Founders that know nothing and selling poop knives
"everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you” —Steve Jobs
I'm about to let you in on a little secret that might just change how you view success and learning.
Many of the founders and visionaries we admire are often winging it. Despite the polished exteriors and seemingly endless streams of innovation, the truth is they're mastering the art of learning as they go. They didn't start as experts in [insert service or idea of your choice]; rather, they recognized a need for what they could offer and grabbed the opportunity to expand.
I know this because I work with them. And all of them are learning as they go. None of them know everything there is to know.
At some point, they had to tackle areas outside their comfort zones—be it dabbling in website development or diving into email marketing.
Why am I sharing this? Because this pattern isn't exclusive to business owners. It applies to creators, writers, photographers—anyone you perceive as having their act together or doing something enviable. They're likely in the same boat, navigating the murky waters of 'figuring it out.'
Steve Jobs once pointed out that "everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you,” and whatever you may think of him as a person. I think he has a point.
Whether you're an emerging artist feeling the initial thrill of creation or someone navigating the challenges of expansion and seeking stability, remember—you're at the helm. Embracing the unknown is not only allowed but expected.
Take inspiration from Colleen Nicholas on Instagram, who highlights businesses thriving on the most unconventional ideas, like selling a 'poop knife.' This serves as a vivid reminder that while we, as artists, might fret over the potential judgment of our work or feel intimidated by the unknowns of portfolio building, website development, or expanding our online visibility, there's a world out there proving that success often comes from the most unexpected places.
Now, I don’t want to be flippant, I know for many, myself included the anxiety that comes with not knowing, feeling not in control, and the worry that can come from wanting to put your best work out into the world. You are not alone. In an interview with Glamour, Sarah Silverman said about anxiety, “if you ever experience it, or are experiencing it right now, just know that on the other side, the little joys in life will be that much sweeter, the tough times, the days when you're just a ball on the floor—they'll pass. You're playing the long game, and life is totally worth it.”
So, if someone can find a market for something as outlandish as a poop knife, imagine the possibilities that lie ahead for your unique work. It's a call to move beyond our self-imposed limitations.
What I was listening too
I have mentioned before that I like binaural beats, but I am a bit fan of background noise also. Create your perfect mix on Noisli. They allow a free account for those curious or needing a spurt of focus.
About:
Noisli is a useful productivity application that creates an ambient soundscape for blocking out distracting background noise and reducing stress and anxiety. Noisli reduces the negative impact of sudden spikes in external noise and enabling you to focus for longer periods of time.
What I was watching
Meet the Harvard Psychiatrist Getting YouTubers Millions of Views
About: Alok Kanojia, MD MPH, also known as “Dr. K”, is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist specializing in modern mental health. He is the President and Cofounder of Healthy Gamer, a mental health platform that provides content, coaching, and community to young people. Over the past couple of years, Dr. K has gained over 2 million subscribers and done around 315,000,000 views.
In this episode, you'll learn:
•How to improve your relationship with feedback
•How to actually deal with burnout
•Why you're wrong to focus on performance
•And how to just be an overall healthier creator
Personal Work
Hey you made it to the end! I have a little secret for you!
Corey and I are driving to Victoria today! Living in a smaller community, anytime we go to a larger city I get really excited to people watch and as it is Victoria …
Get dumplings from Dumpling Drop
Coffee from Hey Happy
Pick up plant supplies from Little Plant Shop
And of course explore some favourite spots, like Fan Tan Alley