Not Writing: Seth Speaks (on The Tim Ferriss Show), 2 of 3

"'Busy' is a trap."—Seth Godin

In his conversation with Tim Ferriss, Seth Godin notes that we can't let "busy" run our lives. Especially when it comes to interacting with our kids and giving them the kind of educational experiences they're not likely to get in school. Public schools these days are so focused on having kids memorize facts so they can regurgitate them on the tests that kids don't get a lot of experience with problem-solving. And that, of course, is the skill they'll need most as adults. Godin says parents should tell their children "I don't care how you did on your vocabulary test. I care that you have something to say." (1:36:00)

Godin also addresses the "busy" trap indirectly, by discussing his own non-work activities in great detail. He works constantly, blogs daily, probably has set in motion more creative projects than ten people—but he also makes time to create while not writing. If you ever want to know how to make honey-oatmeal vodka or artisanal chocolate, this is the podcast for you.

Godin collects cookbooks—and uses them, too. His reason for doing this really resonated with me. Especially when you're working on a long, complex task, he says, "it's satisfying to have a project with a definite ending." (15:00-ish) You cook. You eat. You have fed your soul as well as your family.

Tomorrow: Change-Making and Writing. (Don't miss yesterday's post on Failing and Creating.)