Steven Pressfied started trying to be a writer in his 20s. He wasn’t officially published and calling writing his career until he was in his 50s. While on his journey, he spent some time living in a rented house with no water or windows, and cooking his dinner over a fire he’d make outback every … Continue reading The Redheaded Cat Role Model
Tag: communication
Why So Many Creatives Have a Background In Advertising (Pressfield)
Steven Pressfield told James Altucher: Advertising teaches you nobody wants to read your shit so you better make it immediately compelling. He continues (paraphrased): The other thing it teaches you is how to edit. The space has constraints you need to fit in. A 60-second ad goes by FAST. People romanticize creativity as being willing … Continue reading Why So Many Creatives Have a Background In Advertising (Pressfield)
The Leader’s Mind Is Infectious
They were part way through hell week, his knee was so injured and mangled it had swollen to the size of a grapefruit - rendering his leg nearly useless, and he still refused to limp. In his mind, if he had so much as winced, his team would have seen the mental weakness. And the … Continue reading The Leader’s Mind Is Infectious
Sanity Is A One Trick Pony
IF you do a job the same way as everyone else, IF you do it the most rational way possible, IF you embrace the basicness of the tasks, THEN - it will probably work! But it will be boring, and it probably won’t amount to much. Because you need to be at least a little … Continue reading Sanity Is A One Trick Pony
Sunday Music: Rick Ross “Act A Fool”
I have a thing for the measured slowness of Rick Ross’ flow. I guess I missed “Act a Fool (feat. Wale)” when it came out, but I stumbled across it a few weeks ago and it’s such a vibe. Its tempo and rhythm, vibrating with his “I’m going to unapologetically make this statement for profit,” … Continue reading Sunday Music: Rick Ross “Act A Fool”
Podcast Of The Week: GZA Dropping (Star) Science
I was pretty moved by getting a bunch of messages from people over sharing a GZA reference the other day. It reminded me of this old StarTalk podcast episode where Neil DeGrasse Tyson talks to GZA. It’s delightfully nerdy. With plenty of Wu, and the always amusing commentary of Tyson, Chuck Nice’s comedic angle, and … Continue reading Podcast Of The Week: GZA Dropping (Star) Science
The Time Abe Lincoln’s Step Brother Asked Him For A Loan
Before he was President, Abraham Lincoln’s step-brother wrote him a letter asking for a loan. The response is worth quoting (emphasis added). : Your request for eighty dollars, I do not think it best, to comply with now. At the various times when I have helped you a little, you have said to me “We … Continue reading The Time Abe Lincoln’s Step Brother Asked Him For A Loan
The #1 Opportunity Leaders Create
The biggest, most important, number 1 opportunity a leader creates is the opportunity to evolve and grow. Do things feel stagnant? Ask who isn’t evolving or growing and why. Then figure out what you’re going to do about it.
Podcast Of The Week: Rick Rubin on Cash’s “Hurt”
My buddy Adam K. sent me this clip from Lex Fridman discussing Johnny Cash’s rendition of “Hurt” with Rick Rubin. They discuss how the lyrics, originally written by a 20-something, are sad but a bit redemptive. The same poem, when sung by a 70ish-year-old, feels devastating. It’s an incredible piece of perspective art. Listen to … Continue reading Podcast Of The Week: Rick Rubin on Cash’s “Hurt”
Plus Minus Next Journaling (2023 Prep Tools)
Max Jancar has, “a cheat sheet for turning a devastating loss into the best thing that ever happened to you.” It’s a big promise, but as we reflect on what we want to do in 2023, and inevitably what we didn’t do/didn’t do so well in 2022, this can be a really useful tool. He’s … Continue reading Plus Minus Next Journaling (2023 Prep Tools)