We’re talking about neither Rogen nor MacFarlane, although they both have their moments.
Seth Godin, as some of our readers know, has created a huge worldwide following — more than just about any other “marketing guru” — because his blog and books are unique, building a voice that is distinctly his own. He’s a strong, engaging writer, insightful and inspiring in a way that applies to just about any field. Seth is firmly rooted in the business world, but has the heart of an artist. He writes about what matters, not just what’s trendy. He believes in things like values, integrity and investment in people. In short, his content is solid, and shows that he richly deserves the title of “visionary”.
Today’s post on Seth’s Blog is short and to the point:
“You’re doing it wrong”
But at least you’re doing it.
Once you’re doing it, you have a chance to do it better.
Waiting for perfect means not starting.
Whatever you’re dreaming about, don’t wait. Start today. Then, be sure to subscribe to Seth’s Blog, whether it be through a feedreader (Feedly is our favorite) or by email. It’s one of the best things you can do to build your business brain, so you can rock, too.
Books to create by
Want to dive in a little deeper? We’ve recommended these before, but they’re worth repeating — here’s a trio of Godin books that are must-haves for any artist, and the first one fits perfectly with today’s post. Particularly for those of us who live a vehicular life, consider the audiobooks, as he reads his own stuff very well:
Leap First: Creating Work That Matters (2015)
Business and cultural visionary Seth Godin has transformed the terrain of marketing and commerce more than once. But many of his readers remain stuck in their own work lives. So what’s keeping us back? “The problem isn’t a lack of knowledge or skill,” he’s realized. “The problem is fear.”
Recorded in an intimate gathering of aspiring entrepreneurs, writers, and leaders, Leap First teaches us 49 essential principles, practices, and life lessons that have helped Seth the most in his own work and life.
We Are All Weird: The Rise of Tribes and the End of Normal (2015)
World of Warcrafters, LARPers, Settlers of Catan? Weird.
Beliebers, Swifties, Directioners? Weirder.
Paleos, vegans, carb loaders, ovolactovegetarians? Pretty weird.
Mets fans, Yankees fans, Bears fans? Definitely weird.
Face it. We’re all weird.
So why are companies still trying to build products for the masses?
Why are we still acting like the masses even exist?
Weird is the new normal. And only companies that figure that out have any chance of survival. This book shows you how.
The Icarus Deception: How High Will You Fly? (2012)
Everyone knows that Icarus’s father made him wings and told him not to fly too close to the sun; he ignored the warning and plunged to his doom. The lesson: Play it safe. Listen to the experts. It was the perfect propaganda for the industrial economy. What boss wouldn’t want employees to believe that obedience and conformity are the keys to success?
But we tend to forget that Icarus was also warned not to fly too low, because seawater would ruin the lift in his wings. Flying too low is even more dangerous than flying too high, because it feels deceptively safe.
The safety zone has moved. Conformity no longer leads to comfort. But the good news is that creativity is scarce and more valuable than ever. So is choosing to do something unpredictable and brave: Make art. Being an artist isn’t a genetic disposition or a specific talent. It’s an attitude we can all adopt. It’s a hunger to seize new ground, make connections, and work without a map. If you do those things you’re an artist, no matter what it says on your business card.
