Doing something is not your default. Doing nothing is your default. Until something is a habit it’s part of a daily resistance. We habitually get in the shower after we wake up. We habitually check our email first when sitting in front of our computer. We habitually say, “I love you.” as we head out the door on our way to work for the day (at least we should). Very, very few people have a habit of creating. There is a resistance that is real and alive that speaks to us when we think about giving birth to an idea or words or things. Most of the time that resistance wins. Doing something is not our default.
Vintage Calendar 1 by Dora Pete - http://www.sxc.hu/profile/porah
I can give you 10 reasons why I shouldn’t be writing this blog post.
- I have other things to be working on.
- I have a phone call in 5 minutes that I could be thinking about.
- It won’t be released before people get to work so less people will likely read it.
- I’m having a hard time coming up with 10 reasons.
- If I wrote what I was really thinking about today I’d have to repent (I’m distracted).
- My kids stressed me out today over what shirts they wanted to wear and what color cup they wanted their milk in.
- My wife and I had an argument this morning.
- I’m not ___________ (fill in blogger who writes better, more often and has more readers).
- I live in South Dakota. Who listens to a guy who lives in South Dakota?
- I’m afraid that if I’m vulnerable and honest with my readers they’ll think less of me, not more of me. It’s always more difficult to be real and honest in the short term. I’d rather be fake and say everything’s great and do a tutorial on some gadget.
Today you can do nothing. It’ll be easier if you do. Unfortunately even if you intend to do something that counts for nothing. Intentions don’t count towards your legacy. No you’re not the best writer, singer, parent, spouse, friend, son, boss, employee…whatever. But you have something to add to the world. Don’t do what most people will do today. Do something. Create something. Don’t wait for permission or perfection or “perfect timing” or even inspiration. Just create memories, words, songs, machines, sketches…whatever you want to get out. Do it because your default is to do nothing and your default is rarely right.
My name is Andy Traub and I help people tell their stories in a way that maximizes their impact. If you'd like to create your own custom channel to reach the world then I can help. Just 
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Too many people equate doing something with being productive. Going through the motions and creating something is two different things. We can all think of reasons not to do something, but now many people focus on the reasons TO do that same thing?
Your list of 10 items are basically a common thread in my life as well. I would like to add #11 – I have to go to my day job and don’t have time, and #12 – I’m not good enough so I am spending my time consuming content from other people (ebooks, blog posts, etc)
Personally, I’m tired of doing nothing. I did nothing for years and have only really started to do much of anything in the last year (mostly in the last 6 months). By far the better way to go. I always felt like my life was dragging by and that I never got anything done. Now, I accomplish far more, have a record of what I produce, and have practically no time do to anything else.
I love it. Can’t imagine life any other way. It takes work, but you can reduce the pull of resistance and increase your habit of creation. You’ll be better off when you do
@AlanReeves I appreciate those words Alan. I think most people are “busy”, but they still find time to watch 4 hours of television in a day. My answer is stay up later or get up earlier. Less excuses…more shipping. Keep it up brother!
@andytraub I agree about the TV watching; when we canceled our satellite subscription, I started to get a bunch more done. Now, I have to carve out time specifically to watch TV with my wife and that is only a few hours a week. The difference is amazing
Too many people equate doing something with being productive. Going through the motions and creating something is two different things. We can all think of reasons not to do something, but now many people focus on the reasons TO do that same thing?
Your list of 10 items are basically a common thread in my life as well. I would like to add #11 – I have to go to my day job and don’t have time, and #12 – I’m not good enough so I am spending my time consuming content from other people (ebooks, blog posts, etc)
Personally, I’m tired of doing nothing. I did nothing for years and have only really started to do much of anything in the last year (mostly in the last 6 months). By far the better way to go. I always felt like my life was dragging by and that I never got anything done. Now, I accomplish far more, have a record of what I produce, and have practically no time do to anything else.
I love it. Can’t imagine life any other way. It takes work, but you can reduce the pull of resistance and increase your habit of creation. You’ll be better off when you do
Ha, so my kids aren’t the only ones that make a big deal about the color cups they have?
I’ve found the thing that helps me is to commit to a schedule and then stick to it. You still deal with all the insecurities (I wonder if I’ll ever overcome those), but the deadline forces you to do the work anyway.
@Loren Pinilis Loren, TOTALLY agree. I’m posting my recording schedule on-line now and trying to do it live so that I have some accountability for when I record the shows.
Make a habit of creating. That’s the best advice I’ve heard all week.
@Scott Moore Thanks brother. Tomorrows post will talk about that too. Always appreciate your encouragement.