Today is the day I ship three new categories to the world, the day I hit the button in WordPress to make this new content public, the day I share the first five posts with anyone who cares to read them. To mark this momentous (for me) occasion, I want to explore a well-known and thought-provoking quote by Steve Jobs. It might be just the thing you need to get unstuck from whatever is holding you back.
Real artists ship.
Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc., was not only a technological visionary but also a profound thinker. One of his many thought-provoking quotes is, “real artists ship.” This simple yet powerful statement encapsulates a wealth of wisdom about creativity, innovation, and execution. Let’s delve into what he meant by this and explore why it feels scary to ship, why it doesn’t have to be perfect, and why the act of shipping is crucial.
Why It Feels Scary to Ship
Shipping, in this context, means releasing a product, idea, or piece of work to the world. For many creators, this is the most intimidating part of the creative process. The fear of shipping stems from several sources:
- Fear of Criticism: When you put your work out into the world, you open yourself up to judgment and critique. This vulnerability can be daunting.
- Fear of Failure: There’s always a risk that your work might not be well-received or that it could fail to achieve its intended purpose. This potential for failure can be paralyzing.
- Perfectionism: Many creators struggle with the desire to make their work perfect. The idea of shipping something that isn’t flawless can be terrifying.
However, Jobs’ quote encourages us to push through these fears and embrace the act of shipping.
Why It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect
Perfection is an elusive goal. Waiting for something to be perfect before you ship can result in endless delays and missed opportunities. Here’s why it doesn’t have to be perfect:
- Iterative Improvement: In the world of technology and art, products and ideas often undergo multiple iterations. The first version doesn’t have to be perfect because there’s always room for improvement.
- Learning from Feedback: Releasing your work allows you to gather valuable feedback from users and critics. This feedback can guide you in making necessary adjustments and improvements.
- Progress Over Perfection: It’s better to make progress and ship something that’s good enough than to stagnate in the pursuit of perfection. Progress keeps the momentum going and fuels further innovation.
Why the Act of Shipping Is Important
Shipping is the lifeblood of creativity and innovation. It is the act of transforming an idea into reality and sharing it with the world. Here’s why shipping is so important:
- Turning Vision into Reality: Shipping bridges the gap between imagination and reality. It’s the tangible manifestation of your creativity and hard work.
- Creating Impact: Your work can only make an impact if it’s out in the world. Shipping allows your ideas to reach and influence others, potentially sparking further innovation.
- Building Credibility: Consistently shipping high-quality work builds your reputation and credibility as a creator. It shows that you’re committed to bringing your ideas to life and delivering value.
- Learning and Growth: Every time you ship, you learn something new. Whether it’s about the creative process, the market, or user preferences, shipping provides valuable insights that contribute to your growth as a creator.
In conclusion, “real artists ship” is a call to action for creators to overcome their fears, embrace imperfection, and commit to bringing their ideas to life. It’s a reminder that the true measure of an artist lies not just in their ideas but in their ability to execute and deliver. So, take a deep breath, summon your courage, and ship your masterpiece – you might just change the world.
What are your thoughts on this quote by Steve Jobs? Do you find it inspiring or challenging? Feel free to share your reflections.
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