book.chapter The practice: conceptual foundations

In today's economy, individuals are often seen as mere components, but creativity remains a personal choice. To innovate or improve the world, cultivate a "practice" of regular creation, sharing, and distribution, guided by five core principles. Believe in your creativity In the past, the industrial economy was driven by outcomes; following a set of steps would typically lead to a promised result. However, in today's dynamic economy, there are no guarantees. The most valuable work now involves creativity rather than compliance. This shift is empowering because it allows anyone, including you, to embark on a creative journey and produce "art" in any form—be it writing, business ideas, services, products, or traditional art forms like paintings and songs. Art is your creative contribution, and you can start anytime without needing permission. The bhagavad gita suggests that it's better to imperfectly follow your own path than to perfectly follow someone else's. The goal of a creative practice is to make an impact, to create magic with your work, whether it's solving widespread problems or standing up for a belief. As an artist, you initiate change without waiting for instruction or selection. Seth godin defines art as the work we do without a right answer, driven by the commitment to a practice we've chosen, even without a guarantee of success. The modern culture is outcome-focused, but this mindset can lead to abandoning good processes if immediate results aren't seen. By committing to creativity and the process of making art, you're making an original contribution and doing work you're proud of, regardless of the outcome. Godin encourages acting as if you are already the artist you aspire to be, establishing your identity through your work. He suggests writing as a powerful tool for all creatives and advocates for sharing your work, even if just with a few people, to solidify your identity. Share your creative works Seth godin emphasizes the importance of persistence and generosity in creating art. He suggests that by sharing your work and embracing feedback, you engage in a process that can lead to significant change. Godin points out that not everyone will appreciate your art, but that's part of the journey. The goal is to create something that resonates with a specific audience, much like how niche tv shows have captivated smaller, yet deeply engaged audiences. He also highlights the importance of quality in art, not just in terms of technical specifications or luxury but in the creative magic that leads to breakthroughs. Generosity, according to godin, is key to a successful practice. This includes recommending competitors when appropriate, showcasing a mindset of abundance. He encourages artists to embrace the uncertainty and discomfort that come with creating something new, suggesting that this is where true innovation and impact lie. Godin's perspective is a call to action for artists to be bold, generous, and unafraid of the challenges that come with making a difference through their work. Maintain artistic professionalism Seth godin emphasizes that what truly matters in our work is the result of choices, skills, and attitudes, all of which can be developed through practice. He argues that creativity isn't a prerequisite for shipping work; rather, shipping work consistently fosters creativity. Godin dismisses the notion that talent is a barrier to professional success, citing steve martin's admission of having "no talent" and underscoring that skill is not innate but earned through dedication and hard work. He insists that calling a professional "talented" is an insult; their proficiency is the product of effort and commitment. Godin also points out that monetizing art doesn't equate to diminishing its value. On the contrary, charging for art enhances its perceived value and seriousness. Financial support enables artists to commit to their practice and produce better work. He advises artists to seek out better clients, as they not only pay more but also push the artist to excel and advocate for their work to others. The journey to professionalism is a choice that involves rejecting mediocrity and the temptation of shortcuts. Godin encourages artists to aim for the higher standard of becoming professionals that desirable clients seek. He concludes by presenting a choice: to remain an amateur content with limited impact or to embrace the discipline of a professional. This decision is a critical juncture, as a professional is not just a fortunate amateur but someone who has chosen a deliberate path of practice and improvement. Art with purposeful impact Establishing a professional practice requires a deep understanding of whom you're aiming to serve. Identifying your target audience is the first step, as it's impossible to cater to everyone. Understanding their beliefs, fears, desires, and thought processes is crucial. Following this, it's essential to articulate the change you wish to bring about through your work. Knowing your audience and the purpose of your art allows you to measure its success effectively. It's vital to perform a gut check to ensure you're genuinely committed to making a difference in your audience's lives. The process involves creating work that resonates with your intended audience, which is the cornerstone of effecting change with your art. Seth godin illustrates this concept using the analogy of cowboys herding cattle, emphasizing the importance of influencing a small group that, in turn, influences a larger one. This approach is key to creating widespread movements, products, or services. Godin also highlights the necessity of intentional action, which requires a clear understanding of your goals and a commitment to delivering on your promises. Steven pressfield adds that our purpose on earth involves creating art that delivers the essence of authenticity to others. Godin further stresses the importance of empathy in our creative process, urging us to listen to and understand our audience's dreams and desires. Ultimately, consistent and intentional effort in our work is what leads to meaningful change. Consistent artistic creation Seth godin challenges the prevailing myths surrounding the necessity of formal education and credentials for creating impactful art. He argues that the belief in needing a prestigious college degree to succeed is unfounded, emphasizing that great art often comes from those who think independently, without formal qualifications. Godin also debunks the concept of writer's block, suggesting that creativity is not a mystical force but a product of consistent effort and storytelling. He highlights the importance of embracing failure as a natural part of the creative process, pointing out that many successful companies and creators have experienced numerous failures before achieving success. To foster creativity, godin advises establishing a routine of producing and sharing work regularly, regardless of perfection, and focusing on a specific audience rather than trying to appeal to everyone. He encourages creators to avoid shortcuts, embrace challenges, and continuously seek improvement. By committing thoughts to writing and engaging with constructive criticism, artists can clarify their ideas and connect with their audience. Godin's approach is exemplified by prolific writers like isaac asimov, who maintained a disciplined writing schedule, proving that consistency and dedication are key to overcoming creative barriers and generating meaningful art.