Accumulating respect, attention, and goodwill are more valuable than material possessions, emphasizing the importance of giving and creating opportunities through acts of kindness and generosity.
Overcoming the 'lizard brain' involves confronting fear, persisting through failure, and pushing through discomfort to achieve personal and professional growth, highlighting the importance of embracing discomfort and taking action.
Deep dives
The Power of Being Generous
Seth Godin discusses the changing dynamics of accumulating wealth and the importance of giving. He argues that accumulating respect, attention, and goodwill are more valuable than material possessions. By being generous and providing value to others, individuals can build a loyal following and create opportunities for themselves. Godin emphasizes the shift from focusing on personal gain to making a difference through acts of kindness and creativity.
Embracing Failure and Overcoming the Lizard Brain
Godin encourages individuals to embrace failure as an essential part of the creative process. He shares his own experiences of failure and highlights the importance of persisting in the face of fear and self-doubt. He introduces the concept of the 'lizard brain,' an evolutionary part of our brain that resists change and seeks reassurance. Overcoming the lizard brain involves confronting fear, doing the work, and pushing through discomfort to achieve personal and professional growth.
Unleashing Your Inner Artist
Godin challenges the traditional mindset that associates artists with painting or the fine arts. He argues that everyone has the potential for artistic expression, which is not limited to traditional notions of creativity. Creativity, in this sense, means solving problems in unexpected and unique ways. He urges individuals to embrace their creativity and use it to make a difference in the world, whether through art, writing, programming, or any other form of self-expression.
The Value of Building a Tribe
Godin discusses the importance of cultivating a community of like-minded individuals, or a 'tribe'. He shares personal experiences and lessons learned about the power of building connections, gaining trust, and creating a loyal following. Having a tribe provides support, allows for the exchange of ideas, and amplifies one's message. Godin highlights that successful individuals and businesses are those who are able to build and nurture a tribe.
You listen to my programs because I don’t do the cute “let’s get to know the author” interviews that others are known for. I hunt down information that you can use because I’m passionate about helping you build a business that your great-great-grandkids would admire you for.
That’s why I kept digging in this interview. I want you (and me too, frankly) to be able to produce the kind of hits that Seth Godin keeps cranking out, seemingly without breaking a sweat. Not only has Seth created 2 big hit businesses, but he’s a writer who keeps introducing ideas that shape the way people think.
In his new book, Linchpin, Seth talks about how to be this prolific. As you’ll hear in my interview, much of it is based on opening up your creativity and learning how to confront your fears, which he says come from your “lizard brain.” Imagine what you could accomplish if you were able to do that. Listen to the full program to find out how.