The Write Alley

Making something is work, says Godin and work is making something “that has a lasting value in the market.”

How much measurable work do you get done in a day? What do you make? Godin points out that “More and more, we’re finding it easy to get engaged with activities that feel like work, but aren’t.”

I can relate to this. I’m on the computer all day and often into the night but am I actually making more than comments and posting links of cool stuff I find on facebook?

Most of us use “the same device to do our work as we are to distract ourselves from our work,” says Godin.

The solution he suggests is to use one device for work, and a second for play, commenting, shopping–all those other activities you do on your computer and online that aren’t “real” work–where you’re not actually making something.

Sounds like a great idea to me, but I will be the first to admit that I doubt I will follow it.

What I am taking away from his blog post is the admonition to recognize the difference between actually making something on the computer and doing something on the computer. Starting today, starting now, I am going to challenge myself to spend more of my time and energy making “stuff” that I can actually “ship”–from a cleaner house to more writing.

I am also going to be clear about when I am making connections and supporting my community using social media and when I’m just piddling my day away. So, to once again quote Godin,

Go, make something. We need it!

PS Speaking of Godin, tonight is Linchpin night for Ventura area Linchpins! Learn more about Linchpins–the group and the book–here. The gathering is at 7pm at the Watermark on Chestnut and Main. I’ll have to miss it –I’ll be at the Cobalt Cafe in Canoga Park where Danika Dinsmore is featuring and I’ll be reading in the open mic.