In this engaging discussion, Jeff Goins, a bestselling author and speaker, explores the myth of the starving artist versus the thriving artist. He shares insights on how artists are made through choice and discipline, not simply born with talent. Jeff highlights John Grisham's one-page-a-day writing habit as a compelling example of steady progress. He emphasizes the importance of measured risks and the modern apprenticeship model for artists, encouraging auditions and follow-ups as keys to success. Jeff's practical advice inspires anyone looking to embrace their creativity.
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Starving Is A Choice Not A Requirement
Being a "starving artist" is a choice, not a necessity of creative work.
Now is the best time to be creative if you practice what thriving artists have always done.
question_answer ANECDOTE
John Grisham’s One-Page Habit
John Grisham built a writing habit by writing one page every morning while working as a lawyer.
He finished novels over years, then quit after sustained progress led to success.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Change With Baby Steps Daily
Change your career by taking baby steps: practice daily habits that move you toward your goal.
Start small, be consistent, and scale when you have momentum to quit safely.
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Episode 227: Jeff Goins - How To Be A Thriving Artist (Real Artists Don't Starve)
Jeff Goins is a writer, keynote speaker, and award-winning blogger with a reputation for challenging the status quo. He is the best-selling author of five books, including Real Artists Don't Starve, and The Art of Work, which landed on the best seller lists of USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, and the Washington Post. His website Goinswriter.com is visited by millions of people every year. Jeff was previously on The Learning Leader Show Episode #028
The Learning Leader Show
What does it take to stand out? "Show UP, Do the Work, and most importantly: FOLLOW UP. Nobody does this."
Show Notes:
Sustained Excellence. Common Themes of Leaders who Sustain Excellence:
Passion - A fire to pursue their "why"
Discipline - Daily habits, routines, rituals to be best every day
Coach K -- Sit down and analyze after every single game to improve
Great Learners - Hungry learner. How to do it better?
Real Artists don't starve
Starving artist vs. Thriving artist
The myth of the starving artist
Why Michelangelo was a thriving (rich) artist
"Do you really have to starve to be an artist?" -- No
You aren't born an artist (or a Leader) -- It's a result of the choices you make. The human brain is malleable. A person can learn and master a craft.
"Leaders are made. Artists are made."
The story of John Grisham -- A lawyer who wrote novels on the side.
He wrote one page a day for years... And then he had a novel
You can gradually re-create yourself
Wake up a little earlier every day and do the work. Make it a habit
Change happens slowly
The way we talk about it is not actually the way we do it.
We do not need to take a giant risk. When we look at the facts, we can take measured risks
2 Resources at The University of Wisconsin -- A study of 5,000 entrepreneurs
The Two Types
Burn The Boats -- 33% more likely to fail
Side Hustlers -- People who didn't initially go "All In" statistically were more likely to succeed
It took Jeff two years to quit his job. He built one year of runway
The rule of apprenticeship -- Ryan Holiday - Be an Anteambulo. Clear the path for others
A "master piece" came from the time of Michaelangelo
What it takes to stand out -- Show up, do the work, FOLLOW UP (nobody does this), show what you've learned, help others
Jeff has lunch every Wednesday with a mentee -- Rarely do they follow up. Do this.
"The best thing you can do is take notes, and follow up. Put it into action."
Jeff was/is mentored by Michael Hyatt -- He followed up constantly
How do you do X? "It's easy to talk about stuff, it's hard to do it."
"If you're teachable, it puts you in a class of people that sits apart."
Do not work for free -- The rule of value
Charging brings dignity to the work
"Working for free is often not the opportunity we think it is"
"Leaders are made. Artists are made." -- "You aren't born an artists."
The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk