The Practice

About the Author

Seth Godin is a prolific author, entrepreneur, and thought leader in marketing, leadership, and change. He has written 19 international bestsellers, including "Purple Cow," "Tribes," and "Linchpin," which have influenced how people think about work and innovation. Godin is the founder of the altMBA, an online leadership workshop, and he runs one of the most popular blogs in the world. His work focuses on helping individuals and organizations overcome obstacles, embrace creativity, and make meaningful contributions.

Main Idea

"The Practice: Shipping Creative Work" by Seth Godin emphasizes the importance of consistency, overcoming fear, and embracing imposter syndrome to produce and share creative work. Godin argues that creativity is a practice that requires dedication and resilience rather than a sudden burst of inspiration. The book provides a framework for understanding the creative process, building skills, and developing the courage to share work with the world.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Shipping, Creative, and Work
3. Trust Your “Self”
4. The Professional
5. No Such Thing as Writer’s Block
6. Earn Your Skills

Introduction

Seth Godin introduces the core principle of "The Practice": creativity is not a mystical, unpredictable force but a consistent practice that anyone can develop. He challenges the myth of writer’s block and other excuses that prevent people from creating and sharing their work. Godin encourages readers to embrace the process of creation, focusing on regular practice rather than waiting for perfect moments of inspiration.

Godin’s dedication reads, "The magic of the creative process is that there is no magic." He believes that we all have passion and creativity inside of ourselves. What we sometimes lack is the empathy required to create work that contributes in a productive, but authentic and joyful way. There is an identifiable pattern amongst those who succeed in creative pursuits and in those who fail. "The Practice" serves as a guide to leverage that pattern of consistent pursuit and turn passion into creative work that needs to be shared.

"Creativity is not an event, it’s simply what we do, whether or not we’re in the mood." - Seth Godin

Godin underscores that engaging in the process honors your own potential and allows you to enjoy the support of all other creatives who began the practice before you. You merely have to trust your creative self. We are all on individual paths that are distinctly unique and ours. But many before us have found a way to share their perspective and make a difference. You can, too. It’s all about finding the courage to be creative and the commitment to follow the pattern that those who paved the way are already implementing.

Why Shipping, Creative, and Work

Godin explains the significance of the terms "shipping," "creative," and "work" in the context of producing and sharing creative output. Shipping means sharing work with the world, emphasizing that unshared work does not count. Being creative involves problem-solving and innovation, applicable to all fields, not just traditional arts. The term "work" denotes a professional approach to creativity, treating it with the seriousness and dedication of a job, regardless of monetary compensation.

The word "shipping" is used synonymously with the word sharing and he says that "it doesn’t count if you don’t share it." This book is not about journal entries that will never see the light of day. It’s about creations that are put out into the world for the right people to consume at the right time.

He chose the word "creative" because he aims to separate us from "cogs in the system." We are "creators, problem solvers, and generous leaders" who are creating in order to make things better than they are right now. He makes no distinction between the creative work of artists, writers, or business leaders. Anyone who is making something new is creating.

The word "work" is used to show that this is a professional pursuit. Whether or not you are currently paid for the work is not of consequence. You are approaching the creation as if you are a professional and the work in and of itself, not the outcome, is the reason you are here.

"It doesn’t count if you don’t share it." - Seth Godin

Trust Your “Self”

In this section, Godin emphasizes the importance of trusting oneself in the creative process. He argues that creativity is a choice and a commitment to solving problems, finding new truths, and serving others. By trusting in their unique perspectives and experiences, individuals can create meaningful work that resonates with others.