Tag Archives: Seth Godin

Trending Failure

I’ve noticed lately just how much we’ve started to focus on the value of failure. It seems we’re understanding that failing is how we learn, how we grow, how we gain experience. But have we seen any significant change? Have we accepted failure individually?

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Categories: Media
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I’ve noticed lately just how much we’ve started to focus on the value of failure. It seems we’re understanding that failing is how we learn, how we grow, how we gain experience. I know I remember my failures much better than my successes, because they teach us something new and valuable every time.

Posts from Seth Godin, Wired, and Harvard Business Review have been hitting on failure more and more often, but are we seeing any significant changes? I’m not so sure. The underlying problems of accepting failure and making mistakes can be seen in the education system, where we get it drilled into our impressionable minds where being right is all that matters, and if you’re not right you’re basically stupid.

Additionally, even though we can acknowledge the importance of failure and making mistakes, are we able to actually be open to them, be receptive and accepting to situations when we have failures? Can we see the bigger picture, rather than feeling crappy, embarrassed, and discouraged? A recent TED Talk from Kathryn Schulz talks further about this idea of acceptance and being wrong. You can watch the full video below.

Are you ready to fail?

Sunday’s Top Links (3.27.2011)

In this week’s links we learn how to give honest feedback, train our brains into shape, understand the birth of a word, engage with statistical software, and learn to pick ourselves. Enjoy!

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Categories: Sunday's Links

Welcome to this week’s top links!

1. Don’t Be Nice; Be Helpful

Of course this is easier said than done, but if you want to help people than its important to give them legitimate feedback at times. In this HBR article, Peter Bregman outlines how to go about giving feedback to your colleagues in a way that’s not so painful.

2. Lumosity: Reclaim Your Brain

Its important to work our brains regularly and ensure we’re giving it the exercise it needs, just like the rest of our body. Lumosity is a platform focused around improving your brains health and performance through a number of tools and exercises.

3. Deb Roy: The Birth of a Word

MIT Research Deb Roy recorded his newly born child’s activity in their house for over 90,000 hours. With this data he was able to essentially link the connections to how he said his first words. Using a similar model he makes some amazing connections to the media we consume and ultimately demonstrates the power of data analysis.

4. Gapminder

I’m sure you’ve seen Hans Rosling’s crazy presentations where he uses his interactive graphic interfaces to tell a story, and if you haven’t you can watch one here. Gapminder is the software he is using to bring life to the data and its available to anyone for free.

5. Reject the Tyranny of Being Picked

Don’t wait for things to happen, its not likely that you’ll be picked to do things that you want to do. You don’t need anyones permission, pick yourself and make things happen, wise words from Seth Godin.

And if you missed last week’s links, check them out here.

Post-it Quote: Siddhartha

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Categories: Musings

This quote from Siddhartha is what Seth Godin used to conclude his newest book Poke the Box and I think it does a fantastic job in summarizing what its all about. Seth Godin has been emphasizing the value of delivering/shipping/finishing things for awhile now, and this latest book is focused on the other end of the spectrum, starting. We need to push ourselves to take the risk, to make something happen, to believe in ourselves, and simply start.

What I like most about Seth Godin’s interpretation of starting is that it never ends until you finish. Each new day you are starting again, it takes practice and discipline and starting is a constant practice until there’s no work left to do. Poke the Box is a quick read that has a clear message and worth checking out, but in the meantime we should take the advice of the quote to heart and try not to make these two critical mistakes.

Sunday’s Top Links (3.6.2011)

In this week’s links we find our ideal careers, unleash the power of our voices, hear from the Winkelvi, find a process for choosing, and have a chance to change the world with art.

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Categories: Sunday's Links

Welcome to this week’s edition of Sunday’s Top Links.

1. When Your Job Isn’t What You’re Meant To Do

Ever felt like your job isn’t what you were meant to do? Seems like a lot of people get that feeling. In an article by Dan Pink, we look at the questions that arise from this realization and how to find out what you would truly be happy doing.

2. Crowdvoice.org

An inspiring initiative that focuses on sharing the voices of those partaking in the protests around the world. There are designated pages to the movements occurring in Morocco, Libya, Bahrain, and more, all allowing the people’s voices to be heard.

3. Winkelvoss Talk Facebook

We all know the ‘Winklevi’ from The Social Network but in this interview from Fast Company, we get their take on the movie, Facebook, Mark Zuckerburg and more. Its really interesting to hear their side of the story that is often assumed to be inline with the movie.

4. The Simple Two-Step Process

Step One and Step Two. A simple process provided by Seth Godin on how to pick what idea, project or venture to focus on. And just because it may be simple, doesn’t mean it will be easy.

5. JR’s TED Prize

The 2011 TED Prize was awarded to the French street artist JR. In his TED Talk, JR gives us a look into the meaning of his work, as well as how we can all get involved in the Inside Out Project. If anyone is up for doing this, let me know! Check out the project here.

Finally, if you missed last week’s links, check them out here.

Poke The Box Now

The upcoming book Poke the Box, from Seth Godin, is available in e-book format for $1 until March 1st, 2011. If you’re interested at all I’d suggest jumping on this deal before its too late! The first book from The Domino Project!

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Categories: Good Reads Sunday's Links
domino_project

Just a quick follow-up about Poke the Box, the new book from Seth Godin. As mentioned before, it is part of his new initiative, The Domino Project, whose underlying goal is to really challenge the conventional publishing industry. Following with this theme, he just announced that he’s selling the e-book version of his next book at the ridiculously low price of just $1 (pre-order). So if you’ve never read his stuff before, are a huge fan, or somewhere in between, I’d suggest checking this one out, it’s quite a bargain. Place your pre-orders here.

Note: the special price is only applicable for pre-order of the e-book until March 1st, so don’t miss out!

Also, if you’re looking for other books to read, check out my post on 3 New Books I’m Going To Buy.

3 New Books I’m Going To Buy

A brief introduction to three new books that I want to read and you should too. Poke the Box by Seth Godin about starting, Evil Plans by Hugh MacLeod about balancing life and work, and Enchantment by Guy Kawasaki about the power of influence.

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Categories: Good Reads

I love to read and there are 3 new books that I’m waiting to get my hands on.

1. Poke the Box by Seth Godin

Seth Godin has written a ridiculous amount of best sellers so far, and I expect this to join the club. Poke the Box is about that little push or “poke” if you will, that we all need at times to get started on something. The unique thing about this book is that its part of his new publishing venture The Domino Project, where he’s changing the rules in the publishing game. Pre-order your copy of Poke the Box.

2. Evil Plans by Hugh MacLeod

This book talks about how to have fun on your way to world domination. Sounds interesting doesn’t it? From the author Hugh MacLeod, writer of the book Ignore Everybody, we get insight into how to balance our life around work and love, and how doing so can unfortunately result in hate from others. Order Evil Plans today.

3. Enchantment by Guy Kawasaki

Another offering from Guy Kawasaki, this time  sharing his knowledge on the “Art of Changing Hearts, Minds, and Actions.” It’s not about manipulating people, but taking the traditional thoughts of persuasion and influence to another level. I’ve noticed a trend recently, emphasizing the value of this skillset and who better to explore it with then Guy Kawasaki in Enchantment.

Super Bowl Sunday Links (2.6.2011)

In this week’s top links we learn about balancing our input and output, see how everything is a remix part 2, are introduced to TED Books, find every newspaper in the world, and get insight on how to win the entrepreneurial race.

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Categories: Sunday's Links

Hopefully you can find some time in your day to check out this week’s Sunday Links! Happy Super Bowl!

1. In and Out

How much do we need to import and how much do we need to  export, the balance between the two is a key to success. It’s more than just time management, its juggling your education with your creation. Another great one from Seth Godin.

2. Everying Is A Remix Part II

Part II in this great exploration of the Remix has arrived. In this version we shift our attention from music to movies and see how much of what we see in cinema is “borrowed” from the past. A very unique perspective on creation from Kirby Ferguson. See my post on Part I here.

3. Introducing TED Books

First we had the wealth of TED Talks, now they are introducing a new offering in the form of TED Books. Do we need to pay $2.99 for a book when there are already so many free talks available at TED.com? I’m not sure, but it’s an interesting move nonetheless.

4. Newspapermap

Want to find a newspaper? Check out newspapermap to find any newspaper anywhere in the world. This is a great way to visualize and find all the newspapers currently in publication.

5. What We Need To Win The Entrepreneurial Race

How do we compete in the race for entrepreneurship? Well Mashable came up with some key areas to address that should lead to us winning this global race.

Also if you missed last week’s links, check them out here!

Sunday’s Top Links (1.16.2011)

In this week’s top links we have an interview with author Tim Feriss, a World Clock tracking stats of 2011, the best business models of 2010, a game focused on typing skills, and an article from Seth Godin on your true friends. Enjoy!

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Categories: Sunday's Links

Welcome to another edition of Sunday’s Top Links.

1. Tim Ferriss Interview – 37 Signals

An interview with author Tim Ferriss, writer of The 4 Hour Work Week and more recently The 4 Hour Body. In the interview he covers tolerable mediocrity, false idols, advice to startups and more.

2. World Clock 2011

An intriguing flash animation showing us what is happening in the world since the start of 2011. It covers a wide range of statistics, such as population, death, environment, energy, and more. Seeing the numbers makes many of the issues hit a lot closer to home.

3. 10 Business Models From 2010

TechCrunch presents a great Slideshare presentation showcasing some of the best business models of 2010. On a case by case basis, we see the company using the business model and details on what makes it work.

4. Z-Type

A mix of education and gaming. In Z-type you have to type the words (spaceships) to destroy them. I love the concept and expect to see more and more simple games such as these that truly implement the power of games to promote further education.

5. I’ve Got Your Back

An inspired post form Seth Godin talks about the value of having friends who truly have your back and will be there for you through the hard times, not jump on the bandwagon when things are easy. Whose got your back?

Sunday’s Top Links (11.28.2010)

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Here’s the best of Thanksgiving Week…

1. Where Do Ideas Come From?

A list of 20 insights by marketing guru Seth Godin on where our ideas come from.

2. Bluemind

In need of a mindmapping tool? Bluemind is the ideal solution, its lightweight, easy to use, and gets the job done. I’ve been using it for the past few weeks and love it (sorry for all the Mac users out there, but this is PC only).

3. TED Talk: My Green School Dream

This TED Talk by John Hardy completely takes the idea of a Green School to the next level. Check out this amazing school in Indonesia and what it’s all about.

4. thesixtyone.com

A music adventure, that’s how the team at thesixtyone.com (picture above) describe their new service. Here, you’re able to discover new artists, in a seamless, easy to use experience.

5. Google and the Rise of Facebook

It used to be Google, but ever so slowly, Facebook is taking over everything. A great article by Brian Solis examines how Facebook has moved into Google’s territory.

Sunday’s Top Links (10.31.2010)

Another serving of Sunday’s Top Links. This week we see the story and end of the Sony Walkmen, an innovative new platform for funding creative projects, how others influence who we are, getting your money’s worth at college, and the best of web video from Vimeo.

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Categories: Sunday's Links

The best of the web for Halloween week…

1. The Birth Of The Walkmen

The story and impact of the Sony Walkmen. Sony recently ceased production of the Walkmen earlier this month after 32 years.

2. Massive.tv – An Online Storytelling Laboratory

Large funding platform for creative projects throughout the world. There unique system of all or nothing funding allows for everyone to test their ideas and projects while minimizing risk.

3. You Are The Average Of The People You Spend Time With

Very interesting article about how the people you surround yourself with have a significant impact on who you are.

4. Pushing Back On Mediocre Professors

Trying to fight back the mediocrity from classes for which we pay thousands to attend.

5. Vimeo Showcases The Top 9 Films On The Web

Vimeo put together a Showcase of the Top 9 Films on the web right now in a range of categories, including: Animation, Motion Graphics, Narrative, Music Video, and much more.

Sunday’s Top Links (10.24.2010)

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The best of the web for this week…

1. Street Artist JR Wins TED Prize 2011

Amazing street artist JR (picture of work above) is awarded a $100,000 grant from TED Prize for 2011. It’s definitely not a traditional choice for what we normally see from TED, but I think its a great decision, as his work really does portray innovation and creativity at its core. You can see more of his work here.

2. Deliberately Uninformed…

Yet again, Seth Godin with a brilliant post about how many of us are more intrigued by media and truly mindless TV shows, opposed to the value and information gained from books, news, and more impactful content.

3. 8 Habits That Crush Your Creativity

An informative post from Copy Blogger, sharing some key deterrents of your creative force, such as fears, focus, barriers, and approach.

4. IBM CityOne Game

Awesome new game from IBM Innov8, CityOne gives you control of a city and allows you to develop it in four key areas: energy, water, banks, and retail.

5. Feeling Sad Makes Us More Creative

A new study from Columbia Business School has shown a relation between creativity and feeling a little gloomy. I’m a bit skeptical, but its an interesting idea nonetheless.

Seth Godin’s Free E-Book

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Categories: Good Reads

Towards the end of 2009, Seth Godin released a free E-book entitled “What Matters Now.” I’ve been reading it and must say it’s a good, easy read and its FREE, so why not check it out.

Essentially its a book of some of the premiere thinkers in the world today, all sharing a singular idea with you to think about going into 2010. Download it here.

And let’s all give a big thanks to Seth Godin for this wonderful gift going into the new year!