Ryan Holiday on What Most of Us Get Wrong about the Creative Process

[@marieforleo]

Ready to create work that lasts? Use these quick links to catch the highlights: 1:19 - Why you shouldn’t poo-poo unpaid work. 7:11 - What Ryan loves about stoic philosophy. 11:22 - How to stop measuring yourself against things that don’t matter. 13:20 - The MOST important asset you have as a creator. 16:55 - How to make peace when you’re not making progress. 21:13 - A clever tactic to help you empathize with your audience. 26:47 - The magic of being grateful for your least favorite things. What’s next? Watch this playlist for more advice for artists and creative entrepreneurs: kzbin.info/aero/PLAxUz0wM51b8JzvJBbnGwsPvoA7dzDKg8

[@simranchopra5407]

Audience-Customer is the KING. As a marketer, I've heard it over and over again - a key fact goes off when it becomes a CLICHE. But when Ryan said "You're not making it for you" it hit my obsession of liking my work. Most of the time, blogs - copies I write overlook relevance, simplicity with respect to the audience. The context he used shifted my perspective immediately, the words pierced inside. The empathy towards my audience was missing. How I'll implement this - After finishing will come back to it after a break to ensure a fresh perspective. I realize I was skipping this step because I told myself "Its a fresh piece of writing, different from what I wrote yesterday, so it has to be good. If I like it the audience would like it too" Thanks, Marie and Ryan :)

[@PeacefulSister321]

Two things that resonate with me: give yourself time & you have to do the work.

[@skintenselysmooth]

Lori Brown so true! Definitely learning that being in business for myself for the 1st time...it's a journey :)

[@turidmatrasjensen2448]

Loved this interview ❤️ 1. Be grateful for the bad things that happened because you can always find something good in the bad 😊 2. Write down all the bad things that happened and then write down what good came out of it.

[@sirpupwheaton]

I loved everything but I really appreciated the "Sometimes everything isn't so great, but how can you make it a little bit better?" I am living with chronic illness and pain and I try really hard to do what I can to take care of my health, my mind and my relationships but there is a lot I can do to make my life a little better. Today is actually the first day of my Happiness Project. Love Gretchen Rubin and was finally motivated to do my own.

[@SylviaDziuba]

This is not for everyone, but maybe you should investigate (water only) extended fast. I've tried one for 3 weeks and as hard as the first day was, it was more than I expected. My intention was to take care of an illness I am dealing with (which was successful) , but I didn't expect the (awesome) side effects. For eg. at the age of 43 I thought that it was a normal thing to have pain in your body, especially after sitting for extended periods of time (you get stiff etc.) well, that's gone - it's been 5 months since I've done the fast and I still feel flexible and free of pain like when I was a teenager. Make sure you do your homework beforehand though because, like I said, it's not for everyone.

[@Janelle-ws3cy]

Good luck Bev!

[@fozzybear7526]

Sylvia Dziuba wouldn't that make everything way worse especially someone suffering from chronic illness and trying to be happier... I struggle everyday with my mental health and I know on the days I go more than four hours without eating, no matter how much water I drink I will be beyond miserable and feeling helpless

[@zachpapier]

The thing that stuck with me the most is Ryan’s point that he had very non-stoic moments in his life which is actually what provoked his interest and work in stoic philosophy. I’m more of an existential philosopher and sometimes I don’t feel ready to finish my book because I still struggle with the existential predicament that is such a fundamental part of the human condition. Now I feel like I’m in the same boat Ryan was in- My struggles with life and my downfalls are what provoked my interest in existentialism and so I DO NOT need to be already living “an exemplary life” in order to speak about topics which I’m fascinated by and have become very knowledgeable in!

[@rebellucy5610]

If the guys runs a ranch he has my respect.

[@divinejustice171]

What I took away from this conversation is that speed is not equivalent to success. This means that life is not a race but is a journey that is different for everyone. Trust in God, stay true to yourself, and focus on your own life journey without comparisons. Eventually, everything will work out and you will get to where you are meant to be.

[@RachelSLee]

This is fantastic, Marie! Managing my own online business has a lot of hardships and challenges. When I started to jump into this industry, I know it won't be easy. I waited patiently and worked very hard to get where I am now. I got recognized, wrote my own book, and now I have been coaching other people who aspire to be an affiliate marketing like me. It feels great when you inspire other people. Overcoming a lot of challenges in my life and as an entrepreneur has made me stronger and wiser to face new challenges that willl come along my way.

[@monettejavier3760]

When I quit my office job and ventured into online marketing I never knew that there are a lot of possibilities of success in it. Then I saw your channel watched your videos and realized that I do not need to rush things up. I just need to love what I do and be good at it. Thank you, Rachel, for being so accommodating and helpful.

[@mcdenverfernandez9315]

Marie is an inspiration. I like her energy. I saw your channel too Rachel. New sub here

[@RachelSLee]

Thank you, ladies, for and the love and support. I appreciate it!

[@melissajames5571]

This was so timely. I have been hard on myself by thinking that I had to do by this time, I should have done this by that time. Trying to be on a schedule that was imposed on myself! I'm taking away that I need to be kind to myself and slow down to a pace that truly works for me. What I want to get will get done in its own time. Thank you for this interview. :)

[@Kris_glow]

OMG Marie!!!! I am only half way through, but i had to write a comment. This interview came out at the best possible time, right before the overwhelm from the creative process. So many truth bombs and revelations. I feel the burden of 'why arent you there yet' slowly elevating and my soul is grooving - give yourself some time to marinade and let the subconscious connect the dots as you've put it. THANK YOU SO MUCH! Ryan is brilliant. Learning about stoics philosophy is my next thing after watching this interview.

[@GraceAskew]

THIS!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE! It is exactly what I needed to hear on my 121st day, STRAIGHT, of writing a brand new song and going live with it by noon on my IG and FB..that's right, EVERY single day. I've deemed it the "365 Song Challenge," and it slowly has grown into such a positive community and place of encouragement for to be courageous in their own creative journey. SO many songwriters now come to me for advice that I'd eventually love to lead a songwriting workshop/week-long retreat series. I'm not a "business planner, " or a lawyer, I'm an artist...so the idea of forming a "pitch" prior to beginning didn't resonate...but the end game is getting clearer and clearer with every day. My mission statement now clearly states: "Writer's block is a myth. Creativity is a muscle. Dare to suck." THANK YOU so much for this Marie and Cheers Ryan! Y'all BOTH deeply inspire us all~ Grace

[@GraceAskew]

Also, Ryan beautifully validated my efforts to prove that creativity isn't all that glamorous, it too is job and requires WORK. Staying consistent with your craft is everything!

[@rasag8]

What I feel can help me the most from this interview was that you sometimes have to give yurself more time and not rush things (this is something I heard in another video of yours too) - it's relaxing to know that it might take more than I thought. Also, that it is hard to actually DO it for everyone. What I will do with this is take my working hours more seriously. I work from home, but I will try to actually do the work even everyday though it might not seem like I am making progress. I should probalby do a week review as well in my journal. It is Sunday when I am writing this, so I wil do it today :)

[@vanessab3013]

I really loved this video! It came at the perfect time too. I really loved that quote about how "the things that last are rarely received well when they first come out. They are rarely appreciated because they are so complicated, or they make us feel uncomfortable." I have been questioning whether or not to continue putting in the work for my small jewelry business as it has been hard to market it well and build brand awareness, but when I talk to other business women I know, I see that it took them years to get to where they are and I am reminded about how time consuming it is and how much love and dedication it takes. I will always remember that interview you had with Elizabeth Gilbert where she talks about the "shit sandwich." This conversation just holds so much truth left and right! Thanks Marie!

[@LampWaters]

Love ya both, glad you are here together. What an impressively well spoken young man, what reading and writing will do for you.

[@dsardinas]

Deadlines can be a useful tool, but I love what he is saying about not being attached. Do the work, sometimes it takes a bit longer to deliver.

[@ariaaligned]

Such a great interview. What I learned: Give yourself time and find people that are doing what you love to "demystify" it. Thank you Marie!

[@SylviaDziuba]

Yeah, I loved this one too! So simple, but profound!

[@cleliamarialopesmarouelli122]

I really loved your talk with Ryan, The best part of it was the way he practices gratitude . It is amazing! clever and from now on I´ll do the same. Thank you both!!

[@QueenJonesOlive]

Great interview. My favorite was finding the gratitude in the difficult situation and seeking a way to make it a little bit better.

[@CaptainSallyPoo]

Holy moly. Wow. My mom died 2 months ago and hearing Ryan use that specific example as something that happens that totally sucks but, to still learn and be grateful for a piece even if that piece seems so small. I've never thought to be grateful for something or someone that induces a negative emotion. Thank you so much for this interview. Incredibly insightful. 💚

[@suskalasuska8659]

one of the very best episodes of the show I've watched so far. Thank you all for setting this up and putting it out there for us to watch!

[@MyretteElSokkari]

Thank you for the truth. Creating is really hard. I was crying today from getting and not getting things done. Yes there is so much discouragement.

[@DrWaadAminFitnessNutritionist]

The main thing I got from this is that Ryan evolved so much since this interview.

[@JaimeeDorris]

I loved the conversation about writing the press release first. I needed to hear that today. Thanks Marie and Ryan.

[@ashcassjimenez3026]

This is my fourth time devouring this video. Always so helpful in moving me forward❤️

[@laurabetts4924]

LOVE this discussion on taking your time with creative projects and businesses - I have felt so pressured to rush my work but it feels so much better to understand the time that my work needs and listening to it, even if others don't understand "why it's taking so long", or they don't understand how much time it takes to create long-lasting value and create simplicity out of multiple layers. Thank you!!

[@skintenselysmooth]

Laura Betts agree 💯%

[@ginadunn4448]

The part that resonated with me the most is that when making someing you want to last, don't become fixated on short term benchmarks. It was also great to hear that you both struggle with knowing that the 2 percent progress you make on creating something significant isn't necessarilty going to be perceptive those around you. Dealing with that now and glad I'm not the only one.

[@santarasa7387]

1st of all, in this day and age of "instant everything", i love being reminded to allow yourself time to walk instead of run through the creative process while you work toward your goals. I also love how Ryan refers to musicians. As a singer/songwriter, I feel incredibly slow. But if you asked me if I'd be doing this 10 years ago I would have laughed, so it's actually quite amazing I've come this far and already posted 2 new songs to my KZbin page. The encouragement has been great and I'm working on my next 3 songs atm.

[@SylviaDziuba]

They're beautiful! I really love Santa Rasa

[@santarasa7387]

Thanks Sylvia!

[@BerylWalubengoAnyitiNanyama]

Ryan is amazing. Wow, every word he speaks and write is a lightbulb moment.

[@franciscajaratarotespiritu3744]

Thank you Marie, for this interview. I’m a turtle too 😂 So to know about your experience that it’s not a wrong way to do it, it’s reassuring

[@beingpras]

Impacting lives is the main keys to being successful. Both Ryan Holiday and Marie Forleo are so inspiring to me for the same reason. Wish you guys more success !!

[@luizahategan2900]

So much freedom came to me after this video, very honest about the hardships that we think we should not have, that we should be further along, do it faster, instead of learning the lessons each little battle has to offer to us. Thank you for this. And a practical approach I personally took is just doing the things I do cause I feel in my heart, no matter if I seem to be further away and enjoying where it takes me.

[@GraceAskew]

yes! Agreed.

[@lyndaevans1132]

Your interviews are always so insightful--sometimes the way they are unexpected are the most significant for me. I had planned to take part in this big art market this next Christmas season, and must be ready to present in March. I am realizing that I altho I have been working toward this for over a year, I am not going to be ready the way that I need to be ready. I hadn't realized how much I was beating myself up about this internally, until I heard Ryan talk about other experiences with having to delay things sometimes. I was not familiar with his work. I have ordered all of his books now, and appreciate that you have brought him to my attention.

[@1234carolynb]

As a first-time writer it was good to hear that it's okay to spend all day writing a few lines. The other thing I loved was the analogy about only needing to focus on what's in the car's headlights rather than the destination.

[@MyANna07]

This was such a great conversation. I learned that there is such a thing of appreciating the 1% of a bad situation or hurtful place. 99% you may still not feel great about but at least the growth comes by increasing that 1% each chance you get by finding gratitude within it. I'm going to keep practicing that philosophy.

[@skintenselysmooth]

MyANna07 so true! Growth doesn't happen when we're comfortable.

[@healingdancer13]

Marie, I just found you and I'm in love!!! What was impactful to me about this interview was when you stated that your process in becoming successful was slow. Slow is where you can find your flow. I like that! Recently I've been taking some courses to build an online business and I've felt an oncoming sense of being overwhelmed by how much information I'm consuming from various speakers and platforms. So when you stated that your process to success was slow. I'm grateful. I feel like it gave me permission to take a successful approach to my building a new lifestyle at a different pace. Thankyou!

[@audone5551]

I didn't want this to end. What a great conversation. I just happen to be reading the 48 laws of power which I don't necessarily agree with but it is so engaging and amusing.

[@LauraRodriguezCosasParaTuCasa]

Thank you both for this incredible interview.

[@vorablackwitch9778]

That's what I'm doing now, taking action while taking time. I also always find the positives in the seemingly negative because it always turns out to be a positive anyway in its solution. The benefit is usually in the big picture that I can't see while in it.

[@audone5551]

Yes, being ok with chugging along without seeing results is so important!

[@HipHopMovieNews]

I really liked the part where Ryan said to find something that’s 100% terrible and make it better. Even if it’s 1% better.

[@craigemmafollows832]

Absolutely loved this, particularly the advice about not rushing things and taking time to build quality stuff, exactly what I needed to hear today thank you Ryan and Marie.

[@missmatti]

What really stuck with me was the part about quick success vs. longterm impact. It made me think of Virginia Woolf actually. I recently learnt that she had at one point a lover called Vita Sackwille-West. Vita was apparently a much more successful author at the time - bestseller and all - but how many of us have read Vita's books today? Vita was definitely a very interesting person and probably did leave a lot of other things behind ('portait of a marriage and her garden at Sissinghurst Castle to mention some) but of two the one we know today as a writer is Virgina.

[@jennytrott4877]

Such perfect timing for me to watch this today, as I work hard to get my new channel ready to go. I'm "developing the ability to chug away"!!

[@aminkh6872]

I love Ryan Holiday, he's always inspiring me to live as my own terms

[@ericahoney3607]

This is so on point for me right now. Great work as always x

[@angela.lv0191]

Thank you, Marie, I really needed to hear that it is ok to take more time to figure things out. I always rush myself to do things faster and get upset that pieces of my project don't fit together but now I am going to calm down and keep chugging on it until it would. Thank you 🙏

[@PetraSchwehm]

I love it. A perfect episode and lesson on patience in business and seeing the big picture. Very down to earth. I took many insights from it. Thank you so much 💖👍😊

[@mariaguild2024]

Wow, This interview is Gold! I really like how he talks about how some of these things take time and you cant always measure your success right away! This is so true, and I often just get very discouraged, But I will try and see the bigger picture now, That good well made things always take time. and I am trying to build something that lasts. This perspective also will help me go slow enough to create 'quality content', instead of just trying to churn stuff out because I'm trying to compete with someone else, or I'm putting myself under pressure! Could probably watch this interview several times and learn something new each time!

[@oksanatymoshenko8770]

Amazing! So interesing! THANK YOU!! That car driving in the darkness - it's a great analogy of a journey my daughter has started at school (she doesn't like it much, she is scared of the teacher, etc.) all parents' explanations about future, profession, level of life - she can't grasp yet, she just sees the bad. NOW I will make an illustration of this phrase and hang it on the wall. This car is easy to comprehend. Especially, when the lit part of the road will be colored and the rest - darkness.. Thank you, Mary and Ryan, for insights and great ideas!

[@SylviaDziuba]

I really loved that analogy as well, sometimes I feel guilty that I don't have everything figured out in detail, but it kind of reveals itself to me as I progress through the journey, putting one step in front of the other :)

[@UtkarshBegiens]

Great conversation overall. Loved the wisdom of nuggets that kept popping in between of the interview. I believe we all should give ourselves patience and room to play. That's my one of take away that I will practice in my life.

[@renato-gurgel]

The perspective of time really resonates to me ❤️

[@sonjarupnik3899]

Thank god for synchronicity .. needed to hear this ...self confidence & moving away from 'negative' mindsets is key .. great interview xx cheers Melb. Australia

[@marieforleo]

We're thrilled this came at the perfect time for you Sonja! It takes time and consistent practice to move away from negativity, so have some grace with yourself as you work through this :) - Team Forleo

[@SHAMSUNDARMANE]

Loved this interview..

[@PaolaRanova]

Thanks! I loved to know he’s had his anger fits and those episodes helped him grow stronger into stoicism 👏🏼✨☀️

[@kristinjackvony4650]

I really needed to hear this today! I have a big project that I'm working on, and I've been feeling impatient with myself to get it done. Now I will relax more and know that I can take my time and make it great!

[@paolalanemag]

Awesome! I think I wrote down at least 20 ideas/quotes that are each amazing on their own. My favorite is practicing gratitude with things/people that are a challenge to us. I have been walking this path and learning this lesson myself but have been sorting out how to articulate what I am experiencing. I've been sharing with my "tribe" how I've been seeing opportunities in disappointments, but the way Ryan explained this I was, "YES! YES! That's exactly it!". :) This interview definitely in the top 5 of my favorites.

[@nika1404]

I loved the comparison with driving in the night. I am really trying to practise this as I am growing my business, to not get overwhelmed by all the things ahead of me but just focusing on the next few steps. Great talk, guys.

[@ambikarautray4797]

The genuine touch you both put into your work really warms my heart. I hope I can take a little bit of that feeling and make what I do in the world even better. I guess I knew this, but Ryan emphasizes that results do not come immediately and you have to work hard day and night for hopefully a great product (but again that is jot guaranteed). That is so true in life, and I feel like it should be that way otherwise everybody would write a book, everybody would become a doctor, etc. The hard work we put into things is what makes each of us so different :).

[@feliexplores1813]

Great interview! Love Ryan’s work. Thanks Marie!

[@SylviaDziuba]

Yeah, I love his thorough research and methodical approach to his work, it's wonderful!

[@sanyajalota1799]

This interview is so relatable....

[@Thirstytraveler41]

Great interview...very inspiring...I finally started one of my projects and being patient on a long term to reach success....

[@whatlauralikes.]

Patience is key !! Passion and determination too !! Good luck on your project ♥

[@Thirstytraveler41]

Thank you so much:

[@manalidbali]

Wow i loved every single minute of this interview. Thank you so much Ryan and Marie :)

[@JaneyImaaniEmotionalAwareness]

I love how Ryan holiday is so deep ❤️ so wise for his age

[@danny.fortes]

That was an amazing gratitude practice that I am definitely going to start implementing. Was so profound. Can't wait to read Perrenial Sellers

[@rachelschmidt5505]

Amazing. I appreciate this so much.

[@solrossi_illustration]

So good the explanation of working in the sector that you dream of!

[@jacquelinehernandez9933]

I Love it ! This video changed my Life ❤️🙏

[@B111-z3e]

I've been waiting this forever. L❤️VE you both.

[@tynelson9003]

loved this. thanks Marie

[@valentinabonora9596]

Thank you Marie! I will try to follow your suggestions but it's hard! Especially when you don't see any improvement💆🏼

[@averagetrailertrash]

Thank you. I needed this. I'm patient only when I think patience is appropriate, and artificially placed deadlines mean everything is rushed in one way or another. The quality promptly reveals itself subpar & it's abandoned until another "opportunity" to retry comes along; rinse and repeat. But it's dumb to chase after tomorrow's opportunities when you can take your time to make something beautiful now, even if it's not the fastest or cleanest option.

[@averagetrailertrash]

It also says something about what you're making, especially for creative projects. If you feel it'll flop at a later release date, then why are you creating it? What's the value in something that won't stand the test of time? It's alright to chase trends, but I think some of us have fallen into that mindset with more involved projects. I know I have.

[@RetireCertain]

Recently got the Robert Greene book so this is serendipitous. Another insightful interview. Thanks Marie.

[@lornashandmadesoaps7034]

Marie. Thanks for sharing.

[@SpidermanInLondon]

Gratitude is *always* useful and admirable! But love the idea of finding silver-linings deliberately.

[@JUNOtheArtist]

I needed to hear this...thanks Ryan and Marie! ✊🏽

[@fannycanvas3577]

Marie, this was great. Thank you so much. Also, can you bring Rachel Hollis for an episode?

[@josermtz]

Ayy you got Ryan holiday on here

[@tanzendeElfe66]

Thank you

[@equipodetotalimmersioninen1118]

1. If we are leaving a bad moment, how can I make it a little bit better, Say thank you for this. 2. We keep chugging along 3. Work and figure out 4. If you have children realize that they need your precious time, they need you

[@yaship215]

good1 marrie! hardness of doing it- I have to overcome it!

[@william.the.writer]

Being grateful for things or events that don't go your way

[@justinkovanis7148]

Nice analogy with the car driving towards its destination with it's headlights guiding the way. The practical takeaway is setting some smaller goals for myself that will bring be closer to my larger idea of where I want to go. I am concentrating on building a counseling channel on youtube and making the first video seems huge. Could I tape maybe just the first minute of a video or learn the steps it would take to start making videos? Stuff like that

[@robgoodsight6216]

...be grateful for the hard things.

[@nadahaboudal]

Being grateful for not our favourite things 😍

[@_Jael]

loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooved this video!!!

[@FeelGoodWithin]

Gr8 interview

[@ceevishus4130]

any tips on writing a book while working a 9 - 5 night shift job..

[@DJSTOEK]

Thanks

[@ganesanls8723]

Awesome

[@jacquihelena]

So lovely :)

[@ginaivonnecardenas3880]

If I was really good at it, it wouldnt be interesting to me and I wouldnt be writing about it :) LOVED IT!!!!

[@gethypnotherapy]

The husband wakes up and takes the baby on a long walk so the wife can catch up on sleep. Unexpectedly this is the most useful tip I picked up from this interview.

[@richardsrensen4219]

it is so inspiring

[@jazznutz]

Finding a way to be grateful for things you feel shouldn't be this way. Having to get comfortable with "the gap" and only seeing feet in front of you. Bring able to create press release to set of the idea is worth following through was a bit out of my sense of comfort (lol) and couldn't quite get my head around it but seemed important.

[@BerylWalubengoAnyitiNanyama]

Podcast Marie for this please!!

[@Mimihomestyle]

OMG! I write slow too! Lol. When I hear people doing batch posts it drives me crazy! For blogging.

[@Mimihomestyle]

What is a good length of time to give yourself with something you are doing?

[@nishabhakoo53]

Interesting content as always Marie. I disagreed with the unpaid intern comment though. People have bills to pay, and it shouldn't just be wealthy people who have these opportunities.

[@lambd01d]

When I write and produce music, I go through a cycle of "Why does this sound like shit?" and I keep going until I can't make it any less shitty.