The problem with taking offense is that it's really hard to figure out what to do with it after you're done using it. Better to just leave it on the table and walk away. Umbrage untaken quietly disappears.
Seth GodinRead
The media wants overnight successes (so they have someone to tear down). Ignore them. Ignore the early adopter critics that never have enough to play with. Ignore your investors that want proven tactics and predictable instant results. Listen instead to your real customers, to your vision and make something for the long haul. Because that's how long it's going to take, guys.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focus on long-term goals and your true customers instead of seeking quick validation from the media and critics.
This quote by Seth Godin emphasizes the importance of ignoring the noise created by the media and critics who often prioritize sensationalism over substance. Instead, it encourages creators and entrepreneurs to focus on their vision and the needs of their actual customers, as lasting success requires time, dedication, and a commitment to quality rather than chasing instant recognition or approval.
Themes
SuccessPatienceCustomersVisionMediaCritics
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can inspire your team during a meeting about long-term project planning.
More from Seth Godin
All quotes →Not adding value is the same as taking it away.
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Excellence isn’t about meeting the spec, it’s about setting the spec. It defines what the consumer sees as quality right this minute, and tomorrow, if you’re good, you’ll reset that expectation again
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Living with doubt ... is almost always more profitable than living with certainty. _x000D_ People don't like doubt, so they pay money and give up opportunities to avoid it. _x000D_ Entrepreneurshi p is largely about living with doubt. If you need reassurance, you're giving up quite a bit to get it. On the other hand, if you can get in the habit of seeking out uncertainty, you'll have developed a great instinct.
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The danger of the Web is that you can go from idea to public announcement in under ten minutes.
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Art isn't only a painting. Art is anything that is creative, passionate and personal. Art is the unique work of a human being created to touch another. Art is created to have an impact, to change someone else.
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