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Since embarking on my social media fast, I've had time to read more books. One of my favorite writers and creative coaches put out a book this year and I didn't even know until I looked at his blog this week for inspiration. I've been a fan of Steven Pressfield since reading his book The War of Art. This book beautifully explains the resistance we meet when we're about to do something that matters. I also recommend Do The Work by Pressfield, which is a great guide for, well, getting creative work done and out into the world. This weekend, I plan to get into No One Wants To Read Your Sh*t, Pressfield's latest book.
Full disclosure: I have not read this book yet, but the title resonates with me, as does this excerpt from Chapter Four in the book:
"When you understand that nobody wants to read your shit, you develop empathy. You acquire the skill that is indispensable to all artists and entrepreneurs—the ability to switch back and forth in your imagination from your own point of view as writer/painter/seller to the point of view of your reader/gallery-goer/customer. You learn to ask yourself with every phrase and every sentence: Is this interesting? Is it fun or challenging or inventive? Am I giving the reader enough? Is he bored? Is he following where I want to lead him?"
For the creative, it may seem inauthentic to make work for a potential or real audience, but that's not was Pressfield is saying. He suggests that creatives look at their work from the perspective of the audience. Our work is like our homes. We may tolerant some messes when we are home alone, but if we're inviting company over, we want to make sure that it is tidy and comfortable for them. It's still our home, it's just a better version of our home.
In other words, thinking about how our audience will experience our work will make our work better.
Be A Good Host,
Chakka
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