Quartet #41: The word to avoid at all costs (and why it's a red flag if you're using it)
Hello, friends!
At first glance, the advice offered in #4 is totally over the top. But once I actually read the piece I was happy I did.
Intentional, proactive actions FTW!
And now on to this week's ideas...
Quartet of the Week
1. 7 Hacks I Learned from 'Atomic Habits' (5-min read)
I have described James Clear's Atomic Habits as a life-changing book and I mean it. If you haven't read the book you should do so immediately.
Whether you've read it or not, this is a good list of some of the big concepts that are covered. Great and needed reminders for me!
2. The Word to Avoid at All Costs (2-min read or listen)
This word is always a red flag and noticing it is key to knowing when your mindset needs work.
3. 22 Small Things That People Say Made Them Drastically Happier (7-minute read)
Happier musicians are more productive musicians. This is a list of actionable ideas for making yourself happier. I love lists like this because they are scannable and I can get right to whatever speaks to me.
I also love that these aren't theories but people sharing what has actually worked for them.
4. Would You Make 300 Calls a Day? (2-minute read)
I very much would not! But this article offers some great ideas on how to proactively network. The people I know who are the best at it are always being intentional (and genuine!) with their efforts. This short article offers some ideas on how to improve on that front.
What's New With TEM
The world lost a real one yesterday. Bill Walton was not just an basketball superstar. He was one of the biggest music fans in the world and lived his life with an out loud passion that was contagious.
TEM315 is about how he gave the world courage and how we can best utilize that as the creators of music that he idolized.
My Final Thought of the Week
Here's a quote to send you on your way:
“All I can do is be me, whoever that is.”
—Bob Dylan
I find it an interesting paradox that the only way we can ever truly differentiate ourselves from everyone else in the marketplace is by being ourselves. And yet, being yourself can feel at times like it takes more courage than literally anything else in the world.
Once you raise your hand and say "This is me" people will take shots at you. So your instincts will tell you to keep a low profile, not make waves, and survive another day.
But that is a guaranteed recipe for blending in and that is a disaster in a totally connected world where every single one of your competitors is imminently findable, just like you.
I love how Dylan phrases this. It's not that he wants to be himself. That's actually all he can be, and I'm inferring that he's saying that he shouldn't fight that fact.
So raise your hand and don't back down. We need you!
Here's to having a creative week!
Cheers,
Andrew
The Entrepreneurial Musician
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