Seth Godin (blog / podcast links here) recently had a episode called “Paul has a Practice” (here) – about how Paul McCartney had a creative process and rhythm. Really well done podcast – succinct, thought provoking and engaging.
One of Seth’s points near the end was the idea that he’s a fan of the daily blog model because it eliminates one of the most important barriers to producing – when will I produce something new? The answer is in the premise – daily. It might be profound, or it might be awful, but it will be daily.
How many things in life do we do daily (you can’t count those things which are biological necessities!) that are easy and come naturally? Complaining, seeking distraction, rationalizing iffy choices… the list could go on, but the easiest things are mostly negative. But most people do these things, and so it’s socially acceptable.
But what if you did something positive and productive daily? Tell someone that you’re glad to have them as a friend. Tell someone that you’re praying for them. Send an encouraging text. Read something educational or inspiring for 15 minutes. Practice piano. Write for ten minutes. Stretch. Meditate. Do some pushups and squats. Learn about how to save money or invest money for 10 minutes. Write down what made you feel alive and energized and what made you feel dull and lifeless.
Do anything daily, five days a week for a month and you’ll be far ahead of where you were a month ago. Be someone who does a daily exercise for three months, and this will become a habit, just part of what you do. Do it for six months and that activity will start to become your identity. Now we’re getting into something significant.
You can’t do everything, but you could do one thing. Make it a small thing, make it a daily thing, and see the impact in your life and the lives around you.