Skip to content

"The Practice: Shipping Creative Work," by Seth Godin: A Book Review

"The Practice: Shipping Creative Work" by Seth Godin is a powerful guide that demystifies the concept of creativity, presenting it as a discipline that can be cultivated through consistency and bravery.

Phil McKinney
Phil McKinney
2 min read
"The Practice: Shipping Creative Work," by Seth Godin: A Book Review

"The Practice: Shipping Creative Work" by Seth Godin is a manifesto for every creative soul seeking to make their mark in the world. It's not just about ideas but about making ideas happen. This book takes you on a journey, challenging the reader to rethink their approach to creativity and innovation.

Godin's prose is lucid and accessible, making his insights resonate with a broad audience. His central thesis is that creativity isn't an elusive, divine gift bestowed upon a select few. Instead, it's a practice, a discipline that we can all cultivate through consistent effort and perseverance.

The book is brimming with practical wisdom. Godin dispels the myth that creatives are born, not made. He argues that the practice is a choice, a commitment to show up consistently and generously sharing your work with others. It's about pushing through fear, embracing curiosity, and shunning the notion that our work isn't good enough.

The Practice is a call to action, urging us to take daily steps toward our creative goals. It's about finding the courage to make and ship creative work, not letting perfectionism become a hurdle. As Godin puts it, "Ship creative work. Not because it's perfect but because it's time. Because there's a community that needs it."

However, some readers might find the book disorganized, teetering here and there. But isn't creativity itself a non-linear process? A glorious, messy journey of exploration and discovery?

In conclusion, "The Practice: Shipping Creative Work" is more than a book; it's a roadmap to unleashing our creative potential. It's about understanding that creativity is not a sporadic spark but a fire we can fuel and sustain through consistent practice.

One can't help but wonder, if we all embraced the lessons from this book, how much more innovative could we be? How much more impactful could our work become?

"The Practice: Shipping Creative Work," by Seth Godin

"The Practice: Shipping Creative Work" by Seth Godin is a powerful guide that demystifies the concept of creativity, presenting it as a discipline that can be cultivated through consistency and bravery. 

The book is a wealth of practical wisdom, urging readers to take daily actions toward their creative goals and not let perfectionism hinder their progress. Godin emphasizes that creativity is not an exclusive gift but a choice and commitment. 

Despite some readers finding the book slightly disorganized, it's seen as a reflection of the creative process - a nonlinear journey. Overall, the book is viewed as a roadmap to unleashing our creative potential, pushing us to consider how much more innovative and impactful our work could become with consistent practice.

Order From Amazon
book reviewinnovation skillsskills

Phil McKinney Twitter

Phil McKinney is an innovator, podcaster, author, and speaker. He is the retired CTO of HP. Phil's book, Beyond The Obvious, shares his expertise and lessons learned on innovation and creativity.

Comments


Related Posts

Members Public

"Measure What Matters" by John Doerr | A Book Review

Are you looking for a tool to help your business achieve ambitious goals? If so, Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) might be the answer. In his book "Measure What Matters," John Doerr explores how these powerful tools can drive success and innovation.

A typewriter page with the words Book Review on it
Members Public

The Power of Simplicity by Jack Trout

The Power of Simplicity by Jack Trout reveals the benefits of simplifying to achieve success. Complexity often results in confusion and chaos, whereas simplicity fosters clarity and focus. Trout showcases companies that have harnessed simplicity for their benefit.

The Power of Simplicity by Jack Trout
Members Public

Book Review: Creativity, Inc. (The Expanded Edition)

Do you wish you could unlock the creativity within yourself and your team? Then read "Creativity, Inc. (The Expanded Edition)" by Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar, and Amy Wallace, which explores how to foster innovation, collaboration, trust, communication risk-taking, and failure resilience.

Book Review: Creativity, Inc. (The Expanded Edition)