Start Small, Think Big
Maybe it’s because we are storytellers that we expect there to be a defining moment. Some singular event changes the protagonist’s outlook or gives her that edge to make the big move. That’s great for entertainment but not how real life works, and that’s a good thing.
Why?
Because success is highly correlated to doing a few right things over and over.
The 80/20 Rule or the 4% That Drives the 64%
This season, we covered a lot of great ideas from a variety of sources. I know all this can overwhelm. Step back and think about what is your 4% and how some of these ideas could leverage the repetitive work you’ll commit to in the coming months.
I purposely ended with talking about networks, game theory, information cascades, and yes, as usual, winner-takes-all markets.
This is where all that work culminates—in the market.
You need to produce creative works, but getting them visibility in the marketplace and gaining a cumulative advantage is what will drive a sustainable career. I wish it was easier for you. Others will tell you it is, but have them show you reliable and repeatable results. The marketplace amplifies the persistent provision of the 4% compounds over time.
Do you understand your audience and how to connect to them one at a time?
Do you deliver on your brand promise?
In those two questions lays the 4% that will compound.
Don’t hope for going viral or a lucky punch. Rather, focus on achieving little wins over and over to grow your momentum. The confounding issue is: will you survive to see that day? No one talks about where the money comes from and how to survive while doing the little things. Mostly because the gurus don’t know or care. That’s your problem. Just find the $799 for my course on your credit card and I’ll give you my seven steps to scaling. The other cost is time. How much time are you spending learning systems or creating content for social media? Would that be better invested in writing more words?
As we wrap up this season, it’s important to reflect on the journey we’ve taken together. We’ve explored a wide range of topics, from market dynamics to strategic decision-making, all aimed at helping you navigate the complex world of publishing. But remember, knowledge is just the first step. The real power lies in the consistent application of what you’ve learned.
Looking ahead, we’re going to shift our focus to a topic that’s both exciting and crucial: becoming an elite creative. This isn’t just about honing your craft (though that’s certainly part of it). It’s about developing the mindset, habits, and strategies that set apart the most successful authors in our field. By no means do I think I can help with your craft, certainly not grammar, but I do think what we will do together will make you a better author. I’ve compiled research and ideas around how to increase creative performance. Think of this as bio-hacking for creatives.
This work goes beyond having the right mindset. I’m going to provide you with a training system that will rewire your brain to optimize for novel thought and increased focus. It is in its early stages, and I’m learning and applying this knowledge as part of my creative process. I can tell you that as you follow next season you’ll be exposed to novel ideas and work that is a result of the very method I’ve developed. Much of what you think you need to do to produce more is actually killing your chances of having a groundbreaking idea.