The key to success is to find a way to stand out – to be the purple cow in a field of monochrome Holsteins.
No one can be responsible for where or how we each begin. No one has the freedom to do anything or everything, and all choices bring consequences. What we choose to do next, though, how to spend our resources or attention or effort, this is what defines us.
Living and breathing an authentic story is the best way to survive in a conversation-rich world.
What people are afraid of isn’t failure. It’s blame. Criticism.
Creating art is a habit, one that we practice daily or hourly until we get good at it.
Most people don’t see that they have options beyond what society tells them to do. That’s the biggest problem. They honestly believe that compliance is the shortcut to success.
Following instructions is overrated.
The rules are now clear: no one is going to inform you, but it’s easier than ever to inform yourself.
Many Things That Are True Are True Because You Believe Them.
Empathy requires something extremely difficult: accepting the fact that we are not and never will be in the other person’s shoes. There’s no rational, universal course because individuals have different goals, different worldviews and different experiences.
No is the foundation that we can build our yes on.
If you have a book to write, write it. If you want to record an album, record it. No need to wait for someone in a cubicle halfway across the country to decide if you’re worthy.
Teaching young people to sell is a priceless gift.
Dreams are difficult to build and easy to destroy.
If you use your money to create exceptional products and services, you won’t need to spend it on advertising.
No niche is too small if it’s yours.
I wonder if real art comes when you build the thing that they don’t have a prize for yet.
You don’t have to settle for the status quo, for being good enough, for getting by, for working all night.
When in doubt, tell yourself the truth.
Nothing about becoming indispensable is easy. If it’s easy, it’s already been done and it’s no longer valuable.