Garbage in, Garbage out

Putting Your Work Out

I was scrolling through my playlist the other day, and a song popped up that took me way back—Carl Douglas’ "Kung Fu Fighting." You know the one, right? The song that, despite its quirky lyrics and seemingly odd premise, became a global hit in the '70s. The funny thing is, that song was never meant to be more than a B-side filler. But the moment it hit the airwaves, it became a phenomenon. This got me thinking about the concept of "Garbage In, Garbage Out" and why it's so important to just put your work out there, no matter what.

Let me explain.

The Story Behind "Kung Fu Fighting"

Carl Douglas recorded "Kung Fu Fighting" in just two quick takes. It was meant to be a throwaway track, something to fill the B-side of a record. But when it was released, it became an instant hit, selling over 11 million copies worldwide. It’s one of those classic examples where what you might consider "garbage" or less valuable could turn out to be gold.

This brings us to a key lesson: Don’t be your own harshest critic. What you think is just filler or not good enough might resonate with others in ways you can't imagine.

The "Gwo Gwo Gwo" Trend

Fast forward to the present day, and we have the "Gwo Gwo Gwo" trend. For those unfamiliar, this trend took over social media, with countless users creating videos synced to a beat that went viral. The song itself wasn’t a global chart-topper, but the trend it sparked became a massive sensation.

The creator of the original beat probably didn’t think it would become a cultural moment. But here we are, with "Gwo Gwo Gwo" entrenched in internet lore. It’s another example of how putting something out there—even if it seems trivial—can lead to unexpected success.

Garbage In, Garbage Out: The Importance of Output

The phrase "Garbage In, Garbage Out" traditionally refers to the idea that if you input bad data, you get bad results. But I like to flip that on its head. In the creative world, output is everything. You might think what you’re putting out is garbage, but unless you release it, you’ll never know its true value.

Think about it—how many ideas have you had that you never acted on because you thought they weren’t good enough? How many projects did you abandon because you thought they’d flop? The truth is, you’ll never know the impact of your work unless you share it with the world.

My Own Experience

I’ve had my fair share of doubts when it comes to putting my work out there. Sometimes, I look at a draft and think, "This isn’t good enough." But I’ve learned that it’s better to release something than to keep it hidden away. The act of putting your work out there, whether it’s a blog post, a song, or a piece of art, is what makes the difference.

Even if it doesn’t go viral or receive immediate acclaim, the mere fact that it’s out in the world gives it the chance to be appreciated, to spark something in someone else, or to pave the way for future success.

A Final Thought

The next time you find yourself hesitating to put something out there, remember Carl Douglas and the "Gwo Gwo Gwo" trend. Remember that what might seem like "garbage" to you could be gold to someone else. Don’t let your fears of inadequacy stop you from sharing your work. Because in the end, it’s not about perfection—it’s about putting your voice out into the world and seeing what happens.

So go ahead, put your work out there. You might be surprised at what comes back.

Peace!