Seth Godin Gets a Brain-Poke on What Really Matters

What really matters to you? I mean beyond the usual success metrics...?

I know many people struggle. From what I hear from friends back in the US, some people are in seriously dire straights employment-wise, financially. No family is without loved ones who haven't found work, or if they have a job, aren't earning what they should.

Even when the economy improves (and it has in some sectors), there remains The Big Problem: there are a lot of unhappy people not finding fulfillment and meaning in life, in work, in what they do each day.

Seth Godin is an interesting human being who has brought us new ways of thinking by writing 10 best sellers, including Unleashing the IdeaVirus, Permission Marketing, Purple Cow,and Tribes. His latest book, Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? publishes on Amazon today.

This book is personal. It's about finding what really matters, and making a real difference in the world. Seth is concerned about what's happening, beyond the economy, beyond marketing.

I'm very concerned. Like Seth, I'm hoping there's a way for each of us to reach the kernel of genius within... to start creating art instead of doing work... to engage in artistic leadership instead of mediocre obedience... to become more generous with our genius.

So are a lot of other bloggers. You can learn more about what other people are saying over on Squidoo, here. Here's how you can listen to my interview with Seth:

I had the pleasure of interviewing Seth about his ideas and would love to share the audio recording with you. Please listen to it, it's important.

You'll want to read the book, to find out more about his ideas and how they apply to your life:

Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?

Excerpt from Seth's book: This is a personal manifesto, a plea from me to you. Right now, I’m not focused on the external, on the tactics organizations use to make great products or spread important ideas.

This book is different. It’s about a choice and it’s about your life. This choice doesn’t require you to quit your job, though it challenges you to rethink how you do your job.

It’s time to stop complying with the system and draw your own map.

Stop settling for what’s good enough and start creating art that matters. Stop asking what’s in it for you and start giving gifts that change people. Then, and only then, will you have achieved your potential.

My thoughts about this book...

Every period in history has had upheavals and periods of unrest, particularly during major transitions.

As the world went from a feudal, agrarian society to manufacturing goods in large factories...as the manufacturing system transitioned to a knowledge economy...and now, we are in the middle of another upheaval in the way we work, the way we communicate, learn, spend, and live.

Some of it's good, some of it's leaving a wake of collateral damage... I think that's what were seeing now, and what we'll continue to see in job losses and economic shifts.

No one knows how it will shake out in 20 or 30 years. But right now, in 2010, we are laying the foundations for that new world.

I think Seth hits the nail, and does a good job of getting us to think deeply. I also think, as he admits in his interview with me, that 98% of the people who read the book won't take action, won't do anything different.

Maybe readers will nod and say, "Right on!"... but will they start being generous, applying themselves and deeply caring in what they do? No, I don't think most people will.

We're too complacent. And unless we experience a personal and emotional crisis, we don't take action, we don't get motivated to do anything different. We're creatures of habit and comfort. Only what's worked before won't work in the near future. Not to be Chicken Little, but the sky is changing, really changing.

I'll be in my rocking chair by then, but I worry about the grandchildren and their children: what kind of world will they work in? Will they find satisfaction? Fulfillment? Meaning? Earn good money? Be able to save? Afford healthcare and college?

Will you? How can you start unleashing your true value today, now? There must be a way ...

Comments

[Jason Eichacker]

This is a brilliant post! As someone that left a job because of the way it made me feel--very much "doing work" and not "creating art"--then lost out on a job that would have been better pay and more fulfilling, I am in the midst of the kind of emotional crisis this takes.

I'm writing more, often in flashes of a few dozen words, and looking to turn passion into profession. The world is certainly changing and, Mr. Godin's probably right, 98% of people will fall into the same routine because it's what their parents did...and their parents did...and their parents did. Meanwhile, some of us will be looked at like we're crazy and having fun the whole time.

[Dan Wedin]

thanks for the review. I like Seth's outlook on life, I'll be buying this book tomorrow.

[Patsi Krakoff]

Thanks for stopping by, Jason, Dan. Good to hear from you. Good luck, Jason.

[Rob Cook]

Always great hearing Seth Godin's opinions on current trends. His books are outstanding. Thanks for the review and audio.

[Source]

I'm in a deadend job, I really need to take some advice and get some small business going! =) I need to find a niche small company of some sort.

[Anonymous]

Good blog. You can only win in life through a positive mind set. Stop dwelling in the past people! You can never- ever - change it. Use the past as a weapon. Use it to smash through present obstacles. Your past hardens your moral fiber. Spin it to your advantage!!!