Break down big goals into manageable tasks for progress without feeling overwhelmed.
Define creativity broadly to pursue diverse passions and lead a fulfilling life.
Envision a 'Hundred Year Old Plan' to prioritize long-term fulfillment and meaningful activities.
Deep dives
Momentum and Small Steps in Achieving Dreams
Matthew Dix, a competitive storyteller and author, discusses the importance of momentum and taking small actionable steps towards achieving dreams. He emphasizes the significance of breaking down big goals into manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. By focusing on chipping away at tasks daily, like writing five sentences towards a novel or making the most of ten-minute blocks for productivity, individuals can build momentum and progress towards their aspirations.
Framing Life Through a Creative Lens
Matthew Dix highlights the notion that everyone is creative, not limited to traditional arts or writing. He encourages individuals to view creativity in diverse forms, such as gardening or engaging in meaningful activities. By broadening the definition of creativity, individuals can lead more fulfilling lives by pursuing passions that resonate with them, leading to a richer and more meaningful existence.
The Hundred Year Old Plan and Decision Making
Dix introduces the concept of the 'Hundred Year Old Plan,' advising individuals to envision their future selves and seek guidance from this wise version when making decisions. By considering what the elderly version would advise for the day, individuals can prioritize activities that align with a well-lived life. This approach helps individuals focus on long-term fulfillment rather than short-lived pleasures, fostering a more purposeful and rewarding journey.
Importance of Incorporating Fiction in Reading Habits
Engaging with fiction literature allows individuals to develop empathy and gain insights into the internal lives of characters, fostering better understanding of human behavior. Reading fiction enables readers to grasp the motivations and emotions of characters in a deeper way compared to nonfiction, enhancing their ability to relate to others in real life situations. By consuming fiction, individuals can identify similarities between fictional characters and real-life individuals, aiding in comprehending people's actions and thought processes. Fictional narratives serve as models that can be applied to personal experiences, guiding individuals in structuring and conveying their own stories effectively.
Significance of Five-Second Moments in Storytelling
Five-second moments in storytelling represent pivotal instances of change or realization that occur in an instant, leading to profound shifts in characters' perspectives or behaviors. These moments serve as the crux of storytelling, encapsulating the transformation or growth experienced by characters over the course of a narrative. Whether in movies, books, or personal anecdotes, the essence of a compelling story lies in capturing these instant moments of change that define the character's journey. Through the recognition and portrayal of five-second moments, storytellers can imbue their narratives with depth, emotional impact, and a sense of authenticity, resonating with audiences on a profound level.
Matthew Dicks is an internationally bestselling author, podcaster, co-founder of Speak Up, and a 53-time Moth StorySLAM champion and 7-time Moth GrandSLAM champion. Many might think he's just an over-achiever, but as he proves in his new book, Someday is Today, it really just comes down to time management. And we all have the same amount of time each day. In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Matthew gives you all his tips and tricks to making the most out of each minute and moving the needle closer to his goal.
