445: Seth Godin | Shipping Creative Work

Authenticity Trap

The pursuit of authenticity in creative work can be a double-edged sword. Seth Godin argues that people don't actually want authenticity; they want consistency and the best version of the creator, even if it means hiding bad moods or imperfections. Jordan Harbinger notes that many online creators struggle with this, often reacting poorly to criticism because their identity is so tied to their curated image 1.

Authenticity is an excuse we use for when we do something that people don't get the joke, they don't like — "Oh, I was just being authentic." Yeah, we don't care. We want a better version of you.

--- Seth Godin

This mistaken belief in authenticity can trap creators in a cycle of needing to appear perfect, making it difficult to accept feedback and grow.

   

Balancing Act

Balancing authenticity and perfectionism is crucial for creators. Seth Godin emphasizes that creative work should be shipped even if it's not perfect, as waiting for perfection often leads to inaction. Jordan Harbinger shares his own experiences of producing content that sometimes feels effortless and other times feels grueling, but acknowledges that pushing through the difficult moments is essential 2.

We shouldn't do the work because we feel like it. We feel like it because we're doing the work.

--- Seth Godin

Godin argues that the key to overcoming creative blocks is to keep working, as the act of doing the work itself generates the motivation and ideas needed to succeed.