Good article. I like the #6 illustration the best. Succinct and shows both current and future positions/potentials. Many creative people say "just throw something against the wall, and if it sticks, by golly, develop it!" That is another way of saying "don't hold back". I am an older "rich" person who worked for a very creative person. His company was even called Creative Products and many consumer products still used today were developed by him. His creativity strength was a very active mind needing little sleep coupled with a workaholic mentality. He also enjoyed the "aha moments" of creating a successful product. So, don't give up, if you believe you have something! I might disagree that rich people are stupid (chuckle), most didn't get that way by being stupid. I got there by paying very close attention to how they succeeded, and using their proven skills. Here's my tip, find a mentor and always remember that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. It will save you time and help you stay focused. Good analysis of the whole process, Tim. Many people feel overwhelmed in early stages and need to read articles of encouragement. "Thumbs up!"
Tim, all of your points are great but #9 evoked memories of when I was coding in Python. This simple programming language is used to test concepts before software developers switch to C++ and make a more efficient (and complex) app. I've never done that myself, I'm not a software developer, but could immediately see the benefits of this approach - Python is so easy and should be used for testing.
I want to keep the pics from this story and bookmarked it. What a great read.
I liked the last image because it underlines my belief that you need to always be in the world of possibilities to feel alive and keep moving forward. I'm an ideas person and that is my obsession as well as believing that there are always solutions to any problems.I am a problem solver. I loved all the images but the last one resonated most
Thank you for this article, I found it incredibly useful and inspiring. You get to the point and tell us how it is. Plenty of things to take away and start applying, expanding on our personal life too not just career wise. Yep, fear it is what stops us most of the time. Thank you for showing us the way. Wonderful opportunity to catch.
I watched the conversation you had with Sinem Günel, on YouTube yesterday. Really enjoyed the whole thing, even though some of the stuff about the other platforms you are on and how they tie together went a little over my head. I meant to read some of your writings today on medium, but family matters arose. I’ll be having a look later when the dust has settled here.
Start. Don’t worry, overthink, or talk yourself out of it. I’ve since listened to your Koe Cast interview, where you go into more detail on your life, but essentially, once you flew those four hours on a plane, and stayed for a few day’s waiting on the phone to be answered, once it was, and you met, that was the message. “Just do it. It’ll be fine, I’m sure”…why Not?!”..
I’m paraphrasing of course, and skipping huge chunks of your story, but that jumped out in both interviews. Start. Do it. Work it out as you go.
And the psychologist saying stick to the plan was funny man! ;)
Well, I stopped doing what I was doing a while back.. self employed decorator.. a couple of physical problems..family issues have kept me pretty much occupied since..but things are always changing, and it’s time for a new chapter.
Writing and art have been on the back burner.. I’m a dinosaur tech wise.. there’s a lot to be done Tim. I’m on it.
The Koe Cast is great to listen to while walking I’ve found. I’m just off for a bit of exercise now. Oh, I and downloaded your book book from Medium. That’s for later. Thanks again Tim.
Tim, I love this article , so much to glean and integrate, Thank you particularly for the choose the pain of discipline, this has been a building principle for me in creating a healthy purposeful life …also this quote 💗…”cool perk I’ve found is when you permanently decide to enter the growth zone, you experience higher states of consciousness. It’s a transcendent feeling.” I believe it is transcendence in action and how we evolve . 🙏🏻
That’s interesting , as I am not very visual I had to go back and look…the one I remember on first read was the life path, because of the colour and the simplicity of the pain one. Going back a few more stood out , this says a lot about my process of taking info in and what I miss !
Lots of great visuals but the one that struck me the most was the showing up daily rows of circles. It's so true. I set myself a minimum of 200 words a day. And if there are days when the 200 are a struggle, so be it. But more often the 200 turns into 1000 or more. People ask me how I write so many novels (and I know lots of writers produce far more than I do), and it's because I do show up every day. But your visual is a great reminder for me - about to print it out and put it by my computer!
Best place for me is the library every Wednesday morning. It also sets me up for the rest of the week. I have an email list from when I was teaching but I do need to build it up, I know. Been busy writing and I also work as an editor.
Frankly, I have experienced each of them myself. Lately it's that I don't want a short cut. I need the time and effort to truly grow into the next iteration of myself. Oh, and the "this is pointless" graphic is great too. Kinda makes me want to continue.
I am starting a new business targeting successful men who feel empty inside (no joy or peace). I am branding myself (something new), yet at the same time am doing things I've never done before, like hosting a retreat in Iceland (I have a pre-retreat scheduled 4/23 - 4/29 - you're welcome to come I need 2 or three more people for the photo shoots, videos, dinner with locals, etc). I have to develop as a person to meet my clients where they are, so as I slog through the studies, the development of course curriculum, the development of who I am as a new person, it takes time and effort. I have to grind everything out. It's the time and effort that assist with this (btw, I do have a Master's in Counseling and have been studying this stuff for over 30 years, so it isn't new for me). I've also been through what my clients have been through and so can guide them along their journeys. My substack is my journey into this new world.
It might be hard selling a benefit such "I'll cure you from feeling empty inside." As someone who does well in online business, my advice would be to change your offer. Then sales will increase. Are you game?
#8 and #11 spoke the loudest to me—consistency and showing up meant perfection. I'm doing better at just doing something, anything so I can see progress.
The pain of discipline vs regret feels like the universe is punching me in my face for more than my writing. It seems to have a habit of repeating lessons until you learn them.
I publish mainly on Medium. Have been sporatic about it the last couple years. The last 3-4 months decided to focus and really write and publish regularly.
The visuals enhance your messages for sure. The one that stuck out for me is the difference between rich and wealthy. I already feel I’m wealthy through making serious changes in my life. Now my obsession to make a difference might make me more money as well as bring fulfilment in my new life paths. Cheers
I really like the drinking water is writing analogy. Writing on substack does feel like drinking water. I used to spend way too much time on other social media apps like Instagram. It felt like was drowning in other peoples ideas even though the ideas were great. like I was filling my creative cup but not drinking anything. don’t get me wrong, sometimes all I want to do is watch the Instagram machine. It’s like a real life, real-time movie. But if instagram is like watching the movie, then substack is like reading or writing the book. and I definitely need to read more books.
I'm trying to start writing. Not sure where it is going yet. But I love the community and the content on here. I feel like I'm always learning something valuable.
points #2 and #8 really hit home for me. resourcefulness is something I aspire to and something I need to work on! and #8 tells me, yes I show up every day, may not be 100% but it's okay to just show up. Thanks Tim!
Loved reading this article this morning. Always great morning motivation. I can relate to almost all of these points. The biggest ones being #7 and #9. I remember Jordan Peterson saying something about only being able to handle about 3-4 hours of intense focused work per day. Getting into a flow state has drastically increased my productivity and decreased work time. Also, as a former mechanical engineer and now current strength and conditioning coach, understanding the agile framework and process of iterating is an extremely useful skill across the board. Well done with this article!!!
On here, Substack. I do have a newsletter that I started to finally consistently write on and my first goal is to just build repetition and consistency
The plan is to share my Substack with people I personally know and then across platforms. IG, LinkedIn, etc. And try to engage with more people on here as well.
I found all of them very useful especially the growth zone one! It is a summary of the topic I would say. However, my personal favourite is the "Thinking & Writing" one as it does remind you visually and clearly of the benefits of writing.
Good article. I like the #6 illustration the best. Succinct and shows both current and future positions/potentials. Many creative people say "just throw something against the wall, and if it sticks, by golly, develop it!" That is another way of saying "don't hold back". I am an older "rich" person who worked for a very creative person. His company was even called Creative Products and many consumer products still used today were developed by him. His creativity strength was a very active mind needing little sleep coupled with a workaholic mentality. He also enjoyed the "aha moments" of creating a successful product. So, don't give up, if you believe you have something! I might disagree that rich people are stupid (chuckle), most didn't get that way by being stupid. I got there by paying very close attention to how they succeeded, and using their proven skills. Here's my tip, find a mentor and always remember that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. It will save you time and help you stay focused. Good analysis of the whole process, Tim. Many people feel overwhelmed in early stages and need to read articles of encouragement. "Thumbs up!"
So much gold in this reply Mark. So how did you generate your wealth?
Tim, all of your points are great but #9 evoked memories of when I was coding in Python. This simple programming language is used to test concepts before software developers switch to C++ and make a more efficient (and complex) app. I've never done that myself, I'm not a software developer, but could immediately see the benefits of this approach - Python is so easy and should be used for testing.
I want to keep the pics from this story and bookmarked it. What a great read.
Cheers Denis. How come you learned coding if you don't want to be a developer?
I was in research and needed Python for data analysis.
Makes sense.
I liked the last image because it underlines my belief that you need to always be in the world of possibilities to feel alive and keep moving forward. I'm an ideas person and that is my obsession as well as believing that there are always solutions to any problems.I am a problem solver. I loved all the images but the last one resonated most
What's your favorite problem to solve, Jackie?
Thank you for this article, I found it incredibly useful and inspiring. You get to the point and tell us how it is. Plenty of things to take away and start applying, expanding on our personal life too not just career wise. Yep, fear it is what stops us most of the time. Thank you for showing us the way. Wonderful opportunity to catch.
The illustrators are the real heroes. Which image did you find the most helpful?
The last one. The possibilities are endless, and can begin right now, as the past is always the past. Brilliant stack, Tim.
Yep, it's such a cool image. Have you considered changing life paths recently?
I watched the conversation you had with Sinem Günel, on YouTube yesterday. Really enjoyed the whole thing, even though some of the stuff about the other platforms you are on and how they tie together went a little over my head. I meant to read some of your writings today on medium, but family matters arose. I’ll be having a look later when the dust has settled here.
Cheers Kevin. Did you learn anything from the Sinem interview?
Yes, Tim.
Start. Don’t worry, overthink, or talk yourself out of it. I’ve since listened to your Koe Cast interview, where you go into more detail on your life, but essentially, once you flew those four hours on a plane, and stayed for a few day’s waiting on the phone to be answered, once it was, and you met, that was the message. “Just do it. It’ll be fine, I’m sure”…why Not?!”..
I’m paraphrasing of course, and skipping huge chunks of your story, but that jumped out in both interviews. Start. Do it. Work it out as you go.
And the psychologist saying stick to the plan was funny man! ;)
Recently?!Haha. Repeatedly, through the years, and recently it has become something never far from my mind.
Have you changed career paths?
Well, I stopped doing what I was doing a while back.. self employed decorator.. a couple of physical problems..family issues have kept me pretty much occupied since..but things are always changing, and it’s time for a new chapter.
Writing and art have been on the back burner.. I’m a dinosaur tech wise.. there’s a lot to be done Tim. I’m on it.
*once it was answered *..
The phone.
The Koe Cast is great to listen to while walking I’ve found. I’m just off for a bit of exercise now. Oh, I and downloaded your book book from Medium. That’s for later. Thanks again Tim.
Tim, I love this article , so much to glean and integrate, Thank you particularly for the choose the pain of discipline, this has been a building principle for me in creating a healthy purposeful life …also this quote 💗…”cool perk I’ve found is when you permanently decide to enter the growth zone, you experience higher states of consciousness. It’s a transcendent feeling.” I believe it is transcendence in action and how we evolve . 🙏🏻
No probs Susan. Any image stand out the most for you? I love the "this is pointless" one.
That’s interesting , as I am not very visual I had to go back and look…the one I remember on first read was the life path, because of the colour and the simplicity of the pain one. Going back a few more stood out , this says a lot about my process of taking info in and what I miss !
You're like me Susan. I'm not too visual either.
Then I commend you on experimenting with visuals and encouraging me to 👏
Thanks Susan but full credit goes to the illustrators.
Lots of great visuals but the one that struck me the most was the showing up daily rows of circles. It's so true. I set myself a minimum of 200 words a day. And if there are days when the 200 are a struggle, so be it. But more often the 200 turns into 1000 or more. People ask me how I write so many novels (and I know lots of writers produce far more than I do), and it's because I do show up every day. But your visual is a great reminder for me - about to print it out and put it by my computer!
Where's your favorite place to write Sherryl? Are you building an email list?
Best place for me is the library every Wednesday morning. It also sets me up for the rest of the week. I have an email list from when I was teaching but I do need to build it up, I know. Been busy writing and I also work as an editor.
How do you concentrate in a library with all the background noise?
Love these, especially the graphics. Something people can definitely use.
Cheer Robert. Any one of these illustrations stand out to you?
Frankly, I have experienced each of them myself. Lately it's that I don't want a short cut. I need the time and effort to truly grow into the next iteration of myself. Oh, and the "this is pointless" graphic is great too. Kinda makes me want to continue.
What's the goal you have where the idea of shortcuts came up?
I am starting a new business targeting successful men who feel empty inside (no joy or peace). I am branding myself (something new), yet at the same time am doing things I've never done before, like hosting a retreat in Iceland (I have a pre-retreat scheduled 4/23 - 4/29 - you're welcome to come I need 2 or three more people for the photo shoots, videos, dinner with locals, etc). I have to develop as a person to meet my clients where they are, so as I slog through the studies, the development of course curriculum, the development of who I am as a new person, it takes time and effort. I have to grind everything out. It's the time and effort that assist with this (btw, I do have a Master's in Counseling and have been studying this stuff for over 30 years, so it isn't new for me). I've also been through what my clients have been through and so can guide them along their journeys. My substack is my journey into this new world.
It might be hard selling a benefit such "I'll cure you from feeling empty inside." As someone who does well in online business, my advice would be to change your offer. Then sales will increase. Are you game?
Yes,definitely. Everything is still in development, so any help would be appreciated.
Great article! My vote for best graphic: your no 0 days image "Showing Up Daily"
Hell yes. Love that one!
#8 and #11 spoke the loudest to me—consistency and showing up meant perfection. I'm doing better at just doing something, anything so I can see progress.
The pain of discipline vs regret feels like the universe is punching me in my face for more than my writing. It seems to have a habit of repeating lessons until you learn them.
What do you feel regret about Sandi?
Waiting too long to publish. Not traveling more. My health. Working on it all.
Where do you publish Sandi?
I publish mainly on Medium. Have been sporatic about it the last couple years. The last 3-4 months decided to focus and really write and publish regularly.
Have you made much money on Medium? Are you in any Medium groups?
No, not much at all tbh. First I've heard of the medium groups. I read and comment on other people's writing and write.
Excellent work Tim! 👍
Cheers. What image did you like the most?
The visuals enhance your messages for sure. The one that stuck out for me is the difference between rich and wealthy. I already feel I’m wealthy through making serious changes in my life. Now my obsession to make a difference might make me more money as well as bring fulfilment in my new life paths. Cheers
Interesting. What new income streams are you working on? What will make you the money?
I really like the drinking water is writing analogy. Writing on substack does feel like drinking water. I used to spend way too much time on other social media apps like Instagram. It felt like was drowning in other peoples ideas even though the ideas were great. like I was filling my creative cup but not drinking anything. don’t get me wrong, sometimes all I want to do is watch the Instagram machine. It’s like a real life, real-time movie. But if instagram is like watching the movie, then substack is like reading or writing the book. and I definitely need to read more books.
Thank you for this post! #9 was also really good!
Yep #9 is cool.
Love that analogy Anna. Do you write on Substack? What do you love about it?
I'm trying to start writing. Not sure where it is going yet. But I love the community and the content on here. I feel like I'm always learning something valuable.
Have you tried Medium, Anna?
No I haven't. But maybe it's something I should look into
points #2 and #8 really hit home for me. resourcefulness is something I aspire to and something I need to work on! and #8 tells me, yes I show up every day, may not be 100% but it's okay to just show up. Thanks Tim!
Thanks for sharing. As long as there are no 0% days we're moving forward.
I jammed to some Sturgill Simpson the other day and thought about the old days when we inhaled our music from CDs.
Most albums only have one or two popular songs, leaving the rest forgotten by all but the most devoted fans.
Writing is a lot like that. Much of what we write will flop. That’s part of the game.
What matters is whether or not that creation fulfilled you.
You can’t control the outcome. The process is your part. The rest is for everybody else.
I like Zach Bryan’s music. A lot. I have every song he’s ever released saved on my Spotify account, yet there are songs I skip all the time.
I don't hate these songs. It's just that they don’t turn my musical crank. And that’s okay.
One must be mentally strong to make it in the creativity biz.
You pour your heart and soul into a work, only to be met with crickets the next day.
You have to be able to handle the outcome, and it’s not always easy. Disappointing outcomes can be a tough pill to swallow.
This is the part where most people quit.
How do I know? Cause I got that little voice in my head too. The one that says nobody gives a turkey about your life, so what’s the point?
That voice always nags, saying you’re wasting your time and energy
Well fuck that guy.
Kick his ass, seabass.
There’s no room for that voice in your life. Tell him to piss off, laugh him out of the room, fart on his face. I don’t care what you have to do.
Keep writing.
Fuck the outcome. It will be what it will be. What you need to do is enjoy the process.
The rest will work itself out.
One of the best replies so far. Do you make music Adam?
Thank you! And no sir, I only consume a ton of it.
If you could be a musician, what would you play?
Definitely drums. They really tie the room together.
Haha I was a drama for a decade. It's actually easy to pick up. Why not start playing drums and give it a go?
Never know, one day I might trade in my air drums for a real set!
Loved reading this article this morning. Always great morning motivation. I can relate to almost all of these points. The biggest ones being #7 and #9. I remember Jordan Peterson saying something about only being able to handle about 3-4 hours of intense focused work per day. Getting into a flow state has drastically increased my productivity and decreased work time. Also, as a former mechanical engineer and now current strength and conditioning coach, understanding the agile framework and process of iterating is an extremely useful skill across the board. Well done with this article!!!
I had no clue Jordan said that. Thanks for sharing Keith.
What are you currently working on?
Working on improving my writing and generating a loyal following.
What platform will you mainly write on? have you got a newsletter?
On here, Substack. I do have a newsletter that I started to finally consistently write on and my first goal is to just build repetition and consistency
Given a writing habit isn't enough, how will you grow your readership?
The plan is to share my Substack with people I personally know and then across platforms. IG, LinkedIn, etc. And try to engage with more people on here as well.
I found all of them very useful especially the growth zone one! It is a summary of the topic I would say. However, my personal favourite is the "Thinking & Writing" one as it does remind you visually and clearly of the benefits of writing.
Do you write Adriana?