So what I got from this post is...I can win money?
But seriously, thanks for this. I've definitely spent my lifetime so far trying to learn how to simplify my ideas and discern between "could" and "should." You give me hope that I'll get better at it ;)
In therapy the other day, I was like, "I'm having so much fun in this career, but I'm so tired all the time. I don't get it." And my therapist was like, "Rachel, you do realize fun stuff still takes energy." And I was like, "Ohhhhhhh."
I had to make a folder called "Very fun ideas that are too expensive or time-consuming," so I can have that sweet, sweet rush of typing out my definitely brilliant, life-changing plans that I will definitely finish like Duck & Moose Pop-up Putt Putt, and my themed-entertainment masterpiece "Moose's quiet spot where you can be alone for just five minutes, OKAY??!"
They sure are and I am a big fan. This is more about my relationship with time and an awareness of where I should be putting my attention. I love silly absurd things, but if I chase them to the point where I can’t get my work done, I can’t pay my bills.
Another unfortunate thing I do is to try and monetize pointlessness.
“I’m going to build a ball machine, build a following and that will help my career!”
I should just do the pointless thing for the sake of pointlessness. That’s what I’m doing now. My personal pointless projects are just that.
As someone who currently has a book due and just spent weeks writing and performing an original play at our local library (at the request of no one), and who also has hours of interviews for a long-lost podcast, scraps of abandoned songs, and a rundown ice cream truck parked behind his studio… I feel this deeply.
Here’s to the “funnecesary” Huge huge huge admirer of you and your work, Bob. Encouraged by this post (and deeply offended that my wife sent it to me)
I would have watched the heck out of Jackpot Basement! If you ever need something to distract you from work, go check out WrexLabs on the YouTube. It was a very time consuming project that was going to make my son and I the darlings of the STEM content world.
🚨 Relatable content! 🚨
read this wearing my custom embroidered cap with the logo of my publishing company on it (the publishing company does not exist)
See, now I feel like that's a reasonable level of fun.
*glances at the matching custom stamp*
HA! Good man.
So what I got from this post is...I can win money?
But seriously, thanks for this. I've definitely spent my lifetime so far trying to learn how to simplify my ideas and discern between "could" and "should." You give me hope that I'll get better at it ;)
And no. No one wins money.
Yeah, it’s a hard lesson to learn. Everything seems so fun and somehow justified.
Congratulations on your new book! I look forward to checking it out!
In therapy the other day, I was like, "I'm having so much fun in this career, but I'm so tired all the time. I don't get it." And my therapist was like, "Rachel, you do realize fun stuff still takes energy." And I was like, "Ohhhhhhh."
Aww thanks, Bob! That means a lot :)
Yes. Fun work is still work.
I had to make a folder called "Very fun ideas that are too expensive or time-consuming," so I can have that sweet, sweet rush of typing out my definitely brilliant, life-changing plans that I will definitely finish like Duck & Moose Pop-up Putt Putt, and my themed-entertainment masterpiece "Moose's quiet spot where you can be alone for just five minutes, OKAY??!"
That is a terrific idea. Sketching them out is a reasonable activity too. Harmless and better than scrolling.
Some of the very best things in the world are "pointless."
They sure are and I am a big fan. This is more about my relationship with time and an awareness of where I should be putting my attention. I love silly absurd things, but if I chase them to the point where I can’t get my work done, I can’t pay my bills.
Another unfortunate thing I do is to try and monetize pointlessness.
“I’m going to build a ball machine, build a following and that will help my career!”
I should just do the pointless thing for the sake of pointlessness. That’s what I’m doing now. My personal pointless projects are just that.
Case in point, Bob's Shea-nanigans.
https://bobshea.substack.com/p/id-be-good-at-being-rich
Very relatable. Just had to put in my little plug for pointlessness.
As someone who currently has a book due and just spent weeks writing and performing an original play at our local library (at the request of no one), and who also has hours of interviews for a long-lost podcast, scraps of abandoned songs, and a rundown ice cream truck parked behind his studio… I feel this deeply.
Here’s to the “funnecesary” Huge huge huge admirer of you and your work, Bob. Encouraged by this post (and deeply offended that my wife sent it to me)
I find nothing wrong with any of this.
I would have watched the heck out of Jackpot Basement! If you ever need something to distract you from work, go check out WrexLabs on the YouTube. It was a very time consuming project that was going to make my son and I the darlings of the STEM content world.