Minimalism, Success, and the Curious Writing Habit of George R.R. Martin
In 1971, a young writer graduated with his Master’s degree in Journalism from Northwestern University. He spent the first 13 years of his career writing professionally and made a living…
Martha Graham on the Hidden Danger of Comparing Yourself to Others
Agnes de Mille had just achieved the greatest success of her career, but right now the only thing she felt was confusion. She was a dancer and a choreographer. Early…
Never Check Email Before Noon (And Other Thoughts on Doing Your Best Work)
Dana Vollmer did not have an easy road to the Olympics. Vollmer is an olympic swimmer, but it wasn’t just the grueling practice schedule that made her journey to the…
6 Famous Artists Talk About What It’s Like to Overcome Fear and Create Beauty
Long before I was publishing articles for the world to read, I wrote in a private document. I did this for more than a year. There were a variety of…
Albert Einstein’s Incredible Work Ethic
As soon as he hung up the phone, Ralph Morse knew that he needed to get moving. He was still 90 miles away and there wouldn’t be much time before…
The More We Limit Ourselves, the More Resourceful We Become
In 1843, Soren Kierkegaard published his first major book, Either/Or (ebook), in which he tries to answer the question, “How should we live?” During a particularly interesting passage, the Danish philosopher discusses…
Lessons From a Vexillonaire: Creativity, Simplicity, and the Carefully Constrained Life
The flag of Chicago is widely regarded as one of the best city flags in the United States, perhaps in the world. It is certainly one of the most popular.…
The 15-Minute Routine Anthony Trollope Used to Write 40+ Books
Beginning with his first novel in 1847, Anthony Trollope wrote at an incredible pace. Over the next 38 years, he published 47 novels, 18 works of non-fiction, 12 short stories,…
Creativity Is a Process, Not an Event
written by JAMES CLEAR CREATIVITY In 1666, one of the most influential scientists in history was strolling through a garden when he was struck with a flash of creative brilliance…
The Proven Path to Doing Unique and Meaningful Work
written byJAMES CLEARCREATIVITYLIFE LESSONS In June of 2004, Arno Rafael Minkkinen stepped up to the microphone at the New England School of Photography to deliver the commencement speech. As he…