Scott Perry's Blog, page 49

The Perils of Positive Thinking

It's no secret, setting intentions alone does not manifest change. Sending your intentions out into the universe is a one way conversation.

Good things may come to those who wait, but those things taste like Guinness or ketchup.

Intentions matter, of course. Set them with care and integrity. But destiny rewards pursuit. You must step into possibility to make change happen.

Here are three questions you can ask yourself after you set you intention that will encourage you to lean in and leap into worthwhile efforts.

"What's it for?" What are you aiming at and why?
"What's now?" Frame yourself and your situation in a way that creates choices.
"What's next?" Assess your choices and decide which next small step will move you the furthest and fastest into the difference you wish to make.

And then... Take that step.

Rinse and repeat.

Let's keep flying higher together!

Scott

Ready to make change happen? Join us in Endeavor Basics!

Live Your Legacy

Legacy isn't what you leave behind, it's the impact you're making now.

“While we wait for life, life passes.” - Seneca

It’s Time to Make a Difference

You are enough. Yet, capable of more. We need you. 

It’s time to make a difference. It’s time to fly higher. 

You have choices to make. 

Ready?

Haven’t you wasted enough time traveling the well-worn path of what’s expected? 

Are you done with following the map drawn by the status quo and leading to where everyone else is headed?

Do you want to settle for the tried and true, the ordinary, and the unremarkable?

Or are you ready to chart a course and draw a map of your own?

It’s time to embark on a voyage of discovery. Who are you? What are you good at? Where do you belong? 

You’ve answered these questions before. But you’re not the same person, nor in the same situation, and not surrounded by the same people now as you were then. 

Answers to these questions aren’t found on the map everyone else is following. They’re discoveries made with a compass and made with and for fellow travelers.

It's Time to Be Creative on Purpose

The content and community at Creative on Purpose are a compass to help you draw your own map. Join us in stepping into possibility with integrity and intention.

You enhance your life most when you engage in work that serves others. You find that work at the intersection of your values, talents, and tribe. 

“Love the humble art you have learned and take rest in it.” - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

It’s time to fly higher together in endeavors that makes a difference. Are you ready?

Let's go!

Scott

Old Rivers and Long Bridges

The bridge pictured above runs across the New River Gorge in Fayetteville, WV. 

The New River is one of the oldest on earth and one of the very few that runs North instead of South. Old and contrary, remind you of anyone. ;)

The bridge is one of the longest and highest ever constructed. It connects people and places that were disconnected before it existed. It took thousands of people and several years to build a bridge that made things better. 

No wonder it's one of my favorite places!

I've been developing Creative on Purpose for as many years as it took to build the bridge across the New River Gorge. I value the time and attention of everyone who lends this endeavor some of their valuable time and attention.

If you haven't visited Creative on Purpose recently and go there now, you might not recognize it. The branding, promise, and offerings are more clear and intentional than ever before.

We're on a mission to help others connect with meaningful endeavors and each other to change things for the better.

Speaking of better endeavors, that's precisely what's taught in Creative on Purpose's free micro-course, Endeavor Basics. Here are a few recent testimonials. 

"I was completely absorbed. I love how you put the package together." - Brenda Ammon

"This micro-course is engaging and makes you think. The format is clean and easy to view on my phone." - Tania Marien

There's a group of fellow travelers in there right now making change happen. I hope you'll join us.

Scott

What if character is fate?

"Character is fate." - Heraclitus

What if character is fate?

What if to live a good life you must be a good person?

What if the path to better living goes through character?

What if destiny is determined not by what you do is defined by who you are?

What if instead of answering these questions, you acted on them instead?

Step into possibility with intention and integrity. Be creative on purpose.

Let's keep flying higher in endeavors that make a difference together!

Scott 

 

Is Character Is Fate?

"Character is fate." - Heraclitus

What if character is fate?

What if to live a good life you must be a good person?

What if the path to better living goes through character?

What if destiny is determined not by what you do is defined by who you are?

What if instead of answering these questions, you acted on them instead?

Step into possibility with intention and integrity. Be creative on purpose.

Let's keep flying higher in endeavors that make a difference together!

Scott 

 

An Artist’s Adventures with Marcus Aurelius

It’s in looking back and reflecting that a life journey is sorted and makes sense. Marcus Aurelius knew this. Marcus Aurelius was the last of what are known as the Roman Empire's Good Emperors. Meditations is a printed collection of what remains from Marcus' private journals.

What Is Creativity?

Creativity is a fundamental human impulse. Along with our capacity for reason and social instinct, it’s a defining characteristic of human beings. Creativity is the simple human act of making change happen. You employ your creative inclination every time you send a message, prepare a meal, make a mess, or make amends.

What Is Stoicism?

Stoicism is an ancient philosophy of life that, like any worthwhile metaphysical pursuit, answers the questions, “What does it mean to be human? What does it mean to be happy? And, how can I be more of both?” 

Stoicism suggests that our rational and social nature are defining human traits and that developing and employing both cultivate excellence of character. They believe that virtue is all that is required to live a good life. Stoics further assert that clarity of what is and what is not within our control is essential to maintaining our sense of happiness. 

Regarding life’s inevitable challenges and misfortunes, the Stoics have a few suggestions. Employ yourself purposefully where you have influence and do so for the common good. This is how you can maintain a sense of flourishing even as you accept what fate bestows.

But, what the heck does Stoicism have to do with creativity? It’s where the art of living converges with the creative process. Stoicism encourages me to be a more purposeful and flourishing creative, and creativity helps me approach the meaning of life with a greater sense of craft and appreciation.

Marcus Aurelius sums it up succinctly and eloquently: 

“Love the humble art you have learned and take rest in it. Pass through the remainder of your days as one who wholeheartedly entrusts all possessions to the gods, making yourself neither a tyrant nor a slave to any person.” - Meditations, 4.31

Marcus, of course, is referring to the art of living. The responsibility of being a human being and an individual in service to our fellow human beings through the roles we play and the work we do. This is the path to equanimity, tranquility, and happiness through all of life’s challenges and celebrations.

In this art of living, we all possess the capacity to cultivate and encourage this “smoothly flowing life.”  

“At every hour, give your full concentration… to carrying out the task at hand with a scrupulous and unaffected dignity and an affectionate concern for others and freedom and justice and give yourself space from other concerns… You see how few things you need to be able to live a smoothly flowing life.” – Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 2.5

And creativity is one of the primary human motivations we can employ toward this end.

Marcus was my introduction to Stoicism, the philosophy that informs and influences my life and my work as a creative. Marcus’ delivers the virtues and values of Stoicism through metaphor and an aesthetic perspective that resonates especially deep with creatives. What follows are thoughts and reflections about my journey thus far as a creative and a “student” of Marcus.

My Journey Begins

My adventures in Stoicism began in a 7th grade Latin class. I was introduced to Marcus through translating passages from Meditations from Latin to English from my textbook (although Marcus originally wrote them in Greek). Encouraging my interest, my teacher gave me his copy of Meditations. I read and reread it until the book was tattered.

At the time, I didn’t know I was reading a definitive ancient Stoic text. I just loved the way Marcus spoke to himself. It was the same way I talked to myself. This is one thing purposeful work can do, it can connect people disconnected by time and place.

Another interest that developed at this time was playing guitar. In this adventure, I failed to meet a helpful guide until I went to college. However, once I connected with this teacher, I was “ruined.” Music frequently “interrupted” my studies and, eventually, my career as an academic.

Upon graduating, I taught at a few private schools you’ve probably heard of and tried my hand at sales and restaurant management. But soon, I went all the way to “the dark side.” I became a professional musician. Again, Marcus spoke to me.

“Everything, a horse, a vine, is created for some duty. For what task, then, were you yourself created? A man’s true delight is to do the things he was made for.” - Meditations, 8.19

The Stoics speak of the four roles or personae. Cicero writes about this in On Duties. We are simultaneously living as human beings, individuals, members of society, and the role we choose for ourselves. I’d found my purpose. My calling. Or at least my calling for the moment. A vocation as a performing musician was work at the intersection of my values and talents that enhanced the lives of others.

The Stoic Guitarist

Making a living as a guitarist is not for the faint of heart, but earning a living equal to that of your average academic was a pretty low bar to meet. I managed to build and sustain a music career while holding on to the woman of my dreams and raising two happy and healthy boys. 

Fame and fortune eluded me. But that was not the point. I was happy to make a living doing work that was fulfilling. After all, Marcus reminds:

“Does anything genuinely beautiful need supplementing? No more than justice does - or truth, or kindness, or humility. Are any of those improved by being praised? Or damaged by contempt? Is an emerald suddenly flawed if no one admires it?” - Meditations, 4.20

To explore and develop my craft and be able to share my work with others. To serve the song, the audience, and my collaborators on stage. This was reward enough.

There were, of course, plenty of challenges. Disreputable club owners, irresponsible bandmates, indifferent audiences, nights traveling long distances for short money, and worse. But Marcus taught me to mitigate the impact of these misfortunes on my equanimity.

“The thing ordained for you - teach yourself to be at one with those. And the people who share them with you - treat them with love. With real love.” - Meditations, 6.30

It is easy to become bitter and jaded at any level of the music business’ pecking order. I certainly experienced instances of falling into these unhealthy states. But over and over again, Marcus pulled me out with this reminder. The work was the reward. The work as a musician, sure. But also, the task of striving for excellence through loving others and serving them through my work.

“Receive without pride, let go without attachment.” - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 8.33

Marcus helped me approach my musical craft and career with greater intention and gratitude. Becoming a professional music maker is not work I have to do, it's work I get to do. And for a long time, it was the work I felt I was meant to do.

Mindfully engaging with my craft, remaining present, and focusing on the reasons for my work rather than attaching myself to external rewards and results. These practices helped me navigate the ups and downs of a career in music while maintaining a love for the work. It also fueled a sense of wonder and curiosity. All the while, maintaining a desire to excel and experience a feeling of prosperity and even abundance.

The Stoic Creative

Around my fiftieth birthday, I found myself returning to Marcus’ Meditations frequently. More aware than ever before that my days are numbered, I felt the urge to make whatever was left, count.

“Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now, take what’s left and live it properly.” - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 7.56

I felt I’d shined a light, but thought I could shine brighter, with more purpose, and with a more significant impact.

“To see the nature of a sunbeam, look at light as it falls through a narrow opening into a dark room. It extends in a straight line, striking any solid object that stands in its way and blocks the space beyond it. There it remains—not vanishing, or falling away.

That’s what the outpouring—the diffusion—of thought should be like: not emptied out, but extended. And not striking at obstacles with fury and violence, or falling away before them, but holding its ground and illuminating what receives it.

What doesn’t transmit light creates its own darkness.” -Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 8.57

My career as a performing musician and guitar teacher felt like it had been a good run, but increasingly, it also felt like a race I was ready to abandon. But what was next? 

Our sons grown and gone, my wife and I sold the farm where we raised them and moved to town. I built up my lesson studio practice and dialed back on gigging. I began thinking about what the next thing might be, and the words of Seneca kept ringing in my ears.

“What ought to be done must be learned by one who does it.” - Seneca, Moral Letters to Lucilius, Letter 18

These words informed my next steps. I enrolled in Seth Godin’s altMBA program. Through it, several epiphanies came to me, and I re-acquainted myself with my love for writing. I blogged my way to some clarity about a book idea, and during another Godin workshop, The Marketing Seminar (TMS), I wrote and published The Stoic Creative.

The Stoic Creative is a book about where the art of living collides with the creative process. It’s based on the assertion that struggling creatives are driven by passion, and thriving artists are driven by purpose. TSC shares concepts and tools based on Stoic principles and practices to help creatives elevate to artists by sharing work that matters with those that need it.

Toward this end, TSC shares many quotes from the ancient Stoic literature, such as this one from Marcus Aurelius.

“First, do nothing inconsiderately or without a purpose. Second, make your acts refer to nothing else but a social end.” Meditations, 12.20

We have our duties to pursue and fulfill as human beings, individuals, and members of society. But it is in the roles we choose for ourselves that we can enhance ourselves and those we connect with. Employing our creative capacity with intention provides us the opportunity to act as artists in the way we live. 

This can, of course, be facilitated by heeding this admonition from Marcus’ favorite Stoic teacher, Epictetus.

“Progress is not achieved by luck or accident, but by working on yourself daily.” - Discourses, Book 3

Seth Godin, the altMBA coaches and the altMBA alumni community became my teachers, guides, and fellow travelers. I developed a daily writing practice. More important, I published this work on my blog and in an unofficial altMBA alumni publication called It’s Your Turn.

In addition to becoming a better writer and teacher, my work with Seth Godin and other collaborators helped me see the wisdom of some of Marcus’ most pointed advice.

“Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.” - Meditations, 10.16

Learning, personal development, study, these enterprises are all well and good in and of themselves, but it’s in the doing and sharing that transformation occurs. The process of the altMBA and the work I launched after that, along with my continued Stoic practice, helped direct the shift I sought. I began moving from work as a musician and guitar teacher to that of an influencer and change agent in the creative sphere.

And my adventures in aligning my creative impulse with my love of Stoic philosophy are far from over.

Creative on Purpose

My book met with enough success to encourage me to further develop this new enterprise. My experience in the altMBA and TMS led to an influential mastermind group and a coaching position working alongside Seth Godin and several other impressive leaders in The Marketing Seminar. 

I’m still developing my potential and delivering on my promise as a creative and teacher. I seek more connection and collaboration through meaningful endeavors. And daily, Marcus reminds me:

“People exist for one another. You can instruct or endure them.” - Meditations, 8.59

All of us teach. It is woven into our role as both human beings and members of society. We influence and instruct through our words and deeds. If we do so with an empathetic motivation, a clear and beneficial intention, and a generous aspiration, we elevate our teaching to artistry and initiate a transformation that elevates and enhances those with whom we engage.

Toward this end. I recently launched Creative On Purpose, an online “home” and gathering spot for those wishing to cultivate excellence through work that matters. Work done with and for others to enhance the lives of those it touches.

The Journey Continues

Throughout the ages, thoughtful human beings have sought to answer these questions. “What does it mean to be human?” “What does it mean to be happy?” And, “How can I be more of both?” 

Marcus Aurelius found answers in Stoic philosophy which asserts that what distinguishes us from other living things is our capacity for reason and our social nature. For the Stoics, happiness depends on our ability to control our impulses, adopt a courageous posture, serve the common good, and cultivate wisdom.

Marcus found the path through the three disciplines of perception, action, and will.

“Everywhere, at each moment, you have the option: to accept this event with humility, to treat this person as he should be treated, to approach this thought with care. So that nothing irrational creeps in.” - Meditations, 7.54

In engaging our creative capacity in any enterprise worthy of our time and talents, we would do well to heed Marcus’ personal entreaty. Developing our will and accepting what comes from our work in our current situation. Taking action that is aligned with our values and those of who we seek to serve through our work. While we frame our perception intentionally and rationally.

Although it has an aspiration, creativity occurs in the present moment. Again, Marcus advises us to follow the three disciplines.

“All you need are these - certainty of judgment in the present moment; action for the common good in the present moment; and an attitude of gratitude in the present moment for anything that comes your way.” - Meditations, 6.52

In addition to presence, generosity, and acceptance, creativity is enhanced by focus and prioritizing. Struggling or suffering creatives are led about by their whims and passions. Thriving creatives advance their craft as artists and as human beings by “pruning” distractions and the unnecessary from the task at hand. 

“If you seek tranquillity, do less. Or (more accurately) do what’s essential – what the logos of a social being requires, and in a requisite way. Which brings a double satisfaction: to do less, better.

Because most of what we say and do is not essential. If you can eliminate it, you’ll have more time and more tranquillity. Ask yourself at every moment, ‘Is this necessary?’”- Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 4.24

Peace of mind and a general sense of prosperity is brought about by mindfully remaining in the “here and now.” We enhance this experience if we embrace our work and the art of living with a sense of curiosity, gratitude, and wonder. Marcus, arguably the most powerful man of his day, fought against self-corruption by cultivating this mindset.

“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 7.47

Confidence and certainty undermine our creative capacity, which relies on curiosity and courage. To create is to embrace the unknown and the possibility of failure. Curiosity and courage help us face challenges without abdicating our happiness or equanimity.

Stoicism promises that we can experience a greater sense of flourishing, tranquility, prosperity, and overall well-being in any situation or circumstance. Creativity is the tool we all possess that helps us fulfill this promise by being creative on purpose.

Scott Perry is a husband, father, teacher, and musician from Floyd, VA. In addition to his work at Creative On Purpose, Scott is a head coach in Seth Godin’s online workshops. Scott’s books, The Stoic Creative and Endeavor, are available on Amazon.

This article originally appeared in Stoicism Today, the blog at Modern Stoicism.

Fate, Destiny, & Legacy

"The thing ordained for you – teach yourself to be at one with those. And the people who share them with you – treat them with love. With real love." – Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

Fate

Fate is who you are and where you're at now. You can't change what brought you to this moment.

But if you acknowledge and accept fate, you can frame yourself, your situation, and the possibilities and potential ahead.

Destiny

Destiny is what's ahead. You can't know exactly what opportunities and obstacles await. But you can choose and take your next steps into them with intention and integrity.

Those choices and actions inform who you are and inspire your perception and posture as you continue stepping into your destiny.

Life doesn't happen to you. It happens through you.

Legacy

Legacy isn't the money and monuments you leave behind. Legacy is about living fully and well with what fate has bought you in this moment.

Legacy is the difference you're making right now. It's who you are and what you're doing to make things better today.

What's Next

What are you doing to develop yourself and enhance the lives of others today? Are you ready to make a difference?

Let's keep flying higher in endeavors that make a difference together!

Scott

The Work You Get to Do

I made the leap to become a full-time professional musician shortly after my first son was born and right after a brush with a significant health scare. Music was my passion, and I didn't want to look back on my life at the age I am now and wonder “Could I have ‘done something’ with my musical ambitions.”

We lived in Charleston, South Carolina at the time. It was a great place to launch a music career. There were plenty of places to perform and a vast well of talented musicians to play with. I formed musical partnerships quickly and picked up gigs easily. Fortune shone upon me. I was "making it!"

Most of my musical partnerships were with players who were ten or twenty years my senior. I was struck by how often I heard these veterans griping. They complained about indifferent audiences, crappy gigs, lack of recognition, low pay, and how undeserving local talent like Edwin McCain and Hootie and the Blowfish were getting signed while they were getting passed over.

Me? I was thrilled simply to be doing what I loved and getting by. I was living the dream. I vowed I’d never become one of "those guys."

Years passed, and my career continued. From time to time, I picked up gigs at well-known venues and festivals. I even did shows with famous acts. But mostly, I was a local favorite, a hometown hero.

Shortly after our second son was born, we moved to southwestern Virginia, and I augmented the income lost due to my less frequent gig schedule by giving guitar lessons. It turns out I love to teach even more than gigging, and I really enjoyed being home more and on the road less.

About twenty-five years into my musical endeavors, I caught myself having a conversation about not getting the breaks I "deserved." I recognized the symptoms right away. It was happening. I was becoming one of "those guys."

And in that moment, I changed my mind. I reframed my situation and reminded myself, "This isn't the work I have to do. This is the work I get to do."

This realization was more or less a rewording of my favorite quote from Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, "Love the humble art you have learned and take rest in it."
The "art" Marcus is referring to is the art of living. Marcus believed that to live well meant to remain humble and accept what fate delivers, even as you strive to excel and serve others. It's strong medicine, and it saved me at that moment where hubris and selfishness were creeping into my consciousness. 

Ever since that day, I make a daily practice of thankfulness with a 1-minute gratitude exercise. It helps me cultivate a sense of sufficiency for who I am and how things are even as I strive to better myself and my situation. 

Scientific studies reveal that the simple act of counting your blessings and a posture of gratitude stave off stress and cultivate wellbeing even during the toughest times.

So, why not give gratitude a chance? What are you grateful for today?

Let's keep flying higher together!

Scott

What's Holding You Back?

You are, of course, sufficient just as you are. At the same time you recognize that you have undeveloped potential and unfulfilled promise. What's keeping you from stepping into possibility and a better you?

If you had to choose one primary obstacle from the list below, what would it be?

My situation
Other people
Myself

If you're being completely honest, is there any truer answer other than the last?

What if you assumed agency over the way you frame yourself and your situation? What if you surrounded yourself with the right people? What if you developed a mindset for seeing possibilities and a posture for stepping into them?

Do you have the courage to take responsibility for developing yourself through endeavors that make a difference? What if courage is something you cultivate through engaging with these challenges?

This survey will help you identify what's holding you back and get you started with developing the mindset and posture necessary to step into possibility and a better you!

Let's keep flying higher in endeavors that make a difference together!

Scott

Got Gratitude?

Gratitude Starts with You

It's difficult to be truly grateful for external circumstances or relationships if you're not able to express gratitude for yourself and your inner life. To cultivate deeper appreciation, I start my day by writing down three gratitudes related to myself and my situation.

These might include physical, emotional, or character "strengths." I might also list a recent experience, a simple convenience or pleasure, or even a challenge that tests and develops me.

Here's my list for this day - "Today I am grateful for a curious mind, a cool breeze, and a difficult conversation I'm having later today."

What three gratitudes are on your list today?

Go Further

Here are a few thoughts on gratitude from Endeavor.

Let's keep flying higher together!

Scott

BTW, during the month of November, the Creative on Purpose Difference Maker Community is exploring the virtues of gratitude together. We'd love to have you join us! Click the button below to learn more and enter the coupon code LETSGO! to receive a 50% discount on a monthly or annual subscription.