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The Rundown 6: What’s Calling You Knows More Than What’s Keeping You Comfortable
The Rundown 7: Don’t Buy Into Anything You Wouldn’t Be Willing to Dedicate a Long Period of Time
The Rundown 8: On the Contrary… Simplicity Brings the Most Abundance
Hey Everyone,
The Rundown — Here’s what I found over the course of this week that has helped me, inspired me or gave me some creative pushes…
On explaining things simply — “The best ideas explain the most while saying the least ” (— Naval) — In everything you do, write, create or say… make it easy for others to know exactly what you mean. I love the quote by Albert Einstein, “If you can't explain it to a six year old, you don't understand it yourself.” I believe this can be applied in so many places. Whatever you create, have a goal to achieve two things — your artistic expression and your ability to relate it simply to others so that they may benefit in the value as well. While not everything is for everyone, I like the idea that what we make can be easily consumed by someone else for their own sake.
On fast results — “You’d be surprised how fast you get results simply from taking an idea out of your head and applying it to the real world. No expectations, no immediate success needed… just experimenting with an idea and then getting continuous answers in the form of feedback.” (—Matt Gottesman) — This photo by Janis Ozolins is a perfect demonstration of how we simplify our creativity, success and results… we pick one idea and we try it, that’s it.
On making your first $1M focusing on less — “Most of the time you’re going to do so much better having 1 offer and dominating that thing.” (—Tom Noske) — As a creator and an entrepreneur this deeply resonates. In part because it’s so easy to want to do more than one thing… and I will… just not all at once. I think that’s the fundamental point Tom is saying in this video below… Take time to master one avenue of your craft and what you offer to the world… let it grow… let it develop… and then, optimize it by adding more into the process not distracting away from it.
On knowing your value and presenting it to the public — “If you’re one of the best employees at your company, you should damn sure be building something for yourself on the side.” (—Justin Welsh) — From my personal experience, when I put all my eggs into one basket with a big consulting contract on one brand, when the contract was over, I had no leverage and to start again from scratch. Once I figured out that building something online was my resume to the world, it became my leverage and my ability to choose the work I wanted to do. I created the demand because I used the skills on me… and when there’s demand, there’s people willing to pay more.
On speeding up purpose — “You have to move like you’re obsessed with learning everything you’re here to do…” (—Matt Gottesman) — If you want to understand your purpose and mission, launch yourself into ideas, art, relationships, learning, doing, traveling and creating… none of us know who we are until we give ourselves the opportunities to experience who we are — My latest podcast on this can be found here (APPLE, SPOTIFY)
On creating a movement with your brand — “When you build a community around your brand, your ideas scale to the world." (—Matt Gottesman)
I recently watched @orenmeetsworld on Instagram, talking about how brands or individuals who post just to please the algorithm often miss out. He’s right. They’re stuck in an outdated marketing mindset, while we’re out here innovating and connecting with community
—I have 10+ touch points to engage with all of you:
Direct messages
Instagram stories
bitStory replies
Polls on my posts
Questions for feedback on each post
Answering every comment on my feed
Substack notes
Essay comments on Substack
My texting community
My email list
150+ people wearing “drop 1” of the clothing line
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Why does this matter? Because I’m not doing this alone—we’re a crew, and our message scales together. You can do this with your art, writing, products, services, newsletters, podcasts—whatever your creative work may be.
PS: Thank you for being a part of this community!
On being selective with your work — “You want to be selective, not exclusive—focus on alignment, not limitation.” (— Matt Gottesman) — In an upcoming longer essay on my Substack, I talk about the intersection of creative autonomy and financial prosperity… and how you can have both. Being selective means choosing what aligns with your values and vision, rather than shutting out possibilities. If we know our values and vision, we know what to say yes to. It’s also about inviting in opportunities that resonate deeply, without confining yourself to rigid limits…. In other words — when we choose wisely, we expand and earn exponentially. When we align properly, there are no limits. Find that intersection.
On being different — “Do the opposite of everyone is valuable… do what others aren’t doing… don’t try to beat competitors at their game, play a completely different game… be so different that people don’t think to compare you.” (—Derek Sivers) — I’ve always believed that the most important person we can be is exactly who we are. When I say, “the niche is you,” I mean that there’s only one of you and you’re meant to stand out from simply being different than everyone else… after all, each of us already are different from everyone else so lead with your most authentic version and people will remember anything you build. CHECK OUT Derek Sivers' quick 2 min video below on being different.
On building real wealth — “Don’t wait for wealth to simplify your life… simplify your life first and let wealth become the byproduct.” (—Matt Gottesman via Instagram) — Throughout the years I’ve met some extremely wealthy, humble people. I always appreciate finding the low-key wealthy who are happy with their choices, their lives and the people they keep around them. I found that this is very intentional on their part. They are actively participating in what they value more than money while at the same time creating value that multiplies their world and everyone around them. We can be amazing stewards with our money when we use our gifts and manage our blessings well.
Playlist — Lounge Jazz House DJ Set - Coffee Lunch Break | Greta — A great playlist from @gretaandru on YouTube of Chill House to work to… great for creating, designing, writing, computer work.
Do the Opposite of Everyone Else…
you gain the most advantage, creativity and wealth.
There are 3 fundamentals I want you think about.
First, you stand out when you defy convention. In a crowded space, true value often lies in going against the grain.
When I say, “the niche is you,” I mean you have the ability to directly apply your own unique perspective to everything, which in turn creates a distinct identity that attracts attention and sets you apart.
That will always make it difficult for others to draw direct comparisons.
Two, instead of competing, create a new playing field — this will keep you away from following the rules of the existing game, and allow you to play by your own rules.
Building your own game around your unique strengths and passions lets you offer something no one else can, naturally attracting people who are drawn to your authenticity and originality.
And finally, be incomparable… embrace what makes you different so fully that others can’t easily replicate or categorize you.
When you embody a unique vision, people won’t see you as just an alternative to others—they’ll see you as the only one of your kind.
Playing the game this way brings you the most advantage, creative output and wealth because no one else is playing the game like you.
You’ll achieve two very important things… your own unique identity, an infinite pool of people to impact and help.
And that’s what makes creativity and business so beautiful.
Go create!
Matt
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Love the wisdom in this ❤️