GarthBox

There’s no doubt you’ve been told that showing is better than telling.

Don’t tell people the sky is purple. Show them. “Paint the picture,” they’ll say.

Showing is certainly effective, but more effective is getting someone to feel.

Don’t tell people the sky is purple. Don’t show them. Make them feel that it’s purple.

Emotional storytelling is worth far more than a 1,000 words.

Stay Positive & Give It A Shot

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Marketing isn’t like filling a car’s gas tank. You don’t pull to the side, regroup for two minutes, pay an acceptable amount and get back in the game to see the needle moved all the way to full.

Most marketing efforts are like pushing the car because the tank is empty. Paying a healthy amount to people for helping you push it to the gas station and by the time you’re there, you’ve only got a couple dollars to spend. The needle gets moved, but you need to get back out there – you can’t hang at the gas station all day. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

I don’t share this analogy to make a sweeping point. You know how marketing works.

The trouble comes when we have expectations of the needle getting moved further than the time and money we have allows.

And from my experience, sometimes, when time and money are short, it’s better to invest in your product; in your customer’s experience.

Stay Positive & They’re Not Hanging At The Gas Station Anyway

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Status seeking often guises as a selfless helper.

“I know what to do, so I’ll do it. You’re free from it.”

Status seekers also look to get in front of the largest group they can. They want to be the ones with their name on it. The interactions are manufactured, and they have a rich tool box of tactics to give themselves the edge.

Alas, there’s another edge to be on. The edge of generosity.

Instead of breaking hearts, and motivations and the magic of the work someone is putting themselves out there to do, it could a moment to extend generosity.

Heartfillers, we can call them, are the ones who take the extra moment to empathize. They know everyone is trying to put the best versions of themselves forward. They know the magic happens in the moments with the fewest spectators.

To continue, they’re not the ones who need to force-solve a problem. They extend a hand more than they jump in. They say “I feel” more than they say “I think” or “I know.”

And most important of all, a heartfiller makes you feel good.

Stay Positive & Along With Ego, Check Status At The Door

Also, give Seth Godin’s Akimbo podcast a listen. It’s magic.

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You’re not the only one with the question in the room. That’s why we’re never annoyed when someone speaks up. In reality, they’re speaking up for all of us, not just themselves.

You’re not the only one who is treated the same way by that one person. That’s why there’s no greater sense of relief when a person rants about the mistreatment. The mistreatment might go on, but knowing we’re not the only one getting it makes it miraculously better-received.

You’re not the only one who someone has told your idea won’t work. That’s why we’re (wrongly) ecstatic when people show up for the ribbon cutting … even the critics.

Chances are likely that you’re not the only one to feel that way …

… wish that thing …

… or hope for that outcome.

Stay Positive & There Are More Than You’d Believe

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It’s my understanding that more often than not, you already know the answer to the question you’re asking.

A question is a great way to seek out reassurance and to keep fear at bay.

A question is a great way to offer up the accountability of a decision to someone else.

A question is a beautiful way the brain rationalizes not doing what your gut is telling you to do.

Stay Positive & Fewer Questions, More Action

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When you do something truly cutting edge, new, endearing and risky … they’ll say you’re out of your mind.

When you take the leap it takes to do something remarkable … they’ll call you a fool.

When you follow your heart, despite your closest friends telling you that you’re wrong … they’ll call you an idiot.

Of course, they’ll only say those things at first.

Stay Positive & Keep Going

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A lot changes when we close our eyes.

Closed eyes means we can’t see the reaction of others.

Closed eyes means we don’t actually know what’s in front of us, even if all our other senses provide the information to guess correctly.

Closed eyes means we can’t be distracted by shiny objects.

If you’re feeling stuck with a project, it might be worth closing your eyes for a bit.

Stay Positive & Some Tricks Do Wonders

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