 The Whisper by Michel Desjardins |
One of the side effects of increased online time is that, even as you like to stay informed, the torrent of bad economic news, amplified by the networks effect, threatens to overwhelm you. Yeah, even with the explosion of news outlets, your networks are still bigger -- and more pervasive on the social Web.
Meeting new friends and discovering fresh content, which are both desirable, end up overwhelming you is a different manner: by showing only an unending river of side-A performances. Sure, you occasionally hear about flaws, only in the artificial light of distance and "lessons learned" on the way to success.
Both depressing propositions as you end up comparing your internal conversation with those external factors, making them an artificial context for your life.
Plus, while you are hooked on reading (it's very addictive), you are not doing. And making things, doing stuff is without question the most fulfilling present moment activity.
Get in flow with these five manifestos
How to be Creative
Hugh MacLeod, advertising executive and popular blogger who draws on the back of business cards with a flair for the creative, gives his 26 tried-and-true tips for being truly creative. Each point illustrated by a cartoon drawn by the author himself.
If you've ever felt the draw to do something creative but just haven't been able to pull it together, you'll love this manifesto.
My favorite one: ignore everybody. Best quote: The sovereignty you have over your work will inspire far more people than the actual content ever will.
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The Bootstrapper's Bible
Available to you once again. There's never been a better time to start a business with no money. This 103-page manifesto will show you how.
It includes stories, steps, and tons of material.
My favorite part: I'm in it for the long haul. Building a business that will last separates me from the opportunist, and is an investment in my brand and my future. Surviving is succeeding, and each day that goes by makes it easier still to reach my goals.
I pledge to know more about my field than anyone else. I will read and learn and teach. My greatest asset is the value I can add to my clients through my efforts.
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25 Ways to Distinguish Yourself
According to Rajesh Setty, "being part of the commodity crowd erodes your value." You need to rise above the crowd by following Setty's 25 ways.
My favorites: do you daily work with passion; build strong relationships; dream big; and walk away from free.
In this last one, Setty says: if the offer is very compelling and you ought to take it, then please decide how you will contribute back to the source in exchange for what you received.
There are things you receive for free, like this blog and the manifestos I collected here, for example, which aren't really free -- there is a cost to bringing this to you in research, time, attention, and care. Is the content helpful? So many say it is. Few find a way to demonstrate it.
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Rework: a Better, Easier Way to Succeed in Business
In the real world, you canʼt have over a dozen employees spread out across eight different cities over two continents.
In the real world, you canʼt attract millions of customers without any salespeople or advertising.
In the real world, you canʼt reveal your formula for success to the rest of the world.
But weʼve done all those things and prospered. The real world isn't a place, itʼs an excuse. Itʼs a justification for not trying. It has nothing to do with you.
Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson are the founders of 37signals. I also reviewed their book last summer.
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Go Do: How Hard Can it Be?
It’s important to realize that the only true barrier in life is you.
Sure, there can be obstacles that you face every day and people who are impediments to achieving your goals, but ultimately, you will be the reason that you achieve or fail.
I quite often tell folks that they have to “Go Do.” Frequently, on social media, you will see that two-word charge from me because I hope it will click with folks in need of motivation.
There are so many people out there with the “woe is me” attitude; what they must realize is that they are causing the woe and they are the only conduit for change.
Lou Imbriano is the President and CEO of TrinityOne, a marketing agency with a specialty in sports that takes a non-traditional approach to extending the brand of a company and organization.
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Manifestos are statements of intention that can serve to motivate and inspire. You know which other statements I love? Statements of work. Go do, become a Relationship Architect. It's never too late.
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Say, I'd not heard of these. I can see potential value in all of them, actually. Appreciate you sharing, Valeria. Once my chores are done for the day, I've got some reading to do!
Posted by: Brian Driggs | October 16, 2011 at 02:11 PM
I very much needed to see this today, Valeria. Thank you!
Posted by: Christa M. Miller | October 16, 2011 at 02:48 PM
they're excellent reminders for me as well.
Posted by: Valeria Maltoni | October 16, 2011 at 05:07 PM
make sure you download the second one, as I think it will be available for a limited time only and it's a treasure trove of ideas.
Posted by: Valeria Maltoni | October 16, 2011 at 05:08 PM
Copy that. Done and done! Will be reading later this evening. Thanks you!
Posted by: Brian Driggs | October 16, 2011 at 05:18 PM
Valeria,
Thanks a bunch for sharing my manifesto here. Good to be connected with you.
Cheers,
Raj
Posted by: Rajesh Setty | October 24, 2011 at 11:22 PM