Linchpin
Seth Godin is an inspiration for anyone seeking advice on how to make significant changes in their work life. His book Linchpin provides some good advice for those familiar with his blog and those who are new to his works.
Linchpins and Leverage
The linchpin and the lever are devices that transform a little bit, into a lot. It isn’t about how many hours you work, or how much time you’ve spent on a task. It’s about efficiency. It’s about the breakthroughs. It’s about taking an idea, and changing the landscape entirely. It's the antithesis of 9 to 5, the cubicle, and why you're only earning $X. If you know you're worth it because you deliver something different, something unique, something valuable – then you know what linchpins and leverage are all about.
Artists who Can’t Draw
Insecurity is the bane of us all. Often this comes from failing to live up to “expectations”. This is all about finding your voice, and being confident that what you have to say is not only relevant, but important.
Shipping
There’s an old saying – “Best not to begin. Once begun best finished”. Personally, I have a much easier time coming up with an idea, than I do with bringing that idea to the point of completion (i.e. shipping). Seth reinforces the notion that it isn’t good enough to generate ideas – you need to bring them home as well. This probably has more to do with my own hang-ups about finishing what I start, than it has to do with the book – but nevertheless, it’s a point that resonates with me.
More Cowbell!
I’m a Virgo (by birth). If you subscribe at all to astrology, you’d know that Virgos tend hide in the shadows a bit. I tend to surround myself with friends who are occasionally loud, and excessive – people who seek the Cowbell!!!!! Sometimes you need to shout out and get noticed, even if your habit is to remain in the shadows and be completely modest.
Gifts
And finally, the motivation behind ones action is integral to the act. When you do something that is without ego, and is in the interest of the greater good, however you define it, you will inevitably create something good. Self-interest can lead to many good things, including survival. But selflessness will lead you to places that the ego can’t.
Summary
Overall, I’m a big fan of Seth Godin. He’s an inspirational writer who’s part motivational speaker and part strategist for the modern era. He has a good core message and plenty of useful advice for those looking to make a difference. Honestly, I skimmed the book, and probably get more from reading his blog on a daily basis than I did from reading Linchpin. However, it pulls together his ideas in one place, and gives a good sense of where he’s coming from.
