Confidence Classic: Seth Godin on The Practice: How to Inspire, Embrace, & Share Your True Voice
In this episode of Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan, Seth Godin and Heather Monahan explore principles for developing and sustaining a creative practice. They emphasize the importance of embracing imperfection, overcoming self-doubt, and aligning with one's authentic voice. Godin offers strategies for establishing consistent creative habits and defining one's target audience.
Monahan and Godin also provide guidance on building a personal brand, showcasing expertise, and effectively promoting creative work to reach the desired audience. Their insights shed light on the mindset and practical steps required for creativity to thrive.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Feb 18, 2025 episode of the Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan
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1-Page Summary
Mindset and Mentality for Creative Work
Embracing Imperfection and Failure in the Creative Process
Seth Godin challenges the notion of seeking perfection or waiting for inspiration. He suggests creators should consistently produce work, even if imperfect, as greatness will eventually emerge. Godin emphasizes focusing on the creative process over outcomes.
Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt
Godin and Heather Monahan acknowledge feelings of self-doubt and impostor syndrome are natural when taking on new creative roles. However, they advise leaning into a generous, creative mindset and serving the audience without seeking external validation.
Defining and Aligning With Your Authentic Self
Godin and Monahan discourage suppressing one's unique voice to fit in. Instead, they recommend embracing authenticity as it attracts supporters drawn to your distinct perspective.
Building a Consistent Creative Practice
Committing To Daily Practice, Even On "Off" Days
Godin dismisses "writer's block," stating creators should show up and work daily, as consistency breeds identity and good work emerges through repetition. Monahan adds it's okay to forgive unproductive days, but maintain the practice.
Defining and Pursuing Your "Smallest Viable Audience"
Both recommend focusing efforts on a core audience who benefits from your work. Godin suggests dismissing misaligned clients or opportunities to prioritize serving the right people well.
Positioning and Marketing Oneself As a Creative
Developing a Personal Brand and Showcasing Your Expertise
Monahan and Godin highlight building an online presence showcasing skills and viewpoints. They note how expertise attracts opportunities and collaborators.
Effectively Promoting and Selling Your Work
They advise leveraging social media, networking, partnerships, and professional services to promote work and reach the desired audience. Godin emphasizes authentic storytelling to engage followers.
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Counterarguments
- Consistently producing work without focusing on outcomes might lead to a quantity over quality approach, which can dilute the impact of truly great work.
- While embracing imperfection is important, striving for excellence can motivate creators to improve their skills and produce higher quality work.
- Overcoming fear and self-doubt is important, but some level of self-critique is necessary to ensure that one's work meets certain standards and is continually improving.
- Serving the audience without seeking external validation is noble, but feedback is often crucial for growth and understanding the needs and preferences of the audience.
- While authenticity is valuable, adapting one's voice to different contexts and audiences can be a skill that allows for broader communication and influence.
- Daily practice is beneficial, but rest and recovery are also important for creativity, and forcing work on "off" days might lead to burnout.
- Focusing on a smallest viable audience can be limiting for some creators who aim for mass appeal or whose work naturally resonates with a broader audience.
- Personal branding is useful, but it can also create pressure to maintain a certain image, which might stifle genuine creativity and personal growth.
- Leveraging social media and other platforms for promotion is standard advice, but it can also lead to an overemphasis on marketing at the expense of the creative process itself.
- Authentic storytelling is important, but there is also a place for more direct or traditional marketing techniques that might better suit certain audiences or products.
Actionables
- You can start a "creative hour" in your daily routine where you focus solely on producing something, regardless of its quality. Set aside a specific time each day, say from 7 to 8 PM, to work on a creative project like writing, drawing, or playing an instrument. The goal is not to create a masterpiece every day but to build the habit of consistent practice. For example, if you're interested in writing, you could aim to write a short poem or a journal entry during this hour, without worrying about editing or refining it.
- Create a "failure resume" to document and reflect on your creative missteps and what you've learned from them. This can be a physical notebook or a digital document where you jot down projects that didn't go as planned and the insights gained. For instance, if you attempted to knit a scarf and it turned out too short, write down what went wrong, what you learned about knitting techniques, and how you can apply this knowledge to future projects.
- Develop a "creative giving" project where you share your work freely with a small group of people who appreciate it. This could be a monthly email newsletter, a personal blog, or a social media page where you post your creations without expecting anything in return. For example, if you enjoy photography, you could start an Instagram account dedicated to your local landscape photography, sharing images with others who love the area, thereby fostering a sense of community and connection without focusing on likes or follows.
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Mindset and Mentality for Creative Work
Seth Godin and Heather Monahan address the approaches to navigating the uncertainties and challenges that come with doing creative work, emphasizing the importance of process, authenticity, and overcoming self-doubt.
Embracing Imperfection and Failure in the Creative Process
Embrace Imperfect Work As a Path to Greatness
Godin challenges the idea of "writer's block" by suggesting that creators should not aim for perfection. He implies that through creating imperfect work, a piece of greatness will eventually emerge. Sia, as cited by Godin, writes many songs with the understanding that only a fraction will be successful. The act of producing work without the promise of universal acceptance is essential to her creative process.
Focus On the Process, Not the Outcome
Godin advises focusing on the process of creation itself, rather than being concerned about the outcomes, such as how many copies of a book will sell. He exemplifies this by discussing his daily blog, noting that it allows his subconscious to seek improvement in his writing even though not every post is perfect. Similarly, Godin mentions going to the studio and making work of no immediate value is still part of a successful practice. It’s the continuous effort that may lead to greater achievements in the long run.
Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt
Feeling Like an Imposter Is Natural in New or Leadership Roles
Monahan confesses feelings of self-doubt and frustration, common among entrepreneurs and indicative of new leadership roles. Godin talks about feeling like an imposter as well, which is natural when offering direction in uncharted territory without guaranteed proof of success. Regardless, he encourages leaning into the more generous and creative voice to lead.
Be Generous and Serve Your Audience Without Seeking Reassurance or Permission
Monahan and Godin discuss overcoming the need to seek reassurance before taking action. Godin remarks on the folly of seeking reassurance, suggesting that creators should focus on serving their audience generously without needing external validation. He also acknowledges nervousness as a form of fuel, recommending to tell ourselves different stories to alter the kind of energy we tap into.
Godin mentions his own strategies to overcome nervousness before posting to his blog, such as scheduling posts to publish while he is asleep and avoiding reading replies. By doing so, without the associated nervousness, he can be more generous in his writing.
Defining and Aligning With Your Authentic Self
Suppressing Your Voice and Opinions to Fit In or Please Others Is Counterp ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Mindset and Mentality for Creative Work
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While embracing imperfection can lead to greatness, some creative fields require a high degree of precision and accuracy, where imperfection could lead to significant consequences or a lack of professionalism.
- Focusing solely on the process without considering outcomes might not be sustainable for creators who rely on their work for income; outcomes can be important for setting goals and measuring success.
- While feeling like an imposter is common, it's important to also build confidence and competence to genuinely fulfill one's role effectively and not let imposter syndrome hinder growth.
- Seeking reassurance and permission can sometimes be a part of a healthy feedback loop, helping creators avoid potential pitfalls and ensuring their work resonates with their intended audience.
- Suppressing one's voice to fit in can sometimes be a strategic choice, especially in environments where expressing one's true self might lead to conflict or misunderstanding.
- Authenticity is important, but so is adaptability; sometimes showing up authentically might not be appropriate or effective in certain professional or cultural contexts.
- Embracing failure is important, but it's also crucial to learn from failures and not simply accept them as an end r ...
Actionables
- Start a "flawed work" journal where you document your creative process, including the mistakes and lessons learned. This practice encourages you to focus on the journey of creation rather than the end result. For example, if you're learning to paint, write about the colors that didn't mix well or the brush strokes that went awry, and reflect on what they taught you about technique and style.
- Create a "no permission needed" challenge for yourself, where you commit to taking one small action daily without seeking approval from others. This could be as simple as posting a photo you took on social media without asking friends if they like it first, or cooking a new recipe without double-checking with someone if it sounds good. This habit helps you to trust your instincts and ...
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Building a Consistent Creative Practice
Seth Godin and Heather Monahan share their insights on how to develop a consistent creative practice, reflecting on the importance of showing up daily, targeting the right audience, and dismissing mismatches to focus on valued opportunities.
Committing To Daily Practice, Even On "Off" Days
Persistence and commitment to daily output are crucial elements in engaging with your creativity consistently.
No "Writer's Block" – Just Keep Showing Up and Working
Godin refutes the notion of "writer's block," encouraging creators to produce work persistently, as good work emerges from repetition. He compares creativity to activities like walking and talking, which don't have associated "blocks." Godin underscores that creators should have a practice and do their work regularly, indicating a commitment to consistent creative output regardless of inspiration levels.
Godin compares the practice of writing to going to the gym, stating that consistency leads to identity as a writer. By continuing to write, one becomes a writer, just as frequent gym attendance makes one a gym-goer. He tells the story of a mutual friend named Brian, who is a magician because he shows up and practices his craft, even on days when he doesn't feel like it.
Forgive Unproductive Days; Maintain Consistency for Good Work Through Repetition
Monahan speaks about forgiving oneself on days without creative breakthroughs and the importance of continuing the practice. Godin adds that forgiveness is essential, making the point that a great day is one where you engage in the practice, no matter the outcome. The key is to show up, post, and add value consistently.
Defining and Pursuing Your "Smallest Viable Audience"
To make a difference and sustain creativity, focus on serving a specific group who will benefit from your work and dismiss opportunities that don't align with your skills and authentic self.
Serve a Targeted Group Who Will Benefit From Your Work
Godin suggests writing a book or creating work for a specific group of people, aiming to craft something that they will find memorable. He speaks of the privilege to create for even a small audience, suggesting that by focusing on those who need your creativity, you fulfill an obligation to contribute meaningfully. Monahan aligns with this idea, having written her book for someone who might feel as she did, aiming to help that specific individual.
Dismiss Mismatched Clients or Opportunities to Free Time and Energy for the Right Ones
Godin advises focusing on a "smallest viable audience" to make a manageable and substantial difference. He discusses attracting clients who want you to do better work and pushing you beyond the st ...
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Building a Consistent Creative Practice
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Counterarguments
- While persistence is important, rest and recovery can also be crucial for long-term creativity and avoiding burnout.
- The concept of "writer's block" may be a valid experience for some, and acknowledging it could lead to strategies for overcoming creative barriers.
- Creativity can sometimes benefit from spontaneity and irregular bursts of inspiration, not just regular practice.
- Identity as a writer or creator can come from the quality and impact of work, not just the frequency of output.
- On unproductive days, it might be more beneficial to identify the root cause of the lack of productivity rather than simply forgiving oneself.
- Serving a specific group might limit the potential reach and impact of one's work, and sometimes broader audiences can be engaged successfully.
- Crafting work for a targeted audience may not always be feasible or desirable, especially for artists seeking to explore and push boundaries.
- Dismissing mismatched clients or opportunities could lead to missed chances for growth, learning, or unexpected success.
- Attra ...
Actionables
- You can create a "Daily Creation Jar" where you write down different creative prompts on slips of paper and pull one out each day to inspire your work. This can help maintain a daily practice of creativity by providing fresh ideas when you're feeling stuck and ensuring you have a tangible way to engage with your craft every day.
- Develop a "Client Compatibility Checklist" that includes criteria important to you, such as respect for your time, willingness to pay for quality, and alignment with your values. Use this checklist when considering new clients or projects to ensure they're a good fit for your targeted audience approach, and refer back to it when you feel the urge to take on work that doesn't align with your goals.
- Star ...
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Positioning and Marketing Oneself As a Creative
Heather Monahan and Seth Godin discuss the essentials of positioning and effectively marketing oneself in the creative industry.
Developing a Personal Brand and Showcasing Your Expertise
Both Monahan and Godin stress the importance of establishing and promoting a personal brand.
Build an Online Presence Highlighting Your Skills and Viewpoint
Monahan emphasizes the value of an online presence for showcasing one’s expertise and credibility. She illustrates this by referencing her own press release about headlining the Event Planner Expo alongside Daymond John and being named one of the top 40 female keynote speakers in 2020. These accolades serve to bolster her reputation online. Similarly, Seth Godin, who has written 19 best-selling books and runs one of the most popular blogs globally, exemplifies the power of a strong online presence. The implicit message is that engaging with platforms like Shopify can be a pivotal step in building and showcasing your expertise online.
One must consistently post on LinkedIn, add value by solving problems, and adopt strategies from successful influencers. Monahan also suggests managing podcast appearances selectively, ensuring they align with one’s schedule and goals.
Use Expertise and Credibility to Attract Opportunities and Collaborators
Godin's expertise in marketing has not only earned him a place in multiple halls of fame, but it also continues to attract numerous opportunities and collaborators. Monahan shares her journey from seeking speaking agents to having them approach her for rates. She recounts how her networking efforts and media appearances have opened doors to new opportunities.
Effectively Promoting and Selling Your Work
The discussion focuses on the strategic promotion and sales of creative work, leveraging a variety of methods.
Leverage Social Media, Networking & Partnerships to Reach the Right Audience
Monahan speaks to the effectiveness of responding creatively to direct messages and using personal connections for promotion, as dem ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Positioning and Marketing Oneself As a Creative
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Personal branding might not suit everyone, as some individuals may prefer privacy or a low-profile approach to their work.
- Building an online presence can be time-consuming and may not yield immediate results; it also requires a consistent effort to maintain.
- Posting consistently on LinkedIn or other platforms may lead to content fatigue or overwhelm for both the creator and the audience.
- Selective podcast appearances could limit exposure if not balanced with other outreach efforts.
- Attracting opportunities and collaborators often requires more than just expertise and credibility; interpersonal skills and timing can also play significant roles.
- Leveraging social media and networking assumes that one's target audience is accessible through these channels, which may not always be the case.
- Creative responses to direct messages and personal connections for promotion may not scale well for larger audiences or businesses.
- Sharing personal stories and conducting giveaways mi ...
Actionables
- You can create a visual content series that illustrates your expertise in a unique way, like a weekly infographic or a comic strip related to your field, and share it on your social media platforms. This approach not only showcases your skills but does so in an engaging format that stands out from typical text posts, potentially attracting a more diverse audience.
- Start a virtual book club or discussion group focused on topics within your area of expertise, inviting industry peers and enthusiasts to join. This can foster a community around your personal brand, encourage meaningful interactions, and position you as a thought leader who is actively contributing to the conversation in your field.
- Implement a 'skill swap' initiative with professionals in complementary fields, where y ...
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