Put Your Ass Where Your Heart Wants to Be

1. Put Your Physical Presence Where Your Dreams Reside

Want to write? Sit down at the keyboard.

Physical action holds power. The simple act of placing your body where your creative work happens can be transformative. This principle applies to all forms of art and entrepreneurship. By physically situating yourself in the space where your dream work occurs, you're taking the first crucial step towards realizing your aspirations.

Overcoming fear through action. Fear often prevents us from starting our creative endeavors. However, by focusing on the physical act of showing up and trying your best, rather than judging the quality or quantity of your output, you can bypass this paralyzing emotion. This approach allows you to build momentum and consistency in your practice.

Key practices:

• Sit at your desk or workstation daily
• Focus on showing up, not on outcomes
• Measure success by effort, not results

2. Move to the Hub of Your Creative or Entrepreneurial World

There's no substitute for your physical presence at Ground Zero of your dream.

Immerse yourself in the epicenter. Relocating to the hub of your chosen field provides unparalleled access to resources, opportunities, and most importantly, people. This physical presence demonstrates your commitment and seriousness to potential collaborators, mentors, and decision-makers.

Build your network organically. By being in the right place, you naturally form connections with like-minded individuals who share your passion and ambition. These relationships often lead to collaborations, mentorships, and opportunities that are difficult to cultivate from a distance.

Benefits of relocation:

• Access to specialized resources and facilities
• Exposure to industry events and networking opportunities
• Immersion in the culture and energy of your chosen field
• Increased chances of serendipitous encounters with key figures

3. Commit Fully to Your Calling, Emotionally and Psychologically

"Ass" means commitment.

Embrace wholehearted dedication. Commitment goes beyond physical presence; it involves a deep emotional and psychological investment in your chosen path. This level of dedication is noticed not only by potential collaborators and mentors but also by the universe itself.

Demonstrate your seriousness. Full commitment shows that you're willing to take risks, make sacrifices, and persist through challenges. This attitude sets you apart from those who are merely dabbling or half-heartedly pursuing their dreams.

Signs of full commitment:

• Willingness to take calculated risks
• Persistence in the face of setbacks
• Continuous learning and skill development
• Prioritizing your craft over immediate comfort or security

4. Establish a Sacred Space and Time for Your Work

My own office today is just a converted bedroom. It's got nothing esoteric in it, except maybe my lucky toy cannon that fires inspiration into me or perhaps my lucky horseshoe from Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky.

Create a dedicated workspace. Designating a specific area for your creative work, no matter how humble, helps to cultivate a mindset of focus and reverence for your craft. This space becomes a physical manifestation of your commitment to your art or business.

Develop a consistent routine. Establishing regular work hours and rituals around your creative practice reinforces your commitment and helps to summon inspiration. Treat this time as sacred, free from distractions and external interruptions.

Elements of a sacred creative space:

• A designated area, even if small
• Personal touches that inspire you
• Minimal distractions
• Consistent work schedule
• Rituals or practices that signal the start of creative time

5. Develop the Ability to Self-Reinforce and Overcome Resistance

For writers and artists, the ability to self-reinforce is more important than talent.

Cultivate inner strength. The capacity to motivate and encourage yourself is crucial for long-term success in creative pursuits. This skill allows you to persist through periods of doubt, rejection, and setbacks that are inevitable in any artistic or entrepreneurial journey.

Recognize and combat Resistance. Resistance, the internal force that opposes creative endeavors, manifests as procrastination, self-doubt, and fear. Developing strategies to overcome this force is essential for maintaining momentum and completing projects.

Self-reinforcement techniques:

• Positive self-talk and affirmations
• Celebrating small victories and progress
• Maintaining perspective on long-term goals
• Learning from setbacks rather than being discouraged by them
• Cultivating a growth mindset

6. Enter the Space Fully: Promote and Market Your Work

You can cut back on a lot of things as a leader, but the last thing you can ever skimp on is marketing. Your product needs a champion . . . That must be you.

Embrace self-promotion. Many artists and entrepreneurs struggle with marketing their work, but it's an essential part of success. Overcoming discomfort with self-promotion is crucial for ensuring your creations reach their intended audience.

Develop a comprehensive approach. Effective promotion involves utilizing multiple channels and strategies to create a strong presence in your field. This might include social media, networking events, collaborations, and traditional marketing techniques.

Elements of effective self-promotion:

• Consistent brand messaging across platforms
• Regular engagement with your audience
• Collaboration with others in your field
• Willingness to step out of your comfort zone
• Authentic communication of your passion and vision

7. Connect with the Higher Dimension of Creativity

Where did War and Peace come from? Where did Guernica? Where did the idea for the Eiffel Tower come from?

Tap into the source of inspiration. Recognize that creativity often comes from a place beyond our conscious mind. Cultivating the ability to access this "Higher Dimension" can lead to more profound and innovative work.

Develop receptivity to ideas. Practice being open to inspiration from unexpected sources. This might involve meditation, mindfulness practices, or simply creating space in your life for reflection and daydreaming.

Ways to connect with creative inspiration:

• Regular meditation or mindfulness practice
• Journaling or free writing
• Exposure to diverse experiences and art forms
• Creating space for unstructured thinking time
• Paying attention to dreams and random thoughts

8. Transform from Ego to Self: The Ultimate Aspiration

Blow off your ego. Move to your Self.

Transcend ego-driven creation. The ultimate goal in creative and entrepreneurial pursuits is to move beyond the limitations of the ego. This shift allows for a deeper connection to universal truths and more authentic expression.

Embrace a broader perspective. By expanding your sense of self beyond personal concerns and fears, you open yourself to greater creativity and insight. This transformation aligns your work with larger universal themes and truths.

Steps towards ego transcendence:

• Practice mindfulness and self-awareness
• Cultivate empathy and connection with others
• Focus on the work itself rather than personal gain or recognition
• Embrace uncertainty and the unknown
• Seek to serve a larger purpose through your work

Last updated: August 9, 2024