Hey friend,

I just got back from a trip to Florida where I met with a ghostwriting client and spoke three different times. I had a blast! Thanks to those of you who came out; I had a lot of fun.

Today, I’m headed to northern Illinois for a local business event in Rockford hosted by my brilliant friend Lauren Davis. If you’re in the area, come check it out!

This week, I have a new essay and podcast that is a continuation of last week’s message where I attempted to answer the question, “Why do we need art?” In that post, I shared the three messages art offers us:

• “I see you.”
• “I’m still here.”
• “I can’t believe it.”

Art can help us feel known; it encourages us to persevere when times are tough; and it offers a way to transcend our current reality. Art speaks to a deeper story we are living.

This week, I want to take that message one step further and ask the question, “What can we all learn from artists?” I believe we all need to act more like artists in how we live and work and conduct ourselves on a daily basis.

What do artists do, and why are they so special?

In my book, Real Artists Don’t Starve, I list 12 strategies that allow artists to thrive in any creative work. But today, I’ll share only three creative disciplines we would all be wise to adopt:

1. An artist has a calling. We all should pay attention to the voice of vocation the wants to lead us in the direction of a more meaningful life.
2. An artist has a code. They hold themselves to a higher standard of conduct. They act like apprentices, constantly trying to get better at their craft.
3. An artist has an audience. They understand they are not just creating for themselves. They are practicing in public. Their work is not for everyone; it’s for someone specific who needs their work.

Read or listen to this week’s essay: Why We All Need to Act More Like Artists

Best,

Jeff

P.S. Are you working on a book right now or some great project? I’d love to hear about it and see if I can help you in some way, whatever that looks like. Shoot me a reply!