When I decided to create my newest digital program, The Art of Action, I knew I didn’t have all the puzzle pieces to really teach the lessons I wanted to teach. So I embarked on some research.
I worked with 4 books to put statistics & strategy to my ideas.
Making Ideas Happen by Scott Belsky
Making Ideas Happen is an infomercial for Belsky’s Action Method. But it’s the kind of infomercial you start watching and can’t look away from because you’re are actually learning while you’re being sold.
That being said, Belsky isn’t really selling a product – other than snazzy notebooks you can use to document the actions you want to take. What he is doing, though, is selling the idea that action is critical to creativity, to creating. Say no more, I’m sold.
Drive by Daniel Pink
What I’ve found in talking to hobbyists & creative entrepreneurs alike is that those that don’t act are missing a few essential pieces of the motivation puzzle.
In Drive, Pink communicates a 21st century, new economy view of what motivates us. He explores internal & external motivation, autonomy, and challenge. His conclusions were both eye-opening and deeply familiar. I’m looking forward to delving into motivation in The Art of Action.
Taking the Leap by Pema Chodron
I have a piece of paper that proves I can look at any situation through the lens of religion. So it was a no-brainer that I would involve the work of Pema Chodron in my search for understanding what makes people move, act, and create.
In Taking the Leap, Chodron analyzes the anger, blame, and fear that can surround our inability to move forward. Because many creative people are paralyzed by these feelings, her insight has provided a valuable framework for me to teach how to overcome those feelings & create the action they desire.
I also found her lecture “Unconditional Confidence” quite enlightening – forgive the pun.
Poke the Box by Seth Godin
I was lucky enough to score an advance copy Poke the Box. It’s the first release from Godin’s new venture The Domino Project.
I can’t say much about it yet. But I can say that no one says it quite like Godin!
If you’d like to learn more about the ideas in these books in a community environment with exclusive coaching & teaching, check out The Art of Action.
PS If you’d like to learn more about my philosophy & technique when it comes to digital teaching, check out my interview with Ainslie Hunter of Courses that Matter.
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Daniel Pink is an amazing person who thinks the way I do — that business gets ruined when we forget that CREATIVITY comes first and foremost. Tara, if I haven’t said it recently, you are so wonderful.
Yes!!
And I think you’re so wonderful too!
Thanks for this reading list! I’ve been looking for some inspirational reading, and was able to find a couple of these at my local library~~ cool
This current blog I have starred and put in my favourites because it strikes a deep chord within me – thank you so much for sharing what you do and encouraging us “creative types” to stay focused in a way that incorporates our creative natures – every day is such a learning curve for me – thanks for being part of my journey, Cheers, Amanda:)
I love this list! I have Drive and Taking the Leap but have not read them yet. Seth Godin is on preorder, only $1 for kindle edition YEAH! Scott Belsky, I was turned off by some reviews but your take sells me. Oh how I’d enjoy doing a book discussion group with you, but in lieu of that I can’t wait to do The Art of Action. I realize that I have been so focused on the details of my website, marketing, how much and where to do social networking that I have stopped doing what I am best at, creating and generating new ideas (or at least new ways to present them). AKA being an artist! Look for an email from me
Tara,
I read the prior post this morning and congratulated you on all you’re doing. Then I read this post and must admit to going into a scarcity mentality. The program I have in-process includes the, as I say it, inner-work (or motivation piece as you’re referring) and a 5 step process and tools for the outer work. My rational mind knows that we can both be doing this and there are probably many others but scarcity came up. Now I have to move back to abundance thinking. I have my own set of books – two of which are the same of yours, Pema’s and Pink’s. Guess it’s just that great minds think a like.
Cherry
Hey Cherry!!
No more scarcity! Whenever we’re faced with someone doing something similar, we have to look into our own unique assets: our voice, our experience, our interests – and our audience!
Your audience is very different than mine. If you created the same program, you would still make a huge impact just because your audience is different. But, also because of that, yours will meet slightly different needs and create vastly different results.
I can’t wait to see what you create!