Stepping into the Arena
Hey friends, happy Sunday!
Last week I read this quote:
“Most people never pick up the phone and call. Most people never ask, and that’s what separates the people who do things from the people who just dream about them.” - Steve Jobs
And for weeks I've been thinking about how most of us don't take action.
We have good ideas and big plans but never do anything to make them a reality.
I know this feeling well because for years that was me. I'd think, dream and plan my way to success but never follow through.
There'd always be something holding me back, a reason I couldn't build something, an excuse not to share my work.
But it all came down to one thing, fear.
The fear of:
- Being judged
- Making mistakes
- Being made fun of
- The unknown
As creators and entrepreneurs, we all deal with this fear. The difference between those who make an impact and those who don't is their ability to act in the face of this fear.
As psychologist Abraham Maslow said: “Life is an ongoing process of choosing between safety (out of fear and need for defense) and risk (for the sake of progress and growth). Make the growth choice a dozen times a day.”
For me the switch came when I realised that nothing could be more painful than never sharing my ideas and creations.
Since this shift, I publish my thoughts, build projects and share my imperfect videos unashamed of what people might say or think.
Because I'd rather live a life of judgment and scrutiny from people sitting on the sidelines than a life of "what-ifs".
Once you step into the arena you expose yourself to serendipity amongst others in the arena… and who knows where that might lead.
This Weeks Finds
I.
Seth Godin On the Knowledge Project
(Podcast)
Seth Godin is someone I enjoy listening to for his unique take on life, creativity, and business. This episode of Farnham Streets Knowledge Project is my favorite Seth Godin interview.
They cover a lot of topics in his new book “The Practice” but perhaps my biggest takeaway is how Seth manages his focus and attention.
Instead of having to battle procrastination, he limits incoming distractions to the level that he forces himself into taking action. If he wasn’t taking action he wouldn’t be doing anything with his days because he says no to distractions like tv and social media.
II.
The resume is dead
(Tweet)
Last week I talked about The Age of Leverage and this week it played out in some small part.
Earlier in the week, I noticed Matt D'avella was advertising for a few freelance roles so I checked it out and jotted down a few ideas on how I could help him and the team.
On Thursday I put together a website then scripted, filmed and edited a video on how I can help Matt do more of what he wants to be doing.
Published the video and fired off a tweet on Friday then I got back to work. There were no expectations of a reply I just had an idea and a vision.
An hour later he responded and by Saturday we setup a call.
Nothing is set in stone, we might not be the right fit but it highlighted to me that people don't care about your resume, they care about how you can help them.
So next time you're pursuing an opportunity stop focusing on making yourself look good and instead highlight how you can help them.
III.
Command Browser
(App)
This browser is a delight to use. It's built to help you capture important information and integrate it straight into your note-taking system [Notion, Roam etc].
It reduces friction when researching on the web and also offers a place to save funny memes [because you've gotta have a place to save those funny memes].
It is currently only on IOS devices [no mac app] but so far it's been great.
This Weeks Idea
"The ability to choose cannot be taken away or even given away – it can only be forgotten." - Greg McKeown
This Weeks Creations
How to get Started as a Freelance Web Designer
Matt D'avella you Should Probably Hire Me
End Note
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Have a great week!
- Stephen