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AC #194 – Chasing Vapor

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We must learn to set good and concrete goals in our life and creating. Do you have real goals or do you simply have vaporous visions of some distant, ideal self?

Todd Henry

Todd Henry

Todd is the founder of Accidental Creative, the author of The Accidental Creative: How To Be Brilliant at a Moment's Notice, and an in-demand speaker and consultant .
Todd Henry

@toddhenry

Todd Henry
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  • http://www.mindboxstudios.com Lucas

    GREAT podcast. Recently I have been wrestling with the idea of my family being the center of my identity and purpose (at this point meaning my wife and I). As we started to flesh out our passions and goals, I quickly realized that without a clear plan to achieve them, it would be nothing more than as you put it… “chasing vapor.” Through the guidance of a friend of ours, we had our first family meeting where we planned out our week, brought order and clarity to the mess of every day tasks that seem to snuff out any possibility to work towards a common goal, and put quantifiable steps in place to achieve our vision. Step 1 for us, write down the vision. Small, but extremely important step – and it felt awesome to know we are equipping our family with the resources needed to do the work God has for us. Thank you for this further encouragement!

  • http://www.VisualSyntaxOutput.com Want

    Once again, you’ve hit the nail on the head Todd. I struggle with this. I have good stretches where I am diligent to do the work. But, inevitably I fall back into that frustrating rut, where the work gets done less and only the projection or idea remains (the vapor). It can take months sometimes to acknowledge and break this cycle with a given project. What you’ve pointed out about chasing vapors vs. actually doing the work reminds me of words of guidance my pastor gave me when I was younger. He was kind enough then to let me in on my own reality and point out that I was getting into things, not for the honorable reasons I was constantly stating, but rather in order to be seen by others as a certain kind of person who does this or that. Seeing this about yourself is a difficult thing to do as it requires a completely honest self-assessment, which our pride can often hinder. Still, however difficult it may be, if I am ever going to reach and move forward toward creative or any goals at all in my life, I must continually check myself in this regard and do the work of refocusing and having self-discipline in doing the daily work that will actually make me that person I want to be seen as. Doing this, when I get around to it, always helps me remember and reevaluate the WHY about my goals and aspirations. After this, the motivation to do that daily work and stay disciplined is renewed and stronger. Then, progress is possible and I watch it unfold right in front of me. Usually, I sit back at this point–when something is finally accomplished and I’m getting good feedback– and say to myself, “I could have done this a long time ago if I had been more diligent about the work instead of just romantically enamored with the idea!” Lesson relearned!

    The things you choose to share about here at AC go beyond mere creative vocations. Because of that, I am often blessed to find spiritual regeneration through your work. Thank you for that. It’s always amazing and inspiring to realize just how powerful sincerely stated truth can be. Those of the AC community benefit greatly from your commitment to using the technology that we have at our disposal today, like this website, the podcasts, etc. for this good and fruitful purpose.

    Thank you again and keep it up. Your work is very appreciated.

    – Want

  • http://www.maximisepotential.co.uk/ Kevin Matthews

    Hi Todd,

    Just want to say that I have been listening now for about six months and really like your content.

    I’m a marketer and fellow podcaster, so can easily relate to where you are coming from!

    Went back over all your Seth Godin interviews too as I am a massive fan.

    Keep up the excellent work and if you get a chance, check our podcast out too.

    Kevin