Same Information, But Different Approaches

Within the past few weeks I've spoken to people about shooting a feature film in my hometown. Both were well versed in the logistics and nuances behind such a bold endeavor. 

The truth is, making a film is nothing short of a miracle. There are SO many moving parts, hurdles and details to consider before deciding to share your story with the world.

What was interesting was both experts offered essentially the same information but in vastly different ways. 

Each offered great insight about everything from hiring security to filing for enough insurance. Both were helpful in suggesting I reach out to people who may be able to offer discounts or resources.

But while one person told me all the reasons it was unlikely to happen the other offered suggestions on how it could. There was a grounded optimism in the first exchange, while the second offered a deluge of obstacles even greater than the ones I'd already been considering. 

The truth was, I already knew the project was going to be hard. I didn't need someone to echo a sentiment I was already very familiar with. 

I needed someone to suggest ways we could succeed in the face of those obstacles.

Same information. Two VERY different ways of sharing it.


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The Importance of Overlooking Information

Today there is a prevalent theme of "hustle" being promoted on just about every social media platform out there. Good luck avoiding a hashtag accompanied by the word, "grind." A culture of "no days off," has undoubtedly been popularized the last few years. And with the endless amount of free content available it's difficult to decide what may or may not be of value.

I certainly struggled over the years trying to figure out what podcast to listen to, seminar to sign up for, or the latest entrepreneurial book to pickup. I devoured information convinced I was a sentence, or quote away from forever having my life.

But what I discovered is your success actually hinges on your ability to overlook information not just consume it. Because if everything becomes important than nothing is important.

As counterintuitive as it sounds you have to cultivate the ability to focus in on content you think can help you, apply it, measure it, and then proceed based on those results. 

Start Before You're Ready

Several years ago a friend was helping me prepare for an audition. She saw that I'd spent considerable time working on the piece and as a result had started to over-think the scene.

"Start just before you're ready," she said to me. What does she mean? I thought. It actually took me a few years to fully appreciate the power of her message.

We often spend a great deal of time consuming information for how to become a better actor, artist, or partner. There are countless resources out there on how to start a business, or write a book. But if we're not careful we can get bogged down with all the information and not take action - "Paralysis through Analysis."

Instead of waiting to launch your business before you have the perfect product, or begin an audition, speech, or important conversation when you feel it'll go precisely has rehearsed, try pushing yourself to adopt the notion that knowledge is only effective if it is accompanied by action. And that action can happen now. 

There are always steps you can take to incrementally get you to where you want to be. Start by starting.

Information is Not Wisdom

There's a big difference between information and wisdom. We live in a time where the amount of content available at our fingertips is seemingly infinite. 

The key is what we do with that information. And just as information does not equate to wisdom, knowledge does not necessarily imply growth. 

It all comes down to focus and implementation of the lessons we learn and then measuring its effectiveness.

Start Writing

Today, there are countless ways to get your voice heard. There's WordPress, Tumblr, and Blogger to name just a few. And the great news is the vast majority are absolutely free.

http://www.creativebloq.com/web-design/best-blogging-platforms-121413634

Still, two of the most common hang-ups I hear about not starting a blog are the following:

1. I have nothing to say.

2. There's so much noise out there. How do I cut through it?

First, as author, entrepreneur, marketer, and blogger Seth Godin suggests, "Write like you speak." In other words, nobody ever has "talker's block."

Second, good content is good content is good content. The world is not starving for information, but it is always on the lookout for wisdom.

You have something unique and compelling to share. Now get to it.