The problem with work is that it becomes exactly that…work. We spend roughly 1/3 of our days working. Wouldn’t it be better to spend that time having an adventure? Is that a reality reserved for comic book artists? When your job stops being fun and exciting with dizzying highs and scary lows, then your job becomes work.
And work is what leads you to dread Sunday nights because they lead to Monday mornings. Work is what makes you wonder, while you are in the shower, why you have to go to the office in an hour. Work is what lead to the expression TGIF.
Make good art
In his book Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?, Seth Godin argues that art is not reserved for artists in the way you and I have come to accept the term artist. Art is something we can all do, whether you’re a Sculptor, a Butler, a Valet, a Maid, an Office Worker, a Writer, a Marketing Director or a Data Processor. As long as what you strive to do is make work that is noticed, that is different, that stands out and gets recognized. Make good art and your job will not be work.
Enter Neil Gaiman
Neil is a writer. He recently gave a commencement addresses at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He talks about his “career” in the arts. It’s a great, timeless address. What stood out for me was when he says:
I tended to do anything as long as it felt like an adventure, and stop when it felt like work — which meant that life did not feel like work.
I like to think that’s how I’ve lived my career so far. I encourage you to take 20 minutes and let yourself be inspired in your own way.
What stood out for you?
Related Posts:
{ 0 comments }

