The Blog

 

Insight and Inspiration for Living Your Legacy

The Fog of Craft personal development Jan 07, 2019

Tactics are so numerous in the digital age. Analytics, metrics, ads, boosts, 7-step systems, hacks, tricks, etc. abound. And they're soooo bloody seductive!

So are the many invitations to develop technique. Blogs, books, YouTube videos, online courses, and famous successful people promising...

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Reflection & Inflection 2018 personal development Dec 31, 2018

I don't often dwell on the past. But I am reflecting on 2018 today and the inflection points that inform and inspire what's coming in 2019 for Creative On Purpose.

Here's a few highlights from 2018:

  • The project formerly known as The Stoic Guitarist and The Stoic Creative was rebranded...
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3 Crucial Lessons Learned in 2018 to Help You Endeavor Better in 2019 personal development Dec 30, 2018

Many conversations in 2018 informed and inspired my journey to develop myself through enhancing the lives of others. Each helped me develop and deliver my greatest endeavor so far

These three had the biggest impact in helping me cultivate a greater sense of peace and prosperity,...

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Life Without FOMO: The Virtues of "Missing Out" personal development Dec 27, 2018

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), is a relic of our prehistoric brain that has outlived its necessity and utility.

When we scuttled about the planet as just another species trying to get enough to eat without being eaten, FOMO was very real. Miss out on a meal when they come with dangerous...

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Generosity endeavor book excerpts personal development Dec 24, 2018

Generosity is the expression of kindness, understanding, and selflessness. It’s an inherent impulse born of our social nature. This primal quality explains why giving and helping makes you feel good and why being selfish and stingy feels terrible. As with gratitude, there is good science...

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"Just In Case" Vs. "Just In Time" personal development Dec 17, 2018

Are you a "just in case" learner, or a "just in time" doer?

You and I grew up in the age of "just in case" education. Learn your algebra, learn to diagram a sentence, learn the battles of the Civil War, and learn the rules of volleyball just in case you might need them later.

But you and I...

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Care to Coddiwomple? personal development Dec 16, 2018

Maybe your experience is different, but sometimes I take myself and my work a bit too seriously. I treat my life and my vocation like a quest. A hero's journey to find guides, fight dragons, and ferret out treasure.

But when I look back at my most meaningful endeavors, they look more like a...

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The Virtues (and Vices) of Thrashing endeavor book excerpts personal development Dec 10, 2018

In any endeavor worthy of your time and talents you'll face challenges, obstacles, and problems. There's a time and there's a place for educating yourself, preparing, and planning for these moments. There's also a time to dive in and thrash your way to clarity and resolution.

Thrashing is...

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Are You a Composer or an Improviser? endeavor book excerpts personal development Dec 03, 2018

The composer knows the rules. He's studied and done his homework. He writes well-crafted arrangements. Specific and carefully chosen instructions are included. The work of a composer reflects his character and purpose, especially when played by those who know how to do as instructed.

The...

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The Day After personal development Nov 23, 2018

It's the day after Thanksgiving here in the States.

If you participated in this tradition built upon gratitude and family, you have a  choice to make today about how you want to begin the next holiday season.

Begin the season of generosity and goodwill with a frenzied foray into...

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The Final Flourish endeavor book excerpts personal development Nov 19, 2018

A 100-year-old Stayman Winesap apple tree in full bloom is a pretty majestic sight.

That's all my wife, and I remembered from a tour of the 38-acre farm in Check, Virginia, that we purchased soon afterward.

We raised our two sons there, in addition to dogs, cats, chickens, fruit trees, berry...

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What Stories Are You Telling Yourself? endeavor book excerpts personal development storytelling Nov 12, 2018
  • “I’m not good enough.” Or, “I’m a work in progress.”

  • “I’m stuck.” Or, “I’m ready!”

  • “I can’t catch a break.” Or, “There’s opportunity in every obstacle.”

  • “I’m...

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