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Merlin’s weekly podcast with Dan Benjamin. We talk about creativity, independence, and making things you love.

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43Folders.com is Merlin Mann’s website about finding the time and attention to do your best creative work.

Ira Glass on Working Through the Suck

YouTube - Ira Glass on Storytelling #3

Video featuring terrific advice from This American Life’s Ira Glass on having the tenacity to get better at the creative work you’re passionate about — even through the times when you know what you’re making isn't as good as you'd like.

I admire Ira's courageousness in using himself as an example of how to do it wrong.

(Also, now that I’m aware of that tic where radio people punch every third word, I’m hearing it all the time.)

[via Big Contrarian]

CuriousG's picture

Ridiculous is pretty far from how your post struck me

I think it is great that you posted this. It is honest and will be useful to others. As a therapist I have a bias that letting things get to you, and breaking down can be a sign of being a man. Learning a craft is tough arduous work...and it is worth it. Hang in there.

Incidentally I posted about 7 Tips to Mastering New Skills in reference to interpersonal and parenting skills, but I wrote them broadly so others working to master new skills could use them as well.

Hang in there man. Keep at it. Be patient with yourself. Discover your learning loops. You'll get there, or you just may get somewhere else unexpected that could be even better yet. That's what happened with my career. I would bet even a guy like Merlin didn't dream of being a productivity uber god when he was in high school. Keep at it.

 
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