favorite example? Dr. Seuss wrote The Cat in the Hat with only 236 different words, so his editor bet him he couldn’t write a book with only 50 different words.

The way to get over creative block is to simply place some constraints on yourself. It seems contradictory, but when it comes to creative work, limitations mean freedom. Write a song on your lunch break. Paint a painting with only one color. Start a business without any start-up capital. Shoot a movie with your iPhone and a few of your friends.

Figure out what time you can carve out, what time you can steal, and stick to your routine. Do the work every day, no matter what.

“Son, it’s not the money you make, it’s the money you hold on to.”

I say it’s better to burn slow and see your grandkids.

So, I recommend public fan letters. The Internet is really good for this. Write a blog post about someone’s work that you admire and link to their site. Make something and dedicate it to your hero. Answer a question they’ve asked, solve a problem for them, or improve on their work and share it online.

If you truly love somebody’s work, you shouldn’t need a response from them.

If you ever find that you’re the most talented person in the room, you need to find another room.

stand next to him. Hang out with him. Try to be helpful.”