- We place this dichotomy between quality and quantity. But it’s assuming that the more time we put into something the more people will find it qualitative. The other big assumption is that we’ll think it’s of good quality. How can we know we’ll think it’s awesome? Might not be the case.
- A concept I heard from a stand-up comedian was to consistently raise the quality of his worst jokes. He knew he had good content but he wanted to raise the quality of his worst output to rise the tide for the rest of his content too.
Really appreciated the article. Great conversation starter!
Thanks for the thought-provoking honest post! I’m pretty new to Substack and the commitment to write weekly. In the short time I have done this, the one profound thing I’ve noticed the more I write to clarify for myself, that which I am currently processing in life, the more it seems to connect with others. I think that’s the power of our dreams. Although they make our quality of life better, they really are about blessing our world.
I think you’re asking good questions and one thing I’ve learned is good questions lead us to better places. Many blessings on your journey.
great reflections, Tim! thanks for sharing your process around drilling into the why behind it all
it made me think about the reality that oftentimes when we try to hold steady to the level of output we've committed ourselves to, we often end up minimizing time and space for unexpected outcomes to take shape. we only give serendipity a limited time to breathe before we're off and on to the next essay, podcast, thing
hope you the balance that feels most aligned to you – both where you keep your promises to yourself *and* trust the universe will nudge you towards outcomes beyond your imagination
...my advice fwiw is to follow whichever creative journey feels best to you when you say it out loud alone to yourself...the bet is with yourself, you will win either way...so bet on whichever pony YOU think is going to win...and then if it loses go watch and bet on another race...they happen every day...
What a great friend and human Rick is. This was wonderful, Tim. Lots to think about.
Ultimately, it has to be you who is okay with the decision you make so I won't offer my 2 cents on the quality/consistency debate. The only thing I would say is you can ALWAYS find supporting evidence for any path or set of choices (as you showed in this post).
I don't think there's any one magical recipe, it just comes down to doing what works for you and finding the way to leave the mark that only you can leave in the world. I hope that helps a little.
I'm on this same journey, my friend. I've also loved The Artist's Way (Julia Cameron) and Mastery (Robert Greene). They add a 1-2 punch that I think it really complimentary.
There's also The Creative Act (Rick Rubin).
I know you said you didn't need any more books (I relate...) but if you do decide to reach for them, I vouch for them.
Man, lots to think about here!
A few thoughts I’m having after digesting this:
- We place this dichotomy between quality and quantity. But it’s assuming that the more time we put into something the more people will find it qualitative. The other big assumption is that we’ll think it’s of good quality. How can we know we’ll think it’s awesome? Might not be the case.
- A concept I heard from a stand-up comedian was to consistently raise the quality of his worst jokes. He knew he had good content but he wanted to raise the quality of his worst output to rise the tide for the rest of his content too.
Really appreciated the article. Great conversation starter!
Thanks for the thought-provoking honest post! I’m pretty new to Substack and the commitment to write weekly. In the short time I have done this, the one profound thing I’ve noticed the more I write to clarify for myself, that which I am currently processing in life, the more it seems to connect with others. I think that’s the power of our dreams. Although they make our quality of life better, they really are about blessing our world.
I think you’re asking good questions and one thing I’ve learned is good questions lead us to better places. Many blessings on your journey.
great reflections, Tim! thanks for sharing your process around drilling into the why behind it all
it made me think about the reality that oftentimes when we try to hold steady to the level of output we've committed ourselves to, we often end up minimizing time and space for unexpected outcomes to take shape. we only give serendipity a limited time to breathe before we're off and on to the next essay, podcast, thing
hope you the balance that feels most aligned to you – both where you keep your promises to yourself *and* trust the universe will nudge you towards outcomes beyond your imagination
...my advice fwiw is to follow whichever creative journey feels best to you when you say it out loud alone to yourself...the bet is with yourself, you will win either way...so bet on whichever pony YOU think is going to win...and then if it loses go watch and bet on another race...they happen every day...
What a great friend and human Rick is. This was wonderful, Tim. Lots to think about.
Ultimately, it has to be you who is okay with the decision you make so I won't offer my 2 cents on the quality/consistency debate. The only thing I would say is you can ALWAYS find supporting evidence for any path or set of choices (as you showed in this post).
I don't think there's any one magical recipe, it just comes down to doing what works for you and finding the way to leave the mark that only you can leave in the world. I hope that helps a little.
👏 lots to think about here, Tim. Got my wheels spinning too.
I'm on this same journey, my friend. I've also loved The Artist's Way (Julia Cameron) and Mastery (Robert Greene). They add a 1-2 punch that I think it really complimentary.
There's also The Creative Act (Rick Rubin).
I know you said you didn't need any more books (I relate...) but if you do decide to reach for them, I vouch for them.
In short, I'm here with you!
These are big questions you're grappling with Tim. You made me question myself as well.
For your questions, it depends upon your goals.
- What if you shorten the timescale to 1 year?
- Where do you see your writing & podcast in 1 year?
- Do you want to build an audience? Or something else?
- If you want to go for those publications, then how does your writing build towards it?
Aah, this is such a thought-provoking essay. Great Job.