
Tom McElligott on the Work

I had a professor in college who returned our graded essays, walked up to the chalkboard, and wrote in huge letters: “SO WHAT?” She threw the piece of chalk down and said, “Ask yourself that every time you turn in a piece of writing.” It’s a lesson I never forgot.
Austin Kleon • Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered
“You have to make stuff,” said journalist David Carr when he was asked if he had any advice for students. “No one is going to give a damn about your résumé; they want to see what you have made with your own little fingers.”
Austin Kleon • Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered
Good work habits are vastly underrated.
Ray Dalio • Principles: Life and Work
And any story beyond “I want to make the best thing I can make, whatever it is” are all undermining forces in the quest for greatness.
Rick Rubin • The Creative Act: A Way of Being
Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.