How to Make Something People Give a Shit About

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the importance of caring deeply about the work you create, rather than just being excited about the idea. It emphasizes that making something people genuinely care about requires the creator to care about it themselves, as the passion and dedication will show through in the final product.

🙋 Q&A

[01] The Importance of Caring About Your Work

1. What is the key message of the article regarding ideas and creating something people care about?

• Ideas are not the hard part, but making something that people genuinely care about is the real challenge.
• If you don't care about what you're creating, it will show in the final product, no matter how hard you try.
• The only way to consistently work on something, even when you don't want to, is by deeply and honestly caring about your work.

2. What advice does the article give for creating something people care about?

• Think about a specific person you know who would benefit from what you're creating, rather than just a vague concept of an audience.
• Consider what information, phrasing, or pain point your target audience has that your creation could address.
• Believe that your audience is a real person with feelings, experiences, and a story, not just a faceless group of people.

3. How does the article differentiate between excitement and true passion for a project?

• It's easy to mistake excitement for true passion, motivation, and ability to follow through on a project.
• When the initial excitement dies down, you may realize you don't have the raw power and dedication to actually finish and see the project through.
• It's important to recognize when a project isn't the right fit for you, and to find one that truly feels right.

[02] The Importance of Hard Work

1. What does the article say about the level of effort required to create something meaningful?

• If you want to write a book that can break someone's heart, start a business that changes the world, or create a comic that expresses who you are, the key is to work hard.
• The article emphasizes that the act of making something, not just the idea or end result, requires consistent hard work and dedication.

2. How does the article contrast people who want to be a "singer" versus those who want to sing?

• People who just want the trappings and lifestyle of being a singer, rather than the actual act of singing, are unlikely to put in the hard work required.
• True passion lies in the act of creating, not just the end goal or status of being the creator. If you don't care about the process, you're unlikely to succeed.