Book Review: Ignore Everybody: And 39 Other Keys to Creativity

I love books. I love to read. Unfortunately, the two passions don’t always run on the same timeline. So, although I pre-ordered Hugh MacLeod’s Ignore Everybody I just recently plucked it off the bookshelf.

It was wonderful, as expected.

With Hugh MacLeod you get a bonus over most authors—not only do you get insightful writing, but also his signature business card cartoons.

There are lots of great chapters in this tiny book, but here are a few that struck my experience:

1. Put the hours in – I might have named this chapter, “How to beat the competition.” I own a software company and I am often asked why don’t you patent your software ideas. My reply, without going into the long rant, is I beat the competition by innovating faster and leveraging my previous wins.

Just like in school, copying off the smart kid just makes you a dullard. I think MacLeod captures this principle well in this chapter.

2. The more talented somebody is the less they need the props – I have to confess this is one of my weaknesses. I’m a gadget geek and a fan of writing instruments. But, as MacLeod so aptly explains in a later chapter—these props (the latest tools, software, and gadgetry) are more likely our excuse and distractions, not our path to greatness.

He made me pay attention when he mentioned one of my favor writers, “ Ernest Heminway wrote with a simple fountain pen.” Hmmm…I wonder what kind?

3. Everybody has their own private Mount Everest they were put on this earth to climb – This was another chapter that hit home with me. And it should you too. As MacLeod reminds us: If you didn’t believe you have a person summit to climb, “you wouldn’t have read this far.”

4. Remain frugal – From my own experience, this is the most important advice MacLeod gives. It’s important because it gives you freedom. Freedom to be creative. Freedom to keep doing what you love. Freedom to ride out economic roller coaster rides.

I recently read a great post on Zen Habits that gives you some practical tips on how to want very little.

5. Start blogging – I have been doing this for years. I love to write, but only recently have I been getting serious about it. I think it was something Chris Brogan said to me via Twitter. Suddenly, I realized I had readers and they cared. This changed my blogging from a self-centered pleasure to a passionate responsibility—and that has made all the difference (Robert Frost).

I encourage you to add this inspiring book to your library. It will make a difference.

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