Overproduce

Years ago I read somewhere that Rivers Cuomo of Weezer has a stock pile of songs. Lyrics and music and melodies and finished products and collaborations and songs sold to other artists...

In fact, whether you like them or not, Weezer has produced two full-length albums this year alone (I know, I know, one of which is a batch of cover songs, but let's be honest, Weezified cover songs often go down so smooth).

Of course not all of our creations will be great or even good, but producing more and more is part of the process that often reveals the really, truly, amazingly fantastic stuff we do release. And yes, your version of ratcheting up production on your projects will look different than my production time.

Overproducing often connects us with a larger tribe, the audience we're seeking to engage in our art, our work. Oh, and by the way, it definitely beats under-producing (remember that book you started 10 years ago).

Create a creative rhythm. Put your creative pursuits to work on schedule, everyday. Produce and then produce some more.

Overproduce, what have you got to lose?

Create for Some - Not All

I would love it if everyone came to my party, but if I'm honest I really want those of you who want to be there. Because if you want to be there then you get it, you understand, you have a connection, a desire to be part of what I'm doing and celebrating.

August Burns Red isn't music for everyone, and if they start mangling their style in hopes of attracting more people... they'll most likely do the opposite.

The Puffy Shirt isn't for everyone, pirates I guess, but you'll lose the pirate crowd if you try a one-shirt-fits-all-tastes approach to puffy shirt making.

Create for the people who want your creation and two things will happen:

1. As they love it and live it they'll attract and invite people into the tribe,

2. As you create what only you create the way you create it and find ways to connect it with the world you'll find your tribe and your tribe will find you.

So, don't worry about connecting with the haters and the disinterested. Cast your vision, set out on mission and live your values through your art and you'll find a tribe to party with.

Let Go / Grab Hold

Grabbing hold of our mission happens in between letting go.

Letting go of past failures haunting our dreams. Letting go of hurts that poison the well and weaknesses that don't define us.

But also...

Letting go of future outcomes, unhealthy and unhelpful expectations and all the hand-wringing we do about what could be.

In between letting go of the past and the future is that divine sweet spot in the here and now. This is where God has us. And this is where we hold on for dear life because it's a wild and bumpy ride!