Longevity & Finality in WordPress - CourtneyR.dev's 2nd Brain

Longevity & Finality in WordPress ![rw-book-cover](https://share.snipd.com/share-image/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.transistorcdn.com%2FYJfyq7ud2orYr_2i_v6hYJZt8pGmNGKqURWt0BkDAJI%2Frs%3Afill%3A0%3A0%3A1%2Fw%3A1400%2Fh%3A1400%2Fq%3A60%2Fmb%3A500000%2FaHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct%2FdXBsb2FkLXByb2R1%2FY3Rpb24udHJhbnNp%2Fc3Rvci5mbS9zaG93%2FLzM3NjI2LzE2NzMz%2FNzE3NjYtYXJ0d29y%2Fay5qcGc.jpg&width=512&height=512) ## Document Notes > [!note]+ Document Notes > tags: [wordpress-community, creator-sustainability, business-longevity] > author: Matt Maderas > source: YouTube > reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eL54S19xi-U > date created: 2024-12-19 14:30 > > # 🏷️ Title: Longevity & Finality in WordPress >  ## 🧰 Action Inbox - [H1] Reflect on personal WordPress achievements and connections — 00:00-18:45 #self-reflection - [H2] Build sustainable businesses beyond individual creators — 08:30-12:15 #business-strategy - [H3] Appreciate current success before moving to next chapter — 15:20-18:45 #mindfulness ## 🧭 Table of Contents - [📝 Summary](#-summary) - [📖 Main Content](#-main-content) - [🗒️ Notes](#️-notes) - [📚 References](#-references) - [🗣️ Paraphrase](#️-paraphrase) - [📰 Newsletter](#-newsletter) - [✅ Action Items](#-action-items) - [🧪 Hypotheses](#-hypotheses) - [📊 Methodology](#-methodology) - [❓ Questions](#-questions) - [🔮 Future Research](#-future-research) - [💡 Implications](#-implications) - [🧠 Learning Styles Assessment](#-learning-styles-assessment) - [📊 Accessibility Assessment](#-accessibility-assessment) - [🌍 DEIB Assessment](#-deib-assessment) - [✅ Logical Validity](#-logical-validity) - [🛡️ DARVO Analysis](#-darvo-analysis) - [🎯 Conclusion](#-conclusion) ### 🔗 References - [Agency Action Podcast](https://example.com) - [WP Minute](https://wpminute.com) ## 📝 Summary - Matt Maderas reflects on WordPress community connections and business sustainability after interviewing WordPress veterans Miriam Schwab and Remis Dere - Explores tension between personal fulfillment and business growth in creator economy - Key stakeholders: WordPress creators, agency owners, community members - Risk: Burnout from endless content creation vs. stagnation from not evolving - Bottom line: Success requires intentional reflection and sustainable business models that transcend individual creators ## 📖 Main Content Matt examines the concept of "finality" in WordPress content creation - the idea that creators should build sustainable businesses and appreciate current achievements rather than pursuing endless growth. He uses his own podcast evolution as an example, transitioning from The Matt Report to WP Minute with additional hosts to create something that can exist beyond just his perspective. The discussion centers on overcoming imposter syndrome through community connections, particularly citing early experiences with established WordPress figures like Miriam Schwab. He argues that authentic community relationships are the real value, not just business metrics or content output. The piece questions how WordPress creators can maintain perspective as the platform evolves rapidly, especially with AI integration changing the landscape. It advocates for controlled endings and new beginnings rather than indefinite expansion. ## 🗒️ Notes #### ⏱️ [00:00](https://youtu.be/eL54S19xi-U?t=0) — [H1] Introduction to WordPress longevity discussion - Key idea: Recent interviews with WordPress veterans triggered reflection on personal goals and achievements - Evidence: "What else do I need to gain from this exercise in publishing for WordPress?" #### ⏱️ [01:15](https://youtu.be/eL54S19xi-U?t=75) — [H2] Early imposter syndrome with Miriam Schwab - Key idea: Panel experience 15 years ago taught lessons about overcoming imposter syndrome - Evidence: "What the hell am I doing here? This place is not for me. She is way too smart, way too successful" #### ⏱️ [02:45](https://youtu.be/eL54S19xi-U?t=165) — [H3] Community welcoming despite skill differences - Key idea: Good community members welcome newcomers regardless of experience level - Evidence: "They establish you and they help guide you along the way" #### ⏱️ [04:30](https://youtu.be/eL54S19xi-U?t=270) — [H1] Seeking finality as creator and artist - Key idea: Desire for artwork to end to open doors to something new - Evidence: "I am always seeking a finality to this... I want the artwork to end" #### ⏱️ [06:00](https://youtu.be/eL54S19xi-U?t=360) — [H2] Evolution from Matt Report to WP Minute - Key idea: Podcast transition exemplifies intentional finality and new beginnings - Evidence: "There was a finality to the Matt Report and it has that door has shut" #### ⏱️ [07:30](https://youtu.be/eL54S19xi-U?t=450) — [H3] Criticism about show format changes - Key idea: Audience feedback reveals tension between personal brand and scalable content - Evidence: "It's not just you anymore, so I don't listen to every episode" #### ⏱️ [08:30](https://youtu.be/eL54S19xi-U?t=510) — [H1] Building beyond individual creator dependency - Key idea: Sustainable business requires moving beyond single personality focus - Evidence: "I cannot grow a brand with just me... It needs to go beyond me" #### ⏱️ [10:15](https://youtu.be/eL54S19xi-U?t=615) — [H2] Controlled endings while maintaining control - Key idea: Better to end something intentionally than let it decline naturally - Evidence: "I want to end it while I have control of it" #### ⏱️ [12:00](https://youtu.be/eL54S19xi-U?t=720) — [H3] Appreciating human connections over business metrics - Key idea: Real value lies in friendships and relationships, not just content production - Evidence: "I don't want that to drown out the real human value that I have achieved" #### ⏱️ [14:30](https://youtu.be/eL54S19xi-U?t=870) — [H1] WordPress transformation with AI integration - Key idea: Platform is changing rapidly and may be unrecognizable in coming years - Evidence: "WordPress isn't even WordPress anymore... with the integration of AI" #### ⏱️ [16:00](https://youtu.be/eL54S19xi-U?t=960) — [H2] Uncertainty about community continuity - Key idea: Question whether current community members will remain as platform evolves - Evidence: "Will everyone that we know be around in that time? I don't know" #### ⏱️ [17:00](https://youtu.be/eL54S19xi-U?t=1020) — [H3] Controlling finality through appreciation - Key idea: Success means taking time to reflect and acknowledge achievements - Evidence: "How do we control this finality? How can you... appreciate it" #### ⏱️ [18:00](https://youtu.be/eL54S19xi-U?t=1080) — [H1] Sustainable approach to creator economy - Key idea: Avoiding pressure for constant expansion in favor of sustainable growth - Evidence: "I'm trying to do it sustainably and... achieves some kind of moral personal success" ## 📚 References - [WP Minute](https://wpminute.com) - [Agency Action Podcast](https://example.com) - [Miriam Schwab - Elementor](https://elementor.com) ## 🗣️ Paraphrase - WordPress creators should build businesses that can succeed beyond their individual participation to ensure long-term sustainability - Community relationships and personal connections often provide more lasting value than business metrics or content production volume - The WordPress platform is evolving rapidly, especially with AI integration, making reflection on current achievements important before the next chapter begins ## 📰 Newsletter **Finding Balance in WordPress Creator Economy** Matt Maderas shares thoughtful reflections on building sustainable WordPress businesses while maintaining authentic community connections. His transition from The Matt Report to WP Minute demonstrates how creators can evolve beyond personal brands. Key insight: Success isn't just about endless content creation - it's about appreciating relationships and achievements while building something that transcends individual creators. As WordPress evolves with AI integration, taking time to reflect on your journey becomes even more valuable. What achievements and connections are you most proud of in your WordPress work? Resources: [Learn WordPress](https://learn.wordpress.org/), [Developer Docs](https://developer.wordpress.org/), [WP-CLI](https://wp-cli.org/) ## ✅ Action Items #### DevRel - Developer advocacy: Create sustainable content strategies that include multiple voices and perspectives - Community management: Document successful onboarding stories like overcoming imposter syndrome - Developer marketing: Develop creator sustainability guidelines for WordPress content creators #### Community - Maintainers: Establish mentorship programs pairing experienced members with newcomers - Contributors: Create reflection frameworks for acknowledging personal and professional WordPress achievements - Ecosystem: Document WordPress evolution stories to preserve community history #### WordPress - Community: Develop resources for WordPress creator sustainability and avoiding burnout - Training: Create lesson plans about building scalable WordPress businesses - Documentation: Archive community evolution stories and relationship-building guidance ## 🧪 Hypotheses - WordPress creators who build multi-person teams achieve greater sustainability than solo creators - Community relationships provide more lasting satisfaction than business metrics for WordPress professionals - Platforms undergoing rapid change (like WordPress with AI) require more intentional reflection on achievements - Controlled endings and transitions lead to healthier creator careers than indefinite expansion ### 📊 Methodology - Longitudinal study tracking creator satisfaction across different business models (solo vs. team-based) - Qualitative interviews with long-term WordPress community members about relationship vs. business value - Analysis of creator burnout rates during platform transition periods ### ❓ Questions - How do other WordPress creators balance personal fulfillment with business sustainability? - What frameworks exist for evaluating non-monetary success in open source communities? - How should creator businesses prepare for major platform shifts like AI integration? ### 🔮 Future Research - Creator sustainability models in open source ecosystems - Community relationship impact on long-term platform engagement - Platform evolution effects on creator retention and satisfaction ### 💡 Implications - Practice: WordPress creators should regularly assess relationship quality alongside business metrics - Policy: Community programs should include sustainability guidance for content creators - Education: Training materials should address imposter syndrome and community integration - Funding: Support structures should consider creator wellbeing beyond just output metrics ### 🧠 Learning Styles Assessment Reading level estimate: 9th-10th grade (conversational, personal narrative style) #### 👀 Visual learners - Present: YouTube video format, though static image - Improve: Timeline diagrams of creator evolution, community relationship maps #### 🔊 Aural learners - Present: Full audio podcast format available - Improve: Chapter markers for easy navigation #### 🗣️ Verbal learners - Present: Personal storytelling, clear examples, defined community terms - Improve: More analogies for business sustainability concepts #### 🧩 Kinesthetic learners - Present: Call-to-action for reflection and response - Improve: Worksheets for evaluating personal WordPress achievements #### 🧠 Logical learners - Present: Clear progression from personal experience to broader implications - Improve: Framework diagrams for sustainable creator business models #### 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Social learners - Present: Community discussion prompts, relationship focus - Improve: Group reflection exercises, peer comparison frameworks #### 🧘‍♀️ Solitary learners - Present: Personal reflection questions, individual assessment prompts - Improve: Private journaling templates, self-evaluation rubrics #### 🌿 Naturalistic learners - Present: Ecosystem thinking about WordPress community - Improve: Lifecycle metaphors for creator career stages ### 📊 Accessibility Assessment #### Screen reader semantics - Present: Clear heading structure, descriptive content - Improve: Timestamps could include duration estimates #### Keyboard navigation - Present: Standard YouTube accessibility features - Improve: Transcript navigation shortcuts #### Contrast and readability - Present: High contrast in video thumbnail - Improve: Ensure transcript formatting meets contrast requirements #### Media and captions - Present: Full transcript provided - Improve: Time-synced captions would enhance accessibility #### Forms and interactions - Present: Clear call-to-action for feedback - Improve: Multiple response channels accommodate different preferences ### 🌍 DEIB Assessment #### Cultural breadth - Present: Global WordPress community perspective - Improve: More diverse geographic examples beyond US-centric view #### Inclusive language - Present: Gender-neutral language, welcoming tone - Improve: Define industry terms that may exclude newcomers #### Neurodiversity support - Present: Personal storytelling may resonate with different processing styles - Improve: Bullet-point summaries for key concepts #### Representation - Present: Mentions both male and female WordPress leaders - Improve: Include broader diversity of community voices and experiences #### Psychological safety - Present: Vulnerability in sharing imposter syndrome experience - Improve: More explicit encouragement for different career paths ### ✅ Logical Validity #### Strong reasoning - Inductive strength: Personal experience → broader creator economy principles (15:00-18:00) - Analogical strength: Podcast evolution compared to artistic finality (04:30-06:00) - Causal reasoning: Community welcoming → overcoming imposter syndrome (02:45-03:30) #### Fallacies - False dichotomy: Implies creators must choose between personal brand vs. sustainable business, when hybrid approaches exist - Hasty generalization: Assumes all creators seek "finality" when some thrive on continuous evolution #### Tone of voice - Overall tone: Reflective, vulnerable, questioning - uses personal experience to explore broader themes without prescriptive conclusions ### 🛡️ DARVO Analysis - Deny: No defensive denials present - Attack: No attacks on critics or community members - Reverse victim/offender: No victim/offender dynamics - Emotional cues: Authentic vulnerability and gratitude, philosophical questioning tone ## 🎯 Conclusion Matt's reflection highlights the tension between growth and sustainability in WordPress content creation. The key insight is that building lasting value requires both appreciating current achievements and creating systems that transcend individual creators. As WordPress evolves rapidly, particularly with AI integration, taking time for intentional reflection becomes crucial for community members at all levels. The practical next step is developing personal frameworks for evaluating success beyond metrics - focusing on relationships, community impact, and sustainable business models. ## 🧱 Refactor Appendix ### 📚 Literature Split Pad ### [H1] Community welcomes newcomers despite experience gaps > [!quote] [Longevity & Finality in WordPress](https://youtu.be/eL54S19xi-U) by Matt Maderas via YouTube. Published 2024. Accessed 2024-12-19. > "Good members of the community establish you and help guide you along the way." Demonstrates how established WordPress community members support newcomers without expecting agreement or free resources. [view highlight](https://youtu.be/eL54S19xi-U?t=165#H1) #community #mentorship ID:rw_001 ### [H2] Sustainable businesses transcend individual creators > [!quote] [Longevity & Finality in WordPress](https://youtu.be/eL54S19xi-U) > "I cannot grow a brand with just me... It needs to go beyond me." Context for building WordPress businesses that survive creator departure or audience fatigue. [view highlight](https://youtu.be/eL54S19xi-U?t=510#H2) #sustainability #business-strategy ID:rw_002 --- ### 🔖 Atomic Split Pad (Zettel Candidates) #### [Z1] Imposter syndrome dissolves through community participation - Applies to WordPress newcomers joining established community spaces - Referenced at 01:15-02:45 in discussion of panel experience - Links: [[Community-Building]] [[Professional-Development]] #### [Z2] Platform evolution requires intentional reflection on achievements - Relevant during major technological shifts like AI integration - Referenced at 14:30-16:00 regarding WordPress transformation - Links: [[Change-Management]] [[Creator-Sustainability]] --- ### ✏️ Fleeting Queue - [F1] Research Agency Action podcast format — collaboration model #fleeting #podcasting - [F2] Document WordPress AI integration timeline — platform evolution #fleeting #research - [F3] Create reflection framework for creator achievements — sustainability tool #fleeting #framework --- ## Full Transcript [00:00] I want to talk about WordPress longevity [00:02] and maybe you share the same thoughts or [00:04] have an opinion on it. It's going to be [00:06] a pretty deep discussion. I'm trying to [00:08] keep it away from any kind of like [00:11] morbid tone. [00:13] The other day I was extremely lucky to [00:16] interview Miriam Schwab and Remis Dere [00:20] and it had me thinking [00:23] what else do I need to gain from this [00:28] exercise in publishing for WordPress and [00:32] even going beyond that right supporting [00:34] WordPress. [00:35] What else do I need? [00:38] What else is there for me to achieve? I [00:43] have become great friends with folks [00:45] like Miriam, which by the way, I was on [00:48] a panel with her, I don't know, 15 years [00:50] ago, talking about agency stuff. She had [00:52] a very successful uh uh enterprise [00:55] agency back then, and it might have even [00:57] been the start of when she started to [00:58] build her hosting, which eventually got [01:01] sold to Elementor, where she's at now. [01:03] And I remember that imposter syndrome, [01:04] sitting on that panel with her going, [01:06] "What the hell am I doing here?" Like, [01:08] "This place is not for me." She is way [01:10] too smart, way too successful for for me [01:13] to be injecting, you know, my my [01:16] thoughts and opinions as a small agency [01:18] owner and somebody who was new probably [01:21] to WordPress back then. But it was the [01:23] first lesson in [01:26] well quite frankly like getting over [01:28] that hump because I think we all should [01:29] get over that imposttor syndrome. You're [01:31] there for a reason. People invited you [01:33] there and you know you speak to your [01:36] abilities and that's the best that you [01:38] can do. So that's a lesson in, you know, [01:40] dealing with imposter syndrome. But [01:41] beyond that, it was the entry point to [01:44] to understand that the community is [01:47] welcoming and folks like Miriam are [01:49] welcoming and that they understand not [01:51] everyone is, you know, maybe at the [01:53] level or, you know, at the pace that [01:55] they're at and they welcome you into the [01:56] community and the and the good members [01:58] of the community do that. That doesn't [01:59] mean that they agree with you. That [02:01] doesn't mean they're going to give you [02:02] free stuff. It's not they're not just [02:04] going to hand over everything for you, [02:05] but they're welcoming. They establish [02:08] you and they help guide you along the [02:09] way. Same thing for Remis. He is [02:12] somebody that has organized [02:16] word camps. He is somebody that is well [02:20] regarded in the community. A lot of [02:22] people have respect for the work that [02:24] he's done and the education that he [02:26] continues to put out. [02:29] And it left me thinking like I like what [02:32] else what else do I need? And let let me [02:36] just put this in in the context in the [02:39] lens that I look at this in because [02:41] there's a few threads of thought here. [02:42] There's like the business side and then [02:44] there's the personal side. And maybe you [02:46] resonate with this. I don't know. You [02:48] tell me. [02:50] I am always seek seeking [02:53] a finality to this. [02:56] Right. as a creator, as an artist, dare [03:00] I say, [03:01] I want the artwork to end, which then [03:05] hopefully opens up the doors to [03:07] something else. And you know, you've [03:09] seen this with with this very podcast [03:11] itself. It used this used to be the [03:13] podcast where I interviewed folks in the [03:16] WordPress space and the Matt report was [03:18] the vehicle for me to, you know, get [03:20] into into the community. [03:23] Now that's more professionally done at [03:26] the WP Minute. There was a finality to [03:29] the Matt report [03:31] and it has that door has shut and now it [03:34] is over at the WP Minute. And that's [03:36] just a small example. [03:38] But then when I listen to folks and talk [03:41] to other folks who might give me like [03:44] healthy feedback and criticism of the WP [03:46] Minute, they say things like, "Well, [03:47] it's not just you anymore, so I don't [03:49] listen to every episode. Eric's great, [03:51] but I'd rather have you. The Agency [03:53] Action podcast, I didn't even know about [03:55] it. It's with, you know, Kervon and Toby [03:57] Grinds, by the way. Agency Action [03:59] podcast. Search for it. It's fantastic. [04:02] Really happy with how that show has come [04:05] out. [04:07] So, the people say like, why don't you [04:09] do it anymore? It's because there needs [04:11] to be finality to me. I cannot grow a [04:15] brand with just me [04:19] with the mission of supporting [04:21] WordPress. And through supporting [04:23] WordPress, I'm supporting freelancers, [04:26] agency owners, WordPress professionals. [04:28] It needs to go beyond me because [04:30] eventually somebody says, "Well, I'm [04:32] sick of Matt's viewpoint or I'm sick of [04:36] hearing from Matt. I'm gonna, you know, [04:37] move on anyway." The same thing is going [04:38] to happen regardless. So what I want to [04:42] do is build something that sustains [04:45] without me. [04:47] It's a bit of closure, [04:50] but not really. It's about operating a [04:52] business and making those [04:56] just choices to have a healthy, you [04:59] know, running business. [05:01] But it's also looking at it from the [05:03] like the more personal side is I don't [05:05] want it to be just me. Surely people [05:08] want to hear from other people. [05:10] And surely we can build something that [05:12] sustains and continues to educate and [05:15] move WordPress forward because WordPress [05:17] will change. There will be a new chapter [05:21] of WordPress. And I think this is where [05:24] I start to, you know, tie these threads [05:26] of thought together is we know that [05:29] there's [05:30] finality in all of the seasons of our [05:33] life, personally and professionally with [05:36] the stuff that you're making, whether [05:38] it's a podcast, a YouTube channel, a [05:40] blog, blog platform, newsletter, [05:44] it will surely will end. [05:47] and I want to end it while I have [05:52] control of it, if that makes sense. [05:56] And I don't know why the why it [05:57] triggered in my head when I had these [05:59] discussions with the WordPress royalty, [06:01] like I said, Miriam and and Remiss, but [06:04] it sort of hit me like I have achieved [06:07] great friendship in WordPress in the [06:11] WordPress community. I don't want to [06:15] forget that, right? Like I don't want [06:18] the [06:19] pressures of running a a publication and [06:21] running a business and just constantly [06:24] like coming up with new content ideas [06:25] and what do I like what am I covering [06:27] next? Who's the next sponsor? [06:29] No, no, no. Like I don't want that to [06:32] drown out [06:35] the real human value that I have I've [06:38] been able to achieve over the you know [06:39] whatever 18 20 years of being in this [06:41] space. [06:45] And that's my sort of like finality in [06:48] that. How do I appreciate that now [06:52] before it's forgotten? [06:54] Because the work has just continued. [06:58] And the work has just continued that has [07:00] passed by. And I we're on to a whole new [07:02] chapter of WordPress. And we look [07:04] around, we go, WordPress isn't even [07:05] WordPress anymore. I mean, we are making [07:07] those strides right now with the [07:08] integration of AI and and trying to push [07:10] this thing forward. Surely WordPress is [07:12] going to look supremely different in [07:15] two, three, five years. [07:19] Will everyone that we know be around in [07:21] that time? I don't know. Will your [07:26] version of the thing you're working on [07:28] now be like that in be as it is in two [07:31] to three, five years? Probably not. [07:36] So, how do we control this finality? How [07:39] can you and I'm not even saying end it. [07:41] I'm just saying appreciate it, right? To [07:44] look back and go, I I achieve this or we [07:47] achieve this. This is [07:51] satisfying. [07:54] I am successful. Right? And that doesn't [07:58] mean you stop. It just means you slow [08:01] down to reflect. [08:04] I don't know if this makes sense, but [08:06] that's what longevity looks like to me. [08:09] It's it's it's for me to not get caught [08:11] up in, you know, why isn't it just your [08:14] podcast or why aren't you podcasting [08:16] more or, you know, you should be [08:17] covering other platforms across the web? [08:20] Why why don't you do more AI stuff? Why [08:21] don't you launch another course? I'm [08:23] trying to do it sustainably and I'm [08:25] trying to figure out a way that achieves [08:27] some kind of [08:31] moral personal success and not just for [08:33] me, for the folks that help me. [08:41] I leave you with this question. [08:44] Number one, does that make sense? [08:47] Number two, [08:50] how do you evaluate [08:52] your [08:55] successes, achievements, [08:59] connections in the WordPress space, [09:01] whether you whether you've only been [09:03] here for a year or you've been here for [09:05] 21 years, what does that look like to [09:08] you? [09:11] Let me know. Leave a comment [09:13] if you're um listening slashwatching [09:16] this on YouTube, which is just a frozen [09:19] cover art image. There's nothing to [09:21] watch. Or if this is in your podcast [09:24] app, just tweet at me, Matt Maderas on [09:27] Twitter or LinkedIn or Blue Sky or [09:31] Mastadon or email me mattthewpm  ## Highlights - **Imposter Syndrome On A WordPress Panel** - Matt recounts feeling intense imposter syndrome sharing a panel with Miriam Schwab early in his career. - That experience taught him the community is welcoming and that you belong for a reason. Transcript: Matt The other day, I was extremely lucky to interview Miriam Schwab and Remkes DeVries, and it had me thinking, what else do I need to gain from this exercise in publishing for WordPress? And even going beyond that, right? Supporting WordPress. What else do I need? What else is there for me to achieve? I have become great friends with folks like Miriam, which, by the way, I was on a panel with her, I don't know, 15 years ago, talking about agency stuff. She had a very successful enterprise agency back then. And it might've even been the start of when she started to build her hosting, which eventually got sold to Elementor where she's at now. And I remember that imposter syndrome sitting on that panel with her going, what the hell am I doing here? Like this place is not for me. She is way too smart, way too successful for me to be injecting, you know, my, my thoughts and opinions as a small agency owner and somebody who was new probably to WordPress back then. But it was the first lesson in, well, quite frankly, like getting over that hump, because I think we all should get over that imposter syndrome. You're there for a reason. People invited you there and, you know, you speak to your abilities and that's the best that you can do. So that's a lesson in, you know, dealing with imposter syndrome. But beyond that, it was the entry point to understand that the community is welcoming and folks like Miriam are welcoming and that they understand not everyone is, you know, maybe at The level or, you know, at the pace that they're at and they welcome you into the community and the good members of the community do that. That doesn't mean that they agree with you. That doesn't mean they're going to give you free stuff. They're not just going to hand over everything for you, but they're welcoming, they establish you, and they help guide you along the way. ([Time 0:00:13](https://share.snipd.com/snip/2f76027c-9b5a-43de-b2ee-63d462dd481d)) - **Design Work To Outlive The Founder** - Matt wants finality for his creative projects so they can evolve beyond him. - He believes sustainable brands should continue without depending solely on one person. Transcript: Matt There's like the business side, and then there's the personal side. And maybe you resonate with this. I don't know. You tell me. I am always seeking a finality to this, right? As a creator, as an artist, dare I say, I want the artwork to end, which then hopefully opens up the doors to something else. And, you know, you've seen this with this very podcast itself. This used to be the podcast where I interviewed folks in the WordPress space, and the Matt Report was the vehicle for me to, you know, get into the community. Now, it's more professionally done at the wp minute there was a finality to the mat report and it has that door has shut and now it is over at the wp minute and that's just a small example But then when i listen to folks and talk to other folks who might give me like healthy feedback and criticism of the WP Minute. They say things like, well, it's not just you anymore. So I don't listen to every episode. Eric's great, but I'd rather have you. The Agency Action Podcast. I didn't even know about it. It's with Kurt Von Onan and Toby Krines. By the way, Agency Action Podcast, search for it. It's fantastic. Really happy with how that show come out so the people say like why don't you do it anymore it's because there needs to be finality to me i cannot grow a brand with just me with the mission Of supporting wordpress and through supporting WordPress, I'm supporting freelancers, agency owners, WordPress professionals. It needs to go beyond me because eventually somebody says, well, I'm sick of Matt's viewpoint or I'm sick of hearing from Matt. I'm going to move on anyway. The same thing is going to happen regardless. So what I want to do is build something that sustains without me. ([Time 0:02:42](https://share.snipd.com/snip/0e22e941-21bf-42ce-b6f8-e9a2d622fc31)) - **Plan For Succession And Delegation** - Do create structures so a publication or project can operate beyond a single voice. - Delegate and evolve formats to keep serving the community as WordPress changes. Transcript: Matt And, you know, you've seen this with this very podcast itself. This used to be the podcast where I interviewed folks in the WordPress space, and the Matt Report was the vehicle for me to, you know, get into the community. Now, it's more professionally done at the wp minute there was a finality to the mat report and it has that door has shut and now it is over at the wp minute and that's just a small example But then when i listen to folks and talk to other folks who might give me like healthy feedback and criticism of the WP Minute. They say things like, well, it's not just you anymore. So I don't listen to every episode. Eric's great, but I'd rather have you. The Agency Action Podcast. I didn't even know about it. It's with Kurt Von Onan and Toby Krines. By the way, Agency Action Podcast, search for it. It's fantastic. Really happy with how that show come out so the people say like why don't you do it anymore it's because there needs to be finality to me i cannot grow a brand with just me with the mission Of supporting wordpress and through supporting WordPress, I'm supporting freelancers, agency owners, WordPress professionals. It needs to go beyond me because eventually somebody says, well, I'm sick of Matt's viewpoint or I'm sick of hearing from Matt. I'm going to move on anyway. The same thing is going to happen regardless. So what I want to do is build something that sustains without me. It's a bit of closure, but not really. It's about operating a business and making those just choices to have a healthy running business. But it's also looking at it from the more personal side is, I don't want it to be just me. Surely people want to hear from other people. And surely we can build something that sustains and continues to educate and move WordPress forward because WordPress will change. There will be a new chapter of WordPress. ([Time 0:03:08](https://share.snipd.com/snip/1584157a-8e8f-40cb-b3bf-a0546d9d7cf2)) - **Longevity Is Reflection, Not Endless Output** - Matt frames longevity as appreciating achievements before they're forgotten. - He ties this to managing personal satisfaction, not just continuous output. Transcript: Matt There will be a new chapter of WordPress. And I think this is where I start to, you know, tie these threads of thought together is we know that there's finality in all of the seasons of our life, personally and professionally With the stuff that you're making, whether it's a podcast, a YouTube channel, a blog, blog platform, newsletter, will surely will end. And I want to end it while I have control of it, if that makes sense. And I don't know why the why it triggered in my head when I had these discussions with the WordPress royalty, like I said, Miriam and Remkis. But it sort of hit me like, I have achieved great friendship in WordPress, in the WordPress community. I don't want to forget that, right? Like, I don't want the pressures of running a publication and running a business and just constantly like coming up with new content ideas. And what I like what am I covering next who's the next sponsor no no like I don't want that to drown out the real human value that I have I've been able to achieve over the you know whatever 18 20 years of being in the space And that's my sort of like finality in that. How do I appreciate that now before it's forgotten? Because the work has just continued. And the work has just continued that has passed by. And we're on to a whole new chapter of WordPress. And we look around, we go, WordPress isn't even WordPress anymore. I mean, we are making those strides right now with the integration of AI and trying to push this thing forward. Surely WordPress is going to look supremely different in two, three, five years. Will everyone that we know be around in that time? I don't know. Will your version of the thing you're working on now be like that in be as it is in two to three, five years? ([Time 0:05:18](https://share.snipd.com/snip/707b1d57-40a6-4806-a668-6fa5fd9d0c49)) - **Pause To Appreciate Achievements** - Slow down periodically to reflect on what you've achieved and who helped you. - Prioritize sustainable growth over chasing every new trend or platform. Transcript: Matt And I don't know why the why it triggered in my head when I had these discussions with the WordPress royalty, like I said, Miriam and Remkis. But it sort of hit me like, I have achieved great friendship in WordPress, in the WordPress community. I don't want to forget that, right? Like, I don't want the pressures of running a publication and running a business and just constantly like coming up with new content ideas. And what I like what am I covering next who's the next sponsor no no like I don't want that to drown out the real human value that I have I've been able to achieve over the you know whatever 18 20 years of being in the space And that's my sort of like finality in that. How do I appreciate that now before it's forgotten? Because the work has just continued. And the work has just continued that has passed by. And we're on to a whole new chapter of WordPress. And we look around, we go, WordPress isn't even WordPress anymore. I mean, we are making those strides right now with the integration of AI and trying to push this thing forward. Surely WordPress is going to look supremely different in two, three, five years. Will everyone that we know be around in that time? I don't know. Will your version of the thing you're working on now be like that in be as it is in two to three, five years? Probably not. So how do we control this finality? How can you, and I'm not even saying end it. I'm just saying appreciate it, right? To look back and go, I achieve this or we achieve this. This is satisfying. I am successful, right? And that doesn't mean you stop. It just means you slow down to reflect. I don't know if this makes sense, but that's what longevity looks like to me. It's for me to not get caught up in, you know, why isn't it just your podcast, or why aren't you podcasting more, or, you know, you should be covering other platforms across the web. Why don't you do more AI stuff? Why don't you launch another course? I'm trying to do it sustainably. ([Time 0:05:54](https://share.snipd.com/snip/8f391e09-ccbe-4dc9-970f-88f573dab591)) - **Measure Success By Relationships And Impact** - Evaluate success by relationships, impact, and personal satisfaction, not just output. - Share feedback and connect with peers to measure what truly matters to you. Transcript: Matt Number one, does that make sense? Number two, how do you evaluate your successes, achievements, connections in the WordPress space? Whether you've only been here for a year or you've been here for 21 years. What does that look like to you? Let me know. Leave a comment. If you're listening slash watching this on YouTube, which is just a frozen cover art image, there's nothing to watch. Or if this is in your podcast app, just tweet at me at Matt Medeiros on Twitter or LinkedIn or Blue Sky or Mastodon or email me. ([Time 0:08:43](https://share.snipd.com/snip/dfbbe5bc-4884-401c-98c1-b8354ec864fa))