Tonight, I was reading The 50th Law by Robert Greene and 50 Cent, and the book discussed the idea that you shouldn’t steer too far away from your supporters — the people for whom you create. It’s a good point. If you do become very successful the ivory tower is like a siren call to ignore those who you originally created for. Now of course there are many ways to create: you might be a musician, a businessman, an actor, a real estate developer, an ice cream shop owner, or perhaps you run a used bookstore. Whatever it is you do for others, there’s a significant difference between an idea in your head and bringing something into the real world.
The real world, with its merciless feedback, is an unforgiving teacher. If your creation languishes in obscurity, the lesson is stark. If it takes off like wildfire, the message is equally clear. Naval’s tweet today hit the nail on the head:
Sure, putting yourself out there is daunting, but the real horror story is a life brimming with “what ifs” and “if onlys.” Keep innovating, keep pushing. Summon the bravery to unveil your creations to the world. And if you find success, remember what anchored you there. Don’t let the high life disconnect you from your roots.
Conquer your fear, stay grounded, and savor each day. Sorting out what you truly desire in life isn’t a walk in the park. I’m still grappling with it myself.
Like any human who is being honest I like the idea of more money, fame, freedom, and power. Actually, the fame part I don’t really know if I want… Deep down I yearn for a larger family, to sharpen my writing skills, and to have my work resonate with my audience. Getting stopped in public all the time actually sounds like a pain in the ass. Much better to have some niche fame so you can go about your life freely, but also have a nice community of supporters.
Kevin Kelly captured this sentiment perfectly with his concept of cultivating 1,000 True Fans rather than a million superficial followers. It’s about quality over quantity, depth over breadth. This idea isn’t just for artists or creators; it’s a life strategy that values genuine connection and meaningful engagement.
Your desires will evolve, but you remain unique. Discovering what sets you apart can be a monumental boost on your creative journey. Keep creating, keep engaging, and let the real world be your compass. Proud of you anon and appreciative you took the time out of your day to read this.
11/21/24
Conor Jay Chepenik
