Grace is a bit behind on learning English, and there’s not much I can do except sit on the sidelines and encourage my girls, as Liz does her bit to help her improve every day.

Why Can’t You Do It, Fat Head?

Good question, learnid reader. It comes down to how I convey information and how others receive it. Generally, if I'm keen on explaining something to someone or sharing my wisdom, I can sometimes (too often) get them offside with me—not always, but generally those less learnid than myself.

It is both the message and the delivery of that message that’s off. Where I think the information is straightforward, clearly I'm missing something in the transference of knowledge that makes the other person not quite get what I’m serving for lunch.

On top of a misaligned message — which is probably something to do with the “they actually have to understand this before they can get that” factor — my delivery might be too forthright, or arrogant, or something. Perhaps, my response times don’t give them enough space to think it through before I add another layer of message.

In the case of teaching my children I get frustrated and start pushing—like a rogue set of connections in my brain can’t handle that they’re just not getting it.

That’s why it’s up to Liz to do the homework.

The I-Ching and the Empty Well

Occasionally, I will consult the I-Ching—pronounced E-Ching (ancient Chinese magic)—and recently it said:

“No-one drinks from my well, only fish swim in it.”

Meaning that while I’m full of wisdom, people don’t seek me out for advice.

Which is a fair call.

Coaching Ambitions (Despite Appearances)

Recently I’ve been putting into action, plans to become a life coach of sorts for people who want to level up at their creative endeavours.

I’d like to help people with levelling up at life, but by the look of me, I’m not the sort of bloke people want to take life advice from. And I’d be fearful of being too honest with people due to my no-bullshit style, which could be damaging rather than helpful.

And while I know a shit-ton about psychology and individuation—the practice of becoming your best self—I have no qualifications and could find myself in trouble.

But I Do Get Stuff Done

I’ve written multiple books and made various apps and tools, so it’s easy to sell myself as a finisher—because I get the work done. Which, when starting out, can be tricky.

So I think I’m going to give people advice on being an artist or creator and the pitfalls that entails. I can’t go as far as to say I’m a successful creator, because I don’t make a living out of my work—but people rarely do.

The Internet Paradox

You’d think it would be easier with the advent of the internet to be seen and be able to commoditise your work, because you don’t have to rely on gatekeepers like the mainstream media or large publishers to be seen.

But the problem the internet brings is the Pareto Principle—or Matthew Principle—where people go to the biggest and most popular who take 99% of the spoils. That doesn’t mean those who aren’t part of the one percent can’t make a living, but it is tricky. And it generally means becoming a one-trick pony to fill a niche that’s not covered or has room.

Real Success, Just Not the Flashy Kind

So in one way I have success—because I get the work done and produce—and I can help people with that. But it would help if I were monetarily successful as well.

My books have been downloaded more than 4,400 times on the Google Play Store, but that was because I offered them for free. As soon as I put a dollar value on them, the downloads dried up.

Do People Even Want What I Have?

So I’m keen to share my knowledge, but I don’t know whether people want it—or trust it. Either because of the content or my delivery. And artists, like most, have an ego factor that you need to be delicate with. So I have to learn to use the scalpel instead of the pickaxe.

Yeah, I don’t know. I can only try.

I think I’m getting better at such things, but I’ve always had a problem with my tone. Liz used to not listen to me because of my tone. She does now, but I don’t know whether she’s gotten used to it or I’ve improved somewhat myself.

Final Thoughts

So I’m fat and unsuccessful in monetary terms—probably seen as lazy.

But I’m going to give coaching a go and see if I can help others achieve and become.

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