Let’s dive into a paradox that’s been on my mind lately: the idea that in a world of boundless creative freedom, we can sometimes feel utterly… stuck. It’s like standing in front of a canvas that stretches endlessly in every direction, and feeling overwhelmed about where to place that first brushstroke. Sound familiar? You see, while the allure of unlimited possibilities and unfettered exploration is undeniably seductive, it can also be paralyzing. It’s like being a kid in the world’s largest candy store, but not knowing where to start. And that’s where the magic of constraints comes into play. The Magic of Limitation Think back to some of your most memorable creative moments. Maybe it was a project where you had a shoestring budget, or perhaps you were working under a tight deadline. It’s in these moments, when our backs are against the wall, that we’re forced to think differently, to approach problems from new angles, and to truly innovate. Constraints push us out of our comfort zones. They challenge us to question our usual methods and to ditch the “this is how it’s always been done” mindset. Instead of a vast, overwhelming canvas, constraints give us a defined space […]

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Got goals? We all do. In the creative field, it’s ambition that wakes us up every morning. Not coffee. Yet at the same time, everyone can be honest about the fact that they’ve failed to achieve something in the past, or that where they are now in relation to a big, big dream is much farther behind than they’d like to be. What’s often missing from the equation, according to New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff, is intentional planning. Join us on this podcast episode as we discuss his personal and professional philosophies on success, best advice for ambitious creatives, and more. Going About Goals the Right Way History-makers like Steve Jobs have proven that any idea can be brought to fruition, regardless of how big or scary it may seem from the outset. But whatever you want to do, Jon says, whether it’s launch a startup or build something from the ground up for your existing business, you have to create a plan. Think of the journey as a 12-foot ladder, with the bottom being where you are now and your dream awaiting at the top. A half-baked plan, or ladder with only one or two rungs, would […]

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During the pandemic, I rediscovered golf and was instantly captivated. What started as a pastime quickly turned into a full-blown obsession. I dove headfirst into the game, setting ambitious goals like playing 50 games in 50 days for my 50th birthday. I even sought out golf lessons and started working with a coach to fine-tune my skills. But here’s the remarkable thing: the lessons I’ve learned on the course extend far beyond golf itself. They transcend the boundaries of the game and have become guiding principles in all aspects of my life. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast or not, these lessons hold true for everyone. Let me share with you the seven invaluable lessons that golf has taught me. 1. Play it like it is In golf, there’s a well-known saying: “play it like it is.” This concept emphasizes the importance of accepting the circumstances on the course. Regardless of where your ball lands, be it in the rough or a challenging bunker, you must confront the reality and adapt accordingly. You can’t pretend to have an ideal lie, nor should you become frustrated by a difficult position. Instead, you must persevere and play through it. This valuable lesson extends […]

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Thomas Edison, Charles Darwin, Steve Jobs… humanity has seen quite a few failures over the years. But history doesn’t remember them for their missteps – it’s for what they accomplished in spite of all else. Beyond impressive inventions and firsts of their kind, people appreciate other people who show them what’s possible with the right mindset. Amy Edmondson, Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at the Harvard Business School, has been studying the science behind this for years. We recently sat down to discuss her research and why she believes talking about failure is the key to success. Understanding the Different Facets of Failure Amy’s research categorizes failure into three distinct archetypes: Basic Failure: This stems from neglecting fundamental principles crucial for success. It’s like skipping essential steps in a process, hoping for a favorable outcome. Complex Failure: External factors, often beyond our control, cause this type of failure. While some aspects can be anticipated and mitigated, others remain unpredictable. Intelligent Failure: This is where the gold lies. It’s about viewing setbacks as learning opportunities. With this perspective, failures become stepping stones, guiding us closer to solutions that work. Amy’s mantra? Embrace failure. It’s the secret sauce to innovation and […]

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Consistency is the heartbeat of mastery. As artists, our journey is not always filled with explosive moments of inspiration or epiphany. Nope, there are days—maybe even weeks—when ideas simply refuse to flow. It’s like waiting for a bus that never seems to arrive, endlessly hoping for a glimpse of movement on the horizon. But guess what? It’s during these challenging times that cultivating consistency matters the most. Why Consistency Matters in the Creative Process Why does consistency matter? Because it’s the silent force that transforms average into excellence. When you persist in your craft, even when your mind feels barren, you’re building resilience and discipline. Each day you show up, you’re sending a powerful message to yourself: “It’s okay, we’ve got this.” And that’s when the magic happens. Five Strategies to Maintain Creative Consistency In this episode, we’ll explore 5 ways to stay focused and keep producing, even when it feels like you’ve hit a wall. 1. Create a Creative Routine Establishing a routine is a game-changer when it comes to nurturing creativity. Think of it as a secret weapon that unlocks your artistic potential, even when creative inspiration runs dry. A routine provides structure, allowing your creative energy to […]

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To say the world today is uncertain would be an understatement. Almost nothing’s guaranteed, and it seems like new disruptions to the status quo emerge every day. While our parents might have had the luxury of only worrying about how the rise of rap might impact their kids’ future, our generation lives in a much different reality. The economy. Artificial Intelligence. Global conflict. Evolving standards of work. Pandemics. Cybercrime. The only certain thing there is about it all is uncertainty itself. Yet in the face of this daunting outlook, there are people out there who hold hope for the future. Chris Guillebeau is one of them, having built his entire career upon the concept of exploring unconventional approaches to not only survive but thrive amidst ever-changing conditions. I recently had the privilege of speaking with him about the strategies he’s developed to help young professionals and entrepreneurs hack their way through this ever-evolving world. Read on for five key takeaways. 1. Challenge the Status Quo If there’s one skill every single person on Earth should have today, it’s the ability to ask questions and challenge the norm. Because when you think about it, we’re all pretty much destined for the […]

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Learning is a journey. A transformative and lifelong process that shapes us in every aspect of our lives. As learners, we know that continuously acquiring new skills and knowledge is crucial to excel in our respective fields. But let’s be real, sometimes it can feel overwhelming and challenging, right? Trust me, I’ve been there too. But here’s the thing, understanding the three essential phases of learning can make all the difference. It not only makes the journey manageable but also incredibly rewarding. Personal Phase: Curiosity, Trial and Play, Inspiration So, let’s dive into the intricacies of these phases. First up, we have the Personal Learning Phase. Picture it as the bedrock of your learning journey. It’s where curiosity ignites and inspiration sparks. Embrace this phase by exploring topics that genuinely intrigue you. Try out different tools and resources. This is your chance to cultivate a deep passion and interest for the skill you aim to master. Public Phase: Scaled Instruction, Community, Individualized Instruction Now, let’s move on to the Public Learning Phase. This is where things get exciting. It’s a shift from personal interest to utilizing external learning resources. Think books, podcasts, and digital media. Oh, and don’t forget about […]

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The rapid advancement and vastness of today’s technology can be daunting. For instance, Artificial Intelligence, once a topic of science fiction, now guides us in baking bread and optimizing our tax returns. Many are concerned about technology’s impact on employment. Professionals in various fields are now competing with machines designed for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. While complete replacement of human labor by technology is still a distant reality, it’s a looming concern for many, especially creators. However, Seth Godin offers a different perspective. He views the changing landscape not as a threat but as a realm of opportunities. In a recent conversation with me, the renowned author and expert on industrial evolution shared insights on the future of work, emphasizing that advancements like AI can coexist with creative professions without leading to job losses. Seth Godin on The Significance of Work A fundamental truth about work is its inherent challenge. Whether it’s physical labor or intellectual tasks, effort is paramount. While many work diligently, a significant number settle for mediocrity out of fear. This mindset, though comforting, makes one easily replaceable, especially with emerging technologies like generative AI. Seth Godin perceives our current crossroads as a chance to infuse value into […]

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A while back—having grown my business to somewhere around the $25 million in annual revenue mark and still growing at 40% year-over-year—an investor looked me straight in the face and said, with a head tilt and a shoulder shrug, that the business growth I was killing myself for “just wasn’t that interesting.” Wait, what? WTAF?! I swear this is true. This comment was so disjointed from my reality that it led me to a hot take I’ve since come to understand a bit better: “Success” isn’t real. You see, success is a fleeting concept, made up by people like you and me… and this investor. It’s a moving target we think we’ve defined for culture at large, but it’s only really something we can ever define for ourselves. And yet, we forget this all the time. We FORGET that it’s all relative. To one another. To the “market,” whatever that means. Hell, on any given day of my life up to that conversation I was having with the investor, success might have been as random as whichever way the wind was blowing. From that day on, I committed to never leave the fate of my most important dreams and projects […]

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For some, the idea of being a perfectionist is desirable. “I’m so disciplined that it’s a problem,” says the person who wants you to respect their hard-working attitude. But for Thomas Curran, a man that has taught psychology at the London School of Economics for years, it’s a trap. We recently sat down to discuss his book of a similar title, the arguments it makes about how perfectionism can hold us back, and what we can do about it. Listen to the Podcast Understanding Perfectionism So, what causes perfectionism? We know on the surface level that it’s about wanting to do the best job possible. That can be a good thing in moderation. Where things get unhealthy is when perfectionism starts to become obsessive and all-consuming. Perfectionists can be highly driven by fear—fear of failure, fear of being judged by others, or even just a general sense of anxiousness that can lead them to strive for excellence in everything they do. They may also feel pressured by their own expectations, or those of parents, teachers, or peers. Although perfectionism is often driven by external pressures, it can also be a result of internal struggles with self-confidence and self-esteem. Perfectionists may […]

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When I think of the power of community, I’m reminded of the electrifying experience of watching a megaband like Metallica perform live. While the spotlight shines on James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo, it’s easy to forget the army of skilled individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes. From lighting artists to sound engineers, it’s a collective effort that brings the magic to life. Similarly, as creators, we often find ourselves in the spotlight, showcasing our work to the world. But behind every successful creator is a supportive community that fuels their passion and drives their vision forward. The Power of Community in Creative Work We’re all inherently social beings. Regardless of whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, human connection is vital. For creators, this connection often comes in the form of a community – a group of like-minded individuals who understand your journey, share your passion, and offer unwavering support. But how do you build such a community? 1. Engage and Participate The first step is to actively engage with existing communities that resonate with your interests. Dive deep, participate in discussions, collaborate on projects, and most importantly, give more than you take. Remember, it’s not about […]

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Dr. Caroline Leaf, a renowned cognitive neuroscientist and expert on mental health, dives deep into the fascinating topic of the power of the mind to change the brain and find mental peace. She recounts her personal journey and how her passion for understanding the mind-brain connection, mental health, and memory formation led her to become one of the most accomplished cognitive neuroscientists of our time. Dr. Leaf emphasizes that the brain is not a fixed organ, and that managing the mess in our minds is crucial for our mental health. She goes on to explain how our thoughts can affect our brain chemistry, and how we can use this knowledge to our advantage by training our minds to think positively. Dr. Leaf also discusses the importance of understanding the different types of memory and how they impact our mental health. Some highlights we explore: How our mind changes our brain The importance of managing our mental mess The 5-step Neurocycle process for healthy mind-management The impact of unmanaged stress and toxic thoughts on children’s mental health Why social media curfews and bans won’t protect your child from mental health issues The need for a scientific approach to mental health interventions […]

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I was recently reminded that the fastest way to succeed is to fail. Literally. And yet the only reason this sounds a little weird, is because we’re constantly falling into a trap. There’s No Perfect Plan In fact, I fell into this trap myself not too long ago. I was trying to make this little project work out perfectly (installing a golf simulator at the studio)  I was doing all the calcs on paper… Making lists from the couch of what goes where, when and how, all before I had taken any action.  And when I finally got started – after all my oodles of planning – everything immediately fell apart. And then I immediately remembered.  The common belief is that all the decisions made in the right order gets us exactly the outcome we want.  But actually that’s the trap: what is in your head is purely conceptual.  It’s NOT REAL until it gets out of your head and into the world – and the real world is a glorious factory for mistakes.  So much so, that even the IDEA of avoiding mistakes is a lie sold to us by suckers who believe it’s a noble pursuit. This is […]

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When you think of financial advice, you might think spreadsheets and cutting your lattes to save a few dollars a week, that was at least until Ramit Sethi published his book, ‘I Will Teach You To Be Rich‘ in January of 2009. We spoke on the Chase Jarvis LIVE show several years ago, and in our conversation Ramit touched on some of the most critical skills we all need not just be money smart but to change your money mindset in living in your rich life. Those lessons are some that everyone needs to master. Here are my favorite: 1. Understanding the Other Person’s Mindset Me! Me! Me! That’s who we all want the discussion to be about. This is especially the case in business, where professional value seems to rest on one’s ability to promote it. But is this really the right approach to take? Ramit argues that it isn’t. Self-centric conversations are immediately off-putting and impersonal. They say ‘I have something to sell you’ without explaining why that thing is worth buying. Kind of like an infomercial. Presenting yourself to clients in a meaningful and engaging way starts with a 180 of understanding their individual needs. What kind […]

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Curiosity is the fuel that propels us forward, that drives innovation and growth. Yet, so many of us lose curiosity as we grow older. There’s some evidence that suggests that our decrease in curiosity may be related to our increase of knowledge as we grow up. If we already know what we want to know, why should we care? But here’s the thing: curiosity is not a luxury. It is critical for life-long learning, keeping a sense of youthful wonder, and even building more robust relationships because we’re genuinely more interested. So, today, I want to share with you some practical strategies to help you cultivate curiosity in your own life. Embrace the Unknown. It’s natural for us to seek comfort in what we know, in what feels familiar. But if you want to cultivate curiosity, you must be willing to step outside your comfort zone. Get into some adventures. Try things you haven’t done before. Embrace the unknown, the uncertain, and the unfamiliar. It’s in these moments of exploration that true curiosity thrives. Feed Your Mind. Curiosity is fueled by knowledge and information. So, make it a habit to feed your mind regularly. Read books, listen to podcasts (like […]

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In 2019, I had the pleasure of sitting down with comedian Nate Bargatze for a hilarious conversation about his journey to becoming a successful stand-up comic. If you haven’t listened to this episode yet, be sure to add it to your list. His lessons coming up as a comedian can be applied to anyone cutting their teeth in a competitive and difficult art form. This Tennessee native found his passion for comedy at an early age, drawing inspiration from his everyday experiences to create his unique style of clean and relatable humor that resonates with audiences. “I always tell it through me. You either laugh at me or you laugh because you’re doing what I do. Or your wife is like my wife. And I want it to be that,” he shared.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Nate Bargatze (@natebargatze) Nate discussed the challenges of touring nationally and internationally and how it has exposed him to different cultures and comedy styles. He shared his lessons learned from these experiences, including how learning to adapt contributed to his growth as a comedian. “It’s like golf. You have to commit. If you don’t do those things, […]

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In this episode, we dig into the importance of taking creative risks. We all know that some risk is necessary. Simply said, you cannot stand out and fit in at the same time. If you’re not sharing your work, you’re hiding, and this tends to compound on itself. Once you start hiding, you stop growing. Creativity requires taking risks and embracing failure. Failure is the forward propulsion toward success and the sooner we can change our perspective around it, we easier it is to muster the courage to face the fears that are holding us back. Some topics we get into: The danger of hiding and not sharing your creative work The importance of taking risks to grow as an artist The role of mistakes in the creative process The value of having fun and making an array of bets to play longer The importance of assessing risks and anticipating problems Enjoy! Listen to the Podcast Subscribe

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For some, being manic is simply a part of being creative. Non-stop ideas, improvements, and all-nighters are conducive to success in the field. But there is a line to be drawn – one that when crossed, can quickly lead to burnout and a reverse in productivity altogether. One of my best conversations about this was with Mel Robbins in 2021. Mel is a keynote speaker, author and life coach who frequently speaks on the topics of stress management and personal growth. In our discussion, she highlighted five key things that everyone can do to manage cortisol overload. Here are the takeaways: Recognizing the Toll and Taking Action Stress. Worry. Anxiety. Fatigue. Indifference. They’re all interrelated feelings with the power to shape our thoughts – and as creators, quality of work. It can be easy to overlook the true implications of day to day life on wellbeing, especially during times when goals seem more important than anything else. It’s even easier to let introspection fall by the wayside in the midst of unprecedented global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and recent economic shake-up. But ignoring the wear life has on wellbeing doesn’t do anyone any good. In fact, it’s one of […]

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Have you ever sold yourself short? I have, and it stings.   It was early in high school when my coaches were quick to identify young Chase Jarvis as a high-performing athlete with potential to play sports at a high level. As a result of this label – and in an effort to maximize my potential – I was introduced to a sports psychologist who specialized in a cutting-edge practice called “visualization,” whereby athletes were taught to augment their physical training with training their mind to visualize desired outcomes. Keep in mind this was the late 80’s and this was a new field that was quickly integrating across professional and Olympic sports. I was certainly lucky to be exposed to in person sessions and books on the topic – all of which I dutifully devoured.   Visualization became a habit for me, and in leading up to my senior soccer season, I began to visualize exactly the number of points I’d score, which would, in turn, lead me to an athletic scholarship at the college of my choosing. To my surprise – what I visualized came true. EXACTLY TRUE, to the precise number.  “WTF, it worked?!” I remember thinking. Which was immediately […]

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In the mood to hear a fulfilling story? Look no further than Chelsea Yamase. Social media would have you thinking that this 34-year-old lives a life taken straight out of an adventure storybook, but there’s even more to her lifestyle than meets the eye. I recently had the chance to speak with Chelsea on the podcast about everything from her personal journey as a creator to current outlooks and future plans. Meet Chelsea Yamase Most people know Chelsea through her Instagram presence, which currently attracts the likes of over 1.2 million followers around the world. They enjoy frequent updates on her outdoor travel adventures as illustrated through photos and videos of everything from sunsets to trips at sea. But that’s just one very small piece of the puzzle. Despite social media being a great vessel for inspiration, she tells me that real-world down-to-Earth living is her true raison d’etre. Beyond likes and comments, she yearns for explanations to life’s biggest questions: What does fulfillment mean? And what does living a fulfilled life look like?   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Chelsea 🌊✨🤸🏽 Adventure Travel (@chelseakauai) In her quest to discover answers, Chelsea has been on […]

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