The Heart To Start: Stop Procrastinating & Start Creating

by David Kadavy

You have something to offer the world. Find the inspiration and motivation to finally start making your art.

In The Heart to Start David Kadavy, bestselling author of Design for Hackers, shows you how to overcome fear, self-doubt, and distractions to win the inner war and finally let your art shine.

Through the stories of great creators, from Picasso to Maya Angelou, interwoven with David's rise from cubicle-dweller to bestselling author, and from the guests of David's podcast, Love Your Work, you'll

What "inner war" keeps your art inside you? You'll learn from Steven Pressfield, Ryan Holiday, and Sean Stephenson.
Where can you find explosive ideas worth following? Learn about the magic of your inner voice from Maya Angelou, the Impressionist painters, and J. K. Rowling.
Why is perfectionism the most dangerous form of procrastination, and what can you do about it? You'll hear from Ira Glass and Ed Sheeran.
How can your big dreams actually hold you back? You'll learn from daredevil Evel Knievel and cartoonist Hugh MacLeod.
What motivational martial art can knock your ego on its back and propel your project forward? Learn from behavioral scientist Dan Ariely, and a U.S. submarine captain.

In The Heart to Start, writers, artists, filmmakers, musicians, and entrepreneurs will find the inspiration and mindset to bust through fear, self-doubt, and procrastination to finally let their art shine.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Productivity, Writing, Business, Ebooks

140 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

David Kadavy (@kadavy) is a bestselling author, blogger, podcaster, and speaker. Through his blogging at kadavy.net and his podcast, Love Your Work, he helps people find satisfaction through following their crafts, even if it takes them down unconventional paths. David's writing has appeared in Quartz, Observer, Inc.com, The Huffington Post, McSweeny’s Internet Tendency, and Upworthy. He has spoken in eight countries, including appearances at SXSW at TEDx. He lives in Medellín, Colombia.

Reviews

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The same way a rocket needs to escape the gravitational pull of Earth to get into space, your art needs to escape the pull of ego to get into the world. You’re going to need some serious fuel to make that happen.” I’m a perennial fan of punchy, exhortative get-off-your-ass books such as Stephen Pressfield’s classics The War of Art and Turning Pro, Austin Kleon’s Steal Like an Artist, and Seth Godin’s entire oeuvre. This book by the creator of the Love Your Work podcast is a welcome addition to the genre. I’ll be rereading its 140 pages often for rocket fuel. 8.5/10

[Scott Wozniak · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authenticity is great in this book. And the ideas are deep. It's another motivational "you-can" book, not a "how -to" book. This one is especially good if you're a worrier, as the author's struggles with that will resonate with you.

[Brad Bussie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost didn’t write this review

I generally skip past writing reviews. I think “I don’t have time for this, it will take forever, and does it really help anyone?” I can say with certainty after reading this book I was able to take ten minutes. Sure, my review might suck. But if it helps one person, then it did its job. This book is about getting started in all things. You can do anything for 10-20 minutes right? Just begin and the rest takes care of itself. Messy is good. Non-linear? Even better.

[Héctor Iván Patricio Moreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly valuable read for everyone who wants to start doing something he/she likes or feels passionate about.

I can note that this book is inspired on the ideas of many other books and persons, but although I've already read several of them, this book has original and never heard advice at least by me, or presented in a completely different and original way.

Some of the ideas that stuck with me are:

- We inflate the goals/dreams or action needed to reach those goals, if we want to start something, we must start working right away, without thinking much about it.

- We can trick ourselves to start by saying little lays, using the force of our own ego against it.

- Taking advantage of the little spare time we have around the day to make productive or beneficial things can take us a long way ahead.

- If we want to be great, we need to give ourselves permission be bad first.

There are so much other valuable ideas, quickly explained in this book, with enough examples and experience to reinforce them.

Great writing.

[David Yarde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

I had the opportunity to interview the author shortly after Design For Hackers and was amazed by David's humility and passion.

In this book it's as if you're sitting with David as he keeps it real about what's holding you back.

Definitely a book I'd recommend taking the time to read. Especially if you're up against a massive creative block or staring burnout in the face. Even if you're just starting out, this book has gems upon gems to make your journey that much better.

[Mazin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read to get you motivated

This is a pretty short book about the author's experience and struggles on getting started with projects or tasks. In my opinion, this book is a lot better than those over hyped motivational books full of profanity and whatnot. Simple and short. I wish it had more content but it's a decent book nonetheless.

[Paul Grech · Rating 2 out of 5]

Based largely on anecdotes most of which through the author's conversation with other high profile creators on his own podcast - as opposed to academic research - I have to admit that this didn't make much of an impact with me. There were insightful snippets occasionally but not enough of them.

[Andre · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I’ve read a few books on overcoming the barriers to starting something - I enjoyed Kadavy’s candid telling of his own work highlights and experiences that illustrate each of the phases that impact getting you going on creating new art (or any new endeavor you’ve been putting off).

[Paul Bard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basically a faultless book. Precisely what the book promises in the cover and opening preface, it performs for the reader.

Kadavy delivers a precise message on how to create what your heart's desires, dividing it into three seconds on the laws of creating, the motivation, and the practical techniques. Superb, simple, direct, and sincere.

I particularly like the opening which tells you why you might wish to stop reading the book. That won me over. Charming.

EDIT: Reflecting on this book five days after reading it, I am impressed by the simplicity of Kadavy's thinking. He's not trying to invent anything new here, he's just trying to HELP.

Here are some notes I made from the book:

- Ideas are FUEL not a judgement
- Look for the Pump Idea, the idea that makes your heart beat faster.

I love how he talks about the Voice in such a non-mystical way, very practical.

I appreciate for the first time really that when a great idea doesn't work out there is real sadness and disappointment. I never noticed that. Thankyou.

- Appreciating overcomes fear and doubt. Magical advice!
- The work of art reveals itself THROUGH itself. Kadavy speaks beautifully about the mystery of creativity here.

My next action is: Set a timer and work on a creative project that inspires me for ten minutes.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging Book on Taking That First BOLD Step

This was my first exposure to David Kadavy and I wonder why I haven’t run across his work before. Several people referenced by the author are people whom I also follow.

I found this book to be engaging and thought provoking. At various points, I found myself thinking, “That makes sense” or “I’ve had the same exact thought.” I appreciate the author does not try to take credit for “inventing” a particular trend or general good practice. Instead, he highlights that, in fact, many other people were thinking the same as he did, but...they took action. This is a defining feature of serial entrepreneurs and inventors. Leaders take action while others let their own thoughts, fears and insecurities hold them back.

If you are doubting yourself or you believe your thinking is crazy, you should read this book. It’s a fast read, but I found it full of useful thoughts and ideas. There were many times I stopped and had to think about a concept. I will read this again as I know there will be even more nuggets of knowledge I will glean in the second reading.

[Ben G · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, so in the spirit of not procrastinating and wasting time unecessarily, this review will be super-short.

I was bought this by my signifcant other for Christmas 2018 and I can say that it has been an enlightening read. This book was written for someone like me seasoned procrastinator and perfectionist as I am.

One of the many top tips here is 'if you can get started now, then do so!' Another being the techniques of 'motivational judo' where you set a timer (e.g. 10 - 20 minutes) and you focus soley on one specific task with no judgement as to the output. This is in contrast to the Pomodoro technique which sets a timer and aims to acheive a productive outcome (as the author points out!).

To be recommeded to procrastinator's whereever you are!

[Jeff Wikstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was reading this book as I finished 2017 and started 2018. 2017 was a great year for me. I was able to focus on me, getting back in shape, meditating, journaling, and even doing a little bit of blogging. I'm ready to go further this year, and Heart to Start was a great segue for me. It's honest, practical, and full of great examples. It's a quick read too and pretty scannable. I feel like I'll be able to thumb through it again throughout the year to refresh my memory and keep on track.

Thanks!

[Bruno Pedro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great advice

Interesting read with lots of short stories taken from interviews. Easy to read and understand. If you're an artist or an aspiring maker you should definitely read this book.

[Giovanni · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book to keep close everytime you think you cant make somthing.

[Joyia Echols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great takeaways

Read this if you want great takeaways on how to build the momentum to get started on your creative projects.

[A.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Kadavy has probably touched your life. If you use Google calendar, click new event, click goals and tell it what you want to do, how often and for how long and it will automatically find gaps in your calendar to slot tasks in. That’s his app that he sold to Google some years ago.
I find it weirdly comforting that the guy who invented this has trouble getting stuff done. It feels so human, you know?

Perfectionism is dangerous because perfectionism is a real “humble-brag” of a quality. When job interviewers ask candidates what their weaknesses are, many of them will smugly proclaim, “I’m a perfectionist.” It feels good to believe you have high standards. It feels good to believe you have good taste. It feels good to believe that you won’t sacrifice your dignity by doing sub-par work.
But oftentimes, perfectionism is what keeps us from getting started. As our ego cradles us in the warm blanket of our high standards, days and years melt by. We get ever closer to dying with our art still inside us. (p. 97)

Sighs…
I remember someone saying ‘writers write but authors publish’.
He breaks it down into three headings:
1. There is art inside you,
2. Art is self-actualisation, and
3. Your ego fears your art.
There are a huge number of links to his podcast and to interviews he did with a range of super interesting people. Check it out, it won’t cost you anything but time.
https://kadavy.net/blog/archive/love-...
It’s usually worth the listen.
4 stars.

[Gen · Rating 4 out of 5]

“But I felt, rather I knew, that I had something uniquely mine to give - something that only I could do, but how could I possibly take a leap?”

A good read for doubting creatives who struggle to start.

My Takeaways:
* It’s okay to be curious. Your curiosities will blend with your personality and experiences, and with these, you’ll create something uniquely yours.
* Be patient with your developing skill. You’ll naturally suck at the beginning. Take note that everyday, you are learning something new, You’ll improve over time.
* Embrace discomfort. Be spontaneous. Creating art doesn’t have to be linear progression.
* Being frightened is a good sign. Its just your ego trying to make excuses not to start. “Do it trembling if you must, but do it!”

[Marissa Lete · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re struggling with figuring out how to start a project- a book, a blog, any kind of art, really- this book is a great place to go. Kadavy dismantles all of the mental barriers that keep us from jumping into a project and gives excellent advice on how to change your perspective and get things done.

[Ivory · Rating 3 out of 5]

You do things in little bit and pieces. You start off small, and you get bigger and bigger.

This is abundance. A luxury of place and time. Something rare and wonderful.... We must do extraordinary things. We have to. It would be absurd not to.

- Dave Eggers

[Jonas · Rating 4 out of 5]

David tells a lot about his personal story and mental barriers that he dealt with before and while starting to write his bestselling book Design for Hackers. It's an interesting read backed by stories of other famous people.

The essence for me on how to start is to build a habit with a small commitment, e.g. to write for about 10 minutes a day, which is used as a trick to your ego that leads to further time investment when you are getting into the flow. You have to reward yourself with tiny things afterwards to keep the motivation going. All in all these small commitments make you accomplish tiny goals towards your big goals. You should not underestimate yourself. Everybody has something unique to contribute for others. Sometimes it is just the mix of interests that will make you create something new, something worth sharing and helpful to others. Find the right balance between exploitation of what you already know and exploration. In this regard, David often reminds himself of the commencement speech of Steve Jobs that inspires him to this day. Your time should mostly be filled with exploration to find that one thing that makes your contribution unique.

[Wan Azilawati · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good motivational “you can” book, not a “how to” book. David had delivers a clear, consice and precise message to create self awareness and cultivate strong will to start any project or task. Best wishes!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I think the advice in this book is fairly sound, but this author seems to be operating in a very masculine sphere, hanging out with his exclusively male buddy motivation gurus (having read a few of their books, they all seem to cite each other), untrammelled by family or other obligations, able to work for hours in the morning without any interruptions. Not saying that women researchers are overlooked, e.g. Carol Dweck is cited (of course!), but I think if I do read another book in this "get motivated to start!" genre, I'll pick one written by someone whose circumstances are less foreign to me.

[Lehel · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the position of feeling the need for a new a paradigm shift I found myself in the book offered a welcome helping hand to gently nudge me away from the self-defeating idealization of daunting tasks that markedly defined my attitude towards creative endeavors and instead proposed an incremental kind and gradual self-expression spearheaded by the acceptance of the places creativity takes you to and of prioritizing exploration over exploitation.

[Robert Calangiu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy book to get you started

I've started this book mainly because my 3 year old daughter bought it for me while playing with my Kindle 🙂. Didn't returned cause it seemed interesting. It was a quick and easy read with only a couple of little things that you can apply but more important it's a good read for getting started and realize all the things you've been doing to delay the moment and all the things you're telling yourself. Just start!

[Cathy Ferringo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply powerful techniques to help you get started

I heard about this book on Jeff John's podcast, and immediately ordered on kindle.

This book is exactly what I needed. It is full of practical experience and knowledge plus stories of how other people used these tecniques.

[missheliophilia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick tips: the epilogue summarizes everything you need to know. :) My favorite part of this book is that it suggests you break through the gravitational pull of the ego if you want to live outside of the template that others try to set for you.

[Brian Keating · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great motivational read!

David Kadavy provides pithy and powerful tips and insights about what keeps us going, and what gets us stuck. Highly recommended for anyone who is up to big projects!

[Jordan Marsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short ra-ra book that more than anything reinforces, “just do it”. I think the act of just reading a book like this, regardless of what is in it, will help people get going. Still though, some good ideas from an interesting author.

[Jorge DeFlon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good short book about how to start your adventure.

[Tchassa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much that I made a video review on my YouTube channel. The cool part was, the author loved it!