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The idea that success is more easily achieved by those who add a novel spin to an established formula should come as welcome news. It suggests that the pressure many creators place on themselves to invent something entirely original is not just unnecessary—it’s actually counterproductive. The secret to producing work with lasting significance is not absolute novelty. It’s leveraging a proven formula and adding your unique twist.
Decoding Greatness
Ron Friedman
Something that's boring goes nowhere. It travels in a circle. It never arrives at its destination. The repetitive nature of the shadow life and of addiction is what makes both so tedious. No traction is ever gained. No progress is made. We're stuck in the same endlessly-repeating loop. That's what makes addiction like hell. All addictions share, among others, two primary qualities. 1. They embody repetition without progress. 2. They produce incapacity as a payoff.
Turning Pro
Steven Pressfield
As my new manager, Perry’s primary task is finding me a new coach, someone to replace Nick. He draws up a short list of candidates, and at the top of the list is a guy who’s just written a book about tennis: Winning Ugly. Perry hands me the book, urges me to read it. I shoot him a dirty look. Thanks, no thanks. No more school for me. Besides, I don’t need to read the book. I know the author, Brad Gilbert. I know him well. He’s a fellow player. I’ve faced him many times, including weeks ago. His game is the opposite of mine. He’s a junker, meaning he mixes speeds, uses change of pace, misdirection, guile. He has limited skills, and takes a conspicuous pride in this fact. If I’m the classic underachiever, Brad’s the consummate overachiever. Rather than overpowering opponents, he frustrates them, preys on their flaws. He’s preyed on me plenty. I’m intrigued, but it’s not feasible. Brad’s still playing. In fact, due to my surgery and my time away from the game, he’s ranked higher than I. No, Perry says, Brad is nearing the end of his career. He’s thirty-two, and maybe he’s open to the idea of coaching. Perry repeats that he’s deeply impressed with Brad’s book and thinks it contains the kind of practical wisdom I need.
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