On occasion, I’ve been known to snark at the online gurus who want to tell you how to become and overnight success, write your best selling book in 24 minutes (roughly), and make a bazillion dollars during your next trip to the snack fridge.
And if you sign up today, you get eight million dollars off of the regular price.
Or something like that. I was never good at math.
If it’s working for them. Great. But a lot of them simply want to sell their program.
Not all of them. Some offer great content even if you don’t buy the plan.
I get regular emails from a few that I trust. But they don’t go for the hard sell. Sure, they have products to sell, but their free stuff is pretty amazing.
I will however, buy the occasional product or book.
One that I’ve followed for years now is Jeff Goins.
Jeff was the first one to convince me that I needed to stop saying “I want to be a writer” and instead start saying “I am a Writer.”
Jeff has been through some transitions in the last few years and he’s not quite doing the same amount of work. He recently wrote:
It may, then, come as no surprise that the inevitable word of the year for 2024 is “enough.” Whatever time I have to give, whatever energy is mine to offer, whatever money sits in the bank account—let it be “enough.”
Enough.
That’s a good word. It sort of sums up where I’ve felt I am, or have wanted to be here in the first part of 2024.
Enough is enough. I don’t need those extra things or those extra projects.
I’m really working to rein in my ADD tendencies and focus on things that matter most.
Clearing out the office, or at least beginning the process, has made me think about what is important.
The Little Mermaid may want more thingamabobs, but not me.
I’ve already made some decisions about projects I’m not taking on this year. Pre-pandemic, pre-cancer, I might have felt that it was important to take them all on.
Not so much anymore.
I know I’ve written in the past about how I can’t do everything.
I need to take my own advice and focus on my writing and my art.
And maybe some day, another blogger will say “Hey, you should follow this guy.”
Speaking of who to follow, here are a few that are worth checking out:
Chris Brogan
Chris Brogan is Chief of Staff at Appfire.com. He is the New York Times bestselling author of ten books and counting. He’s an international speaker and he’s one of the ones who inspired me to choose my annual Three Words.
Rob Hatch
Rob Hatch, along with Chris above was the other inspiration for My Three Words. He’s a best selling author and coach for business owners and executives. He writes a weekly newsletter that is read by tens of thousands around the world. I’m one of them.
Steven Pressfield
Steven Pressfield is the author of the bestselling novels Gates of Fire and Tides of War, as well as The Legend of Bagger Vance. But I started following him after reading The War of Art. I look forward to his Writing Wednesdays.
Seth Godin
Seth is an entrepreneur, best-selling author, and speaker. In addition to launching one of the most popular blogs in the world, he has written 21 best-selling books, including The Dip, Linchpin, Purple Cow, Tribes, and What To Do When It’s Your Turn (And It’s Always Your Turn). Seth can say more in one brief, edited post than many can say in volumes.
Austin Kleon
Austin Kleon is a writer who draws. I’m not in his league, but that’s who I am as well. Austin is the bestselling author of Steal Like An Artist and other books.
James Clear
James Clear is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, Atomic Habits. I particular enjoy his 3-2-1 news letter.
The Art of Manliness The Art of Manliness is one of my favorite podcasts. It’s a one-stop recourse that covers almost every aspect of a man’s life including: character, career, relationships. Fitness, style, skills and more.
And finally (for now) one of my very favorite writers. Sean Dietrichis a columnists, novelist, and stand-up storyteller known for his commentary on life in the American South. I connected with Sean during the pandemic when he wrote about my virtual appearances in Santa in November. He’s coming to the Richmond area in May and yes, I’ve got my tickets.
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On occasion, I’ve been known to snark at the online gurus who want to tell you how to become and overnight success, write your best selling book in 24 minutes (roughly), and make a bazillion dollars during your next trip to the snack fridge.
