“Leadership is a choice, not a position.” — Stephen Covey
Everything is a choice.
You can choose to publish a blog post, speak up in a meeting, and offer to help someone.
Or, you can choose not to.
Just know choosing NOT to do something is every bit as much of a choice you make as it is to DO something.
Choose wisely.
Now, on to this week’s ideas…
1. The First Creations Of 10 Famous Creators And What You Can Learn From Them
“The more you care about your audience when you have a small one, the more likely you are to attract a big one.”
This one was fun for me to put together and I think you’re going to love it.
In this post, I share the first creations of 10 famous creators and what you can learn from them including lessons from Seth Godin’s first blog post, Gary Vaynerchuk’s first YouTube video, Lauryn Hill’s first TV performance, and Jim Henson’s first TV show.
Related: The seven videos I most often tell creators to watch.
2. How To Monetize Your Creativity
“A lot of people exercise. Very few people train. Exercising is doing something for a short-term immediate benefit…training is you have a goal.”
I’ve mentioned this podcast episode to 10 different people this week after listening to it a few days ago — it’s that good.
Below The Line podcast host James Beshara interviews Gumroad founder Sahil Lavingia about how to monetize your creativity and their conversation is a must-listen for anyone building a creative career.
They break down what it takes to develop the necessary skills, audience, and products to succeed as a writer, artist, musician, or in any other creative pursuit.
Related: Want to make money from your expertise? Start here.
3. How To Unleash Your Writing Superpower
“In the early stages, you have one writing objective: eliminating all friction in writing.”
You have an ability you can use to earn more money, make you smarter, and get access to opportunities you can’t imagine…if you choose to use it.
Khe Hy breaks down how to unleash your writing superpower including tips about how to overcome the obstacles of having no audience, not knowing where to start, or what to write about.
Related: The five most valuable skills you can develop for free.
4. Are You In Motion Or In Action?
“When you’re in motion, you’re planning and strategizing and learning. Those are all good things, but they don’t produce a result. Action, on the other hand, is the type of behavior that will deliver an outcome.”
This one will help you avoid a trap tons of hard-working people fall into and maybe even notice if you’re already stuck in it now.
James Clear explains the difference between being in motion and taking action and shares two strategies to ensure you take meaningful action and don’t get stuck in motion.
Btw, I found this link in Trevor McKendrick’s newsletter.
Related: My most productive days are a result of these five choices.
5. How To Become An Influential Curator In Your Niche
“Curation gives even mundane objects value by connecting them with a point of view, heritage, a subculture or purpose that makes them stand out in the vortex of speed, superficiality, and newness.”
You’ve already probably figured out I’m a HUGE believer in the power of curation and think curating valuable ideas in your area of interest is one of the best things you can do for yourself, your art, and your career.
Ana Andjelic suggests how to become an influential curator in your niche including the importance of defining your objective, point of view, and the story you want to tell.
Related: How to curate content.
A note from Scott Monty, creator of the Timeless & Timely newsletter:
You’re busy. I get it.
Wouldn’t it be great to have an oasis of calm amid the hustle-bustle? A place of serenity in the face of shiny object syndrome? A chance to reflect on what matters?
Each week, Timeless & Timely provides you with time-honored lessons about human nature that apply to leaders today. Essentials of communication, leadership, and integrity for better relationships with the people that matter in your life.
What I give: one essay, three links to timely articles, three links to timeless stories, a recommended book and podcast, and numerous topical quotes. Simplicity Itself and Going Viral are the two most popular recent entries.
What you gain: a unique perspective on a business or leadership challenge.
Three Quick Things Before You Go…
Want help making progress with your creation? Check out my Creator Accelerator.
Last week’s most popular link was how to craft an awesome About page.
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