem to start a new “tradition” every year. Basically, get one up and going. Once stabilized, start another one.

Unhappy with the current state of your relationships. See above for a roadmap.

By the way, I give myself bonus points for including golf and marketing in the same article. 


The following was an excerpt from Joe’s newsletter. Only subscribers receive the full version.

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