Successful Executives Take Inspired Action and Ship

Seth Godin, brilliant marketer, business strategist, and all around innovative thinker, hit another home run with his blog entitled "Unrealized Projects."

He writes about the academy award winning director, writer, producer, and artist, Tim Burton, who created "some of the most breathtaking movies of his generation."

No surprise there when you review even a partial list of his hits: "Sweeney Todd," "Bat Man," "Beetlejuice," and "Edward Scissorhands."

What did surprise Godin was learning that "almost every year over the last thirty, he worked on one or more exciting projects that were never green lighted and produced. Every year, he spent an enormous amount of time on failed projects."

So what are the secrets of successful artists like Burton?

Godin sums it up as follows:

"One key element of a successful artist: ship. Get it out the door. Make things happen.

The other: fail. Fail often. Dream big and don't make it. Not every time, anyway.
Tim got his ideas out the door, to the people who decided what to do with them. And more often than not, they shot down his ideas. That's okay. He shipped. Next!"

This advice can just as easily be applied to executives, entrepreneurs, and business owners.

I would only add that Tim Burton most likely was driven by inspiration.
All of his emotional, mental, and spiritual channels were open. No blocks. It follows that if you are in an inspired state, you are more likely to do your best work, to create unique products, to solve problems, or make a winning sales pitch.

It is much harder to think creatively if your energy is laden with fear, doubt, or worry that the other guy might get ahead of you. If that is where you are energetically, do everything in your power to work through these emotions: meditate, exercise, listen to your favorite piece of music, talk to your friend, therapist, coach, partner, or spouse.

Most importantly, focus on the end result. How will your life be different when you achieve your dream? What impact will it have on your family? Feel yourself completing your unique journey, relishing in the accomplishment, and cherishing the moment.

Now as you move into a place of inspiration and you are energetically aligned with your goal, take action and ship!