You know that I like getting my ideas from non-traditional sources. I was speaking with an incredibly talented video producer and actor yesterday about her show, Galacticast. It’s a sci-fi comedy series available as a podcast, and catching fire on the internet among folks who love catching the references. We talked about quality.
The thing about Casey and Rudy are that they are producing for a medium that currently accepts the absolute worst content as well as professionally-crafted stuff. Go to the Apple iTunes Store and look at their podcast options, and you’ll see Jack Black’s Nacho Libre mingling with “My Cat is Cute” or similar. The barrier to entry is some inexpensive, simple technology, and even the frailest of ideas. (See YouTube for lots of that). And yet, the folks who do Galacticast are putting their hearts and guts into it. Why?
Casey says it’s because she feels it’s always important to develop your boundaries of quality. Pushing yourself a little bit further each time is a method for building value back to what you’re doing. This clearly can apply to how you choose to hack life.
- Know Your Current State– The only way to seek personal improvement is to take an honest and fair assessment of your talents. Feel free to poll others, if you are worried you won’t be honest. But get a sense of how you stack up in the qualities you think might matter to what you’re hoping to accomplish. (This, in itself, is a bonus hack. Looking at what skills you need will help you understand what you can develop next).
- Describe the Ending– Dr. Stephen R. Covey says to think about what you’re hoping to achieve. To improve your quality, you have to know what end goal you have in mind. Casey McKinnon from Galacticast clearly wants to push the boundaries of new media entertainment by doing what she calls “Sci Fi / Lo Fi.” It’s a great way to rise above the scores of amateurs just throwing stuff at the screen.
- Make Reasonable Stepping Stones– If you’re still a file clerk and your plan is to be CEO, don’t make your next move, “Apply for CEO role.” I’m thinking it won’t work. But you might put down, “get some books on leadership,” and “attend local business socials.” And don’t forget: people around you that know you tend to view you as who you HAVE BEEN to them all along. Don’t let that dissuade you. In fact, spend time around strangers, and you’ll see what your potential new roles feel like when reflected by these new people.
- Check In, Re-Assess, Be Open– Often times, if the journey you set yourself upon is truly going to make a difference in your life, you might find yourself heading in a direction you hadn’t intended. Be open to going with it. But don’t just jump down new roads willy-nilly. Check in with your plans and stepping stones. Ask yourself whether these new thoughts or ideas are a surrender, a retreat, or a re-imagined possibility. If it’s option 3, consider branching off the path and seeing what that does for you. Warning: too many branches and you’re likely avoiding something instead of trying new things.
- Reward Yourself, but Keep Going– When we’re successful at smaller things, there’s a great sense of accomplishment and pride. Rest on that step in the journey instead of seeing your goals met, and you’re setting yourself up to quit the full plan. It’s just too easy to be pleased with yourself, and quit there. Surrender the dime for the dollar, friends. You’ll be much happier in the end.
Developing yourself is a scalable asset. It brings more to your business, your personal life, and all avenues you choose to pursue. By living consciously, and by holding yourself to standards that you choose to improve, you find within you the potential to develop and grow beyond your current situation. It need not be an endless loop, and finding satisfaction and happiness with who you are and where you are in life is another matter altogether. They’re not exclusive. My point is merely that all life requires growth. Trees don’t stop. You shouldn’t either.
–Chris Brogan writes about self-improvement and creativity at [chrisbrogan.com], when he’s not watching Galacticast and forgetting to be productive.
