#192: Acting On Good Advice.
There is lots of good advice out there. Some of it never comes your way, but when it does, do you act on it?
Over the course of the last 5 years or so, I have met a number of amazing people who have knowingly or unknowingly made me look at the world in different ways. I wouldn’t want to call it any better or worse, just different. One of the consequences has been that I am more open to new ideas. I think that I spend significantly more time «thinking» nowadays. Not that I would want to or even could quantify the benefits of doing so. It is an important observation, though.
The follow-up question then is whether or not the thinking actually leads to action. Fully agreed that there isnt’ always a need to do so. At times, it is even advisable to stop right there.
However, good recent advice from two trustworthy sources encouraged me to act on an idea I had been fiddling around with for some time.
Shipping creative work. This is not the same as being creative. In fact, they’re very different skills and emotional mindsets.
What essential part of you are you not bringing into the world because you don’t have a degree, or certificate, or some “proof” that you have good reason to play in that space? Trust what lights you up, the rest will come — including the “credentials”, if you really need them. Whether you’re 15, 25, 45 or 75… ;-)
Kirsten Gunnerud, RocketTrike Studios
Before you get too excited wondering about the action I might have taken, I am happy to unveil the mystery.
I had lunch with one of my best friends and told him about it. I laid it all out. Not only that, I went as far as scribbling my thoughts on paper… or rather a parcel I had been carrying with me. That was all I could possibly write on.
The magic happened between the main course and dessert. My friend understood what I was trying to say. It made him reflect on the action he had or hadn’t taken over the years. He said that it was relevant to him and that he wanted to act on it.
Did he challenge my «credentials»?
Was he happy that I didn’t keep it for myself and actually «shipped»?
We all know it. It isn’t difficult. We have done it before. Risks are low. When we feel that we have something to say, we should act on it.
Start small. Select your audience. Don’t expect too much. Make it simple. Take your time. Be patient (with yourself and your counterpart).
Just ship. Best of luck!
