Blog

Csikszentmihalyi, the psychologist who pioneered the theory of flow, explains that every flow experience contributes to the growth of the self.  After each episode, we’re a little different from what we were before. Our consciousness inputs fresh information about what our selves are.  This is not an insignificant victory. Any effort to chase down and expand the authentic self is valuable. Because it proves that we’re making progress in…

Never walk into a meeting empty handed.  Show up with ideas. Physically written out on paper. And when the time is right, don’t just hand it over, deliver it.  This practice is not only fun, memorable, unexpected, engaging and creative, but it also speaks volumes about the kind of person you are.  Somebody who brings value. Somebody who invests personal preparation and perspiration into their appointments. Somebody who knows…

Gilbert’s memoir on creative living beyond fear makes an inspiring case against rejection.  She writes that when she used to get rejection letters from editors, she would permit her ego to say the following aloud.  You think you can scare me off? I’ve got another fifty years to wear you down. There are people who haven’t even been born yet who are going to reject me someday. That’s how…

Rand’s character notes in the afterword of her legendary novel are fascinating.  She actually wrote them several years before the publication of the book itself. Not for any outside reader, but for the clarity of her own understanding.  And what’s interesting is, although the notes weren’t included in the final manuscript, they’re still some of the most important words in the book.  Roark, our protagonist, is depicted in both…

I once saw a group of guys at bachelor party walking through a casino.  Each of them was wearing a powder blue shirt with the icon of a bride and groom at the altar, chained to the phrase, game over.  What a perfect microcosm for how our culture views marriage. How it’s the ultimate loss of freedom. Hence, the bachelor party. One last chance to enjoy the sweet nectar of…

Romeo was first smitten by another maiden.  Rosaline, one of the unseen characters in the play, was involved in a short lived romance with our hero, who expressed dismay at her not loving him back.  Juliet, of course, walked into the costume ball and changed everything. The moment our protagonist lays his eyes upon her, good old what’s her name is history. And he expresses one of the most…

I recently heard an interview with renowned chef who compared her career to getting a tattoo.  There was never any plan, she laughed. Every single choice and endeavor focused around what felt pleasurable in the moment, and she trusted that this new tattoo, which was now stuck on her body forever, would create a residual ongoing effect that nobody could ever take away from her.  It’s a deeply courageous…

Seeking help, in whatever necessary form, is the most important part of the entrepreneurial journey.  If we don’t connect our goals with people who can help make them happen, pushing that boulder up the hill is going to take a very, very long time.  But equally as dangerous as not asking for helping from the right people, is accepting help from the wrong ones. Here’s a summary of my experience making that very mistake. …

Negative inspiration is when we see something in the world that we don’t want to be a part of, and it sparks action.  It’s a beautiful moment in the creative process.  Because it enables our divine dissatisfaction with the way the world is. And that’s a very specific and valuable emotion that we can’t access when we’re happy.  The good news is, once we tap into that energy, we…

My personality type is a classic right brain rebel artist.  Here are the greatest hits of my flaws.  Not a planner, struggles with logical thinking, experiences physical anxiety when forced to follow basic instructions and has almost zero attention to detail.  Now that’s one hell of a resume headline.  However, instead of hiding these weakness, or worse yet, spending time and energy and money trying to correct them, I’m…