Podcast Summary
Sharing unique spaces and experiences with Airbnb guests: Opening up your home to Airbnb guests can bring in extra income, create meaningful connections, and inspire personal growth. Trust yourself, make guests feel welcome, and find joy in the process.
Turning your home into an Airbnb not only brings in extra income, but it's also a way to share your unique space and experiences with travelers. Jen and Seth emphasized the importance of making guests feel welcome and cherished, which can lead to positive reviews and repeat bookings. Seth also discussed the importance of trusting oneself in the creative process and finding passion in one's work, while avoiding success traps that can hinder happiness. Jen's experience of incorporating Airbnb-inspired touches into her own home is a practical example of these concepts. Overall, the conversation highlighted the potential benefits of opening up one's home and creative pursuits to the world.
The Value of Constructive Criticism: Embrace constructive criticism and recognize that not all criticism holds the same weight. Focus on valuable insights from those who understand the work.
Not all criticism is created equal. The author shared his experience of facing skepticism and criticism when he first introduced email marketing as a powerful marketing tool. Despite the initial resistance, he turned out to be right, and email marketing became a multi-billion-dollar industry. However, the author acknowledged that ignoring unhelpful criticism and focusing on constructive feedback is easier said than done. He emphasized that criticism from someone who understands the work and provides valuable insights is priceless. Using the example of Lin-Manuel Miranda's "Hamilton," the author highlighted the challenge of adapting a theater production into a movie format. He suggested that having a critical eye and understanding the medium could have been helpful in the editing room to create a more successful adaptation. Overall, the author encouraged embracing constructive criticism and recognizing that not all criticism holds the same weight.
Fear of producing bad work is the real culprit behind writer's block: Embrace the fear of producing bad work and commit to a daily practice to allow good work to surface.
Writer's block is a myth, and fear of producing bad work is the real culprit preventing creatives from progressing. The speaker emphasizes that everyone experiences fear and uncertainty in their creative process, but it's essential to push through and produce consistently to allow the good work to surface. Comparing writing to other professions, he argues that there's no such thing as plumber's block or crossing guard block, so why should writers have it? The secret to overcoming this fear is to commit to a daily practice, which helps the subconscious mind believe that producing good work is worth the effort. Isaac Asimov, who published 400 books, is an excellent example of this principle. By consistently typing every day, he allowed his subconscious to produce good work, even when some days felt more challenging than others. The key is to recognize that the fear of producing bad work is a normal part of the creative process and to embrace the idea that even the most mundane or imperfect work can lead to something great.
Embrace the imperfect journey of creating: Focus on the work itself and serving others for best results, imperfection is part of the creative process
Creating work is about shipping, improving, and changing for a group of people, rather than waiting for perfection. Perfectionism often stems from fear and can hinder the creative process. The outcome matters, but obsessing over it can be toxic. Instead, focusing on the work itself and serving others can lead to the best results. As Seth Godin mentioned, great works like Miles Davis' Kinda Blue were created in a short amount of time, and the magic comes from the human connection and authenticity, not the perfection of the final product. So, embrace the imperfect journey of creating and trust that the outcome will come through if you focus on the work itself.
Struggling with criticism as a creator: Authenticity is important, but consistency and the best version of oneself are what truly matter. Focus on unique practice and authentic audience, not online validation through metrics.
Online creators, particularly influencers, often struggle with criticism due to the pressure to present a perfect image. This need for perfection can lead to a dangerous "whirlpool" where creators take criticism personally and have visible meltdowns. Authenticity is often used as an excuse for subpar work, but what people truly want is consistency and the best version of the creator. Adam Driver's perspective on acting, that it's not about the performer but the performance, can be applied to online content creation. Creators should remember that their work is a product, not a reflection of their worth. Additionally, the pressure to fit in and conform to certain online trends can lead to irrelevant arguments and wasted energy. Instead, creators should focus on their unique practice and cater to their authentic audience. Ultimately, it's essential to remember that online validation through metrics like likes and followers is not the ultimate goal and should not dictate one's self-worth.
Seeking constant reassurance and relying solely on passion for art can lead to disappointment: Instead of relying solely on passion and reassurance, decide to be passionate about what we do, consider challenges, financial realities, and maintain a balance between work and creative pursuits.
Trying to seek constant reassurance and relying solely on passion to make a living from art or creative pursuits can be unreliable and may lead to disappointment. Instead, it's important to decide to be passionate about what we do, even if it's not our initial passion, and consider the potential challenges and financial realities of monetizing a hobby. Reassurance is temporary and unrealistic, as not every plan will come to fruition. Focusing on controlling what we can in the present and showing up with generosity to contribute is a more sustainable approach. Additionally, not all hobbies can be monetized, and attempting to do so may ruin the enjoyment of the activity. Instead, maintaining a steady job while pursuing creative passions outside of work can provide a balance and sense of fulfillment.
Consistency vs Innovation in Creativity: James Patterson's success lies in delivering consistent work to his audience, but creators should also recognize the importance of refining their craft and addressing sources of stress to cultivate passion and enthusiasm for their work.
There's value in understanding the role of consistency and catering to audience expectations in the creative world, as opposed to constantly pushing boundaries. James Patterson, for instance, is a bestselling author who consistently delivers what his audience wants, making him an important contributor to our economy. However, it's also essential for creators to recognize the difference between delivering consistent work and being on the cutting edge of innovation. The smallest viable audience that genuinely appreciates your work can help you refine your craft and potentially grow your fanbase. For those feeling drained or unenthusiastic about their work, it's crucial to identify the sources of stress and the underlying fears that might be amplifying that feeling. By addressing these issues, creators can cultivate passion and enthusiasm for their work.
Focusing on possibility and avoiding constant comparison: Embrace a mindset of choice and focus on possibility, avoid getting trapped in the infinite hole of wanting more success, and decide what inputs and metrics matter to you to live a fulfilling life.
Our mindset towards work and life plays a significant role in our overall satisfaction and happiness. Roz Zander's idea of beginning with a choice and focusing on possibility can help transform stressful situations into opportunities for growth and joy. However, it's essential to avoid getting trapped in the infinite hole of wanting more success, which can lead to dissatisfaction and obsession. Instead, we should decide what inputs and metrics we focus on and avoid constant comparison to others. Joni Mitchell's success story serves as a reminder that focusing on creativity and possibility, rather than numbers and external validation, can lead to a fulfilling life.
Choices and artistic freedom: Artists can make difficult decisions to prioritize their creative freedom over success and financial stability. Leaving the spotlight can lead to greater happiness and new opportunities.
Artists, including musicians and content creators, have the power to make choices about their work and their lives, even if it means walking away from success and financial stability. Joni Mitchell and Michelle Pham, among others, have shown that it's possible to leave the spotlight when the creative process becomes unsatisfying or draining, even at the height of their careers. This can be a difficult decision, but it allows them to reclaim their artistic freedom and potentially find greater happiness. It's essential to recognize when it's time to move on and not get stuck in a pattern of creating work that no longer brings joy. Ultimately, the most important thing is to stay true to oneself and one's art.
The power of serving a specific audience: Focus on making good work and connecting with a dedicated fanbase, rather than chasing after metrics that may not truly reflect success.
The size of an audience isn't the only factor in determining success. The speaker shares the story of Amanda Palmer, who was dropped by her record label after selling only 20,000 units but went on to have a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign with a smaller, dedicated fanbase. This illustrates the power of serving a specific audience and building a strong connection with them. The speaker also criticizes the focus on metrics like views or subscribers, suggesting instead that creators should aim to make a positive impact on a smaller group of people. The label's business model, which is geared towards reaching large audiences, is different from an individual creator's goals. Ultimately, the speaker encourages creators to focus on making good work and connecting with a dedicated fanbase, rather than chasing after metrics that may not truly reflect success.
Focus on the majority who appreciate your work: Instead of catering to unappreciative audiences, focus on delivering quality content to those who truly value it.
It's easy to give into the pressure of catering to the masses and pandering for higher ratings or views, but it's important to remember that it comes at a cost. Some creators may feel entitled to gratitude from their audience, but it's crucial to remember that no one owes us anything. Instead, we should focus on providing value to those who genuinely appreciate our work. The speaker shares an experience where he shifted his focus from an unappreciative audience member to the majority who were there for him, resulting in a positive outcome. Ultimately, it's essential to avoid the toxic cycle of expecting outcomes and instead focus on delivering quality content to those who truly value it.
Focus on doing the work, recognize excuses as excuses: Understanding that excuses are not real reasons can help free up mental energy to focus on achieving goals and making a difference.
Understanding that you don't have a right to be heard, appreciated, or seen, and recognizing that excuses are not real reasons, can help you focus on doing the work you want to do. As Seth Godin mentioned, if a reason doesn't stop everyone from doing something, it's not a reason, it's an excuse. This concept can be applied to various aspects of life, including creating content like podcasts. The laws of physics serve as a reminder that there are no insurmountable barriers to achieving your goals, and anything that stands in your way is likely an excuse rather than a reason. By acknowledging this, you can free up mental energy to focus on making a difference and achieving your goals. Godin's book, "The Practice," offers further insights on this idea. Additionally, Godin discussed his new institution, Akimbo, which is now a B Corp, and his ongoing workshops. The interview concluded with a preview of an upcoming episode featuring Professor Jonathan Haidt discussing the dangers of free speech limitations on college campuses.
Emphasizing the importance of taking action despite excuses: Societal trends focusing on victimhood and fear can hinder personal growth. Instead, following one's own path and being authentic, even with imperfections, is key.
Excuses are not valid reasons for not taking action. If something doesn't prevent everyone from doing something, it's not a reason, but rather an excuse. This idea was emphasized during a conversation between Jordan Harbinger and Seth Godin. They discussed how societal trends, such as the focus on victimhood and safe spaces, can lead to a culture of fear and self-censorship. Instead of teaching kids to focus on oppression and violence, Godin suggests following one's own path imperfectly. The conversation also touched on the importance of being authentic and saying things that are true, even if they may be offensive. The episode concluded with Godin sharing a quote from the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and development. Overall, the conversation highlighted the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and not using excuses as a crutch.
Lifting others up through sharing knowledge: By sharing this podcast, we help others learn and apply new knowledge, ultimately lifting them up in their creative practices
Importance of sharing knowledge and lifting others up. This podcast, created with the help of Jen Harbinger, Jay Sanderson, Robert Fogarty, Ian Baird, Millie Ocampo, Josh Ballard, and Gabe Mizrahi, is a resource for creatives and those interested in the works of Seth Godin. The creators ask that you share this podcast with friends when you find it useful or interesting. By sharing, you help others who may be new to a creative practice or struggling to get ahead. The ultimate goal is for listeners to not only learn from the podcast but to apply the knowledge in their own lives. So, do your best to live what you listen to, and share the podcast with those who could benefit from it. Remember, we rise by lifting others.