It’s hot at smashLAB today, probably much like at your studio. We’ve finally pushed Speak Human through its first set of hard edits and it’s getting closer to release, even though it has been delayed somewhat. Additionally, we’re working on a few new projects that will launch this fall. In the meanwhile, here are a few more random observations.

61. Illusions

I’ve met a few “remarkable” people now, and I’ve found that they’re only about .001% different from anyone else I’ve met. Thinking they’re endowed with special powers, however, serves as a great excuse to limit ourselves from doing the same.

The only difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is found in attitude: establishing a goal, acting on it, and not stopping until it’s met.

62. Advice is cheap

Reading others’ suggestions can help break a log-jam but suggestions should never be taken as the gospel. Every situation is different; there are very few universal rules.

63. Here is now

We like to think of things other than what we’re doing as easier and more lucrative, but there’s often great opportunity right at our fingertips. We’re just not paying attention.

64. Say “thanks”

People are busy and the noise around them increases daily. As such, only a few actually take the time to respond to our requests for assistance.

There are lots of people out there, but few who’ll give you the time of day. Say “thank you” whenever they lend a hand; not doing so might render you part of the noise.

65. The finish-line

Cognitive dissonance in business isn’t uncommon. Whether you’re better, nicer, faster, smaller, bigger, more innovative, simpler, or best intentioned doesn’t matter. The only thing that really does is who crosses the finish-line first.

66. Fail fast

We all fail. The trick is to get it out of the way quickly and move on.

67. Starting and finishing

There are millions of half-complete novels, movie scripts and bathroom renovations. Starting stuff is fun, but everything gets boring at some point. Success seems to favor those who finish a few things, over those who start and abandon many.

68. Life without fear

A thousand things tell us to be scared. We succumb, spending our days thinking about losing a job, having bad breath, or not keeping cholesterol in-check. Although fear can serve as a helpful warning sign, don’t let it become a hindrance. Seeing past our doubts allows us to consider greater possibilities.

69. Having kids

There’s no other experience so simultaneously trying and joyful, affirming and bewildering. In my experience, nothing else makes one feel as complete, connected or alive.

70. Television (or lack thereof) is an answer

We only have so many hours a day to become great at something–for the sake of argument, let’s say, 8 good hours that you can really invest in your craft.

Take out television and you tap another 2 hours a day for side-projects, reading about your practice or learning about parallel ones. Multiply that by a year and you access 91 extra work-days for your craft. (Or, more than three additional years of practice for every decade.)

“Survivor” and reruns of “The Jeffersons” may be the biggest hurdle between you and your dreams.

Want more?

Random observations – Part 1
Random observations – Part 2
Random observations – Part 3
Random observations – Part 4
Random observations – Part 5
Random observations – Part 6