We all have heroes. They're the people we look up to, the people who inspire us, the people who have achieved the things we can only dream of. And for most of us, they exist in a different universe, a world of fame and success that is completely inaccessible to us mere mortals. But what if I told you that you're only one email away from connecting with your hero?
The Art of the Cold Email
A few years ago, I decided to test this theory. I made a list of my top 10 heroes, a collection of authors, entrepreneurs, and thinkers who had a profound impact on my life. And then, one by one, I started to cold-email them. I didn't ask for anything. I just wanted to say thank you. I wanted to tell them how their work had inspired me, and how it had changed the way I see the world.
The Email That Changed Everything
I sent a short, heartfelt email to one of my favorite authors, a man whose books had been a constant source of wisdom and inspiration for me. I didn't expect a reply. I figured he was too busy, too important, too famous to respond to a random email from a stranger. But a few days later, I got a reply. It was a short, simple email, but it was from him. He thanked me for my kind words, and he told me that my email had made his day.
"The shortest distance between two people is a story." - Patti Digh
The Power of a Human Connection
That email changed everything for me. It was a powerful reminder that behind every book, every business, and every big idea, there is a human being. A human being who, just like the rest of us, wants to feel seen, to feel appreciated, and to know that their work is making a difference.
So, who's your hero? Who's the person who has had the biggest impact on your life? I dare you to send them an email. Don't ask for anything. Just say thank you. You might be surprised at what happens next.