Caveday

Yesterday, while searching for 'online coworking' services, I discovered Caveday. Caveday facilitates daily group focus sessions on Zoom.

To my delight and surprise, I was able to sign up for a session less than an hour after I discovered it.

It was magic. After procrastinating for weeks, I finally started outlining Gen Propel's Skillshare course.

(To try Caveday for free, use the code "TRYACAVE21" and get three free sprints.)

Here's a draft of the Class Project description:

While returning to my apartment after the week's long run, I was reflecting about how incredulous I feel. How did I even get this far in life?

I feel like the worst procrastinator. I mean, here's a project I decided I want to do. The topic is very interesting to me. It could realistically make us a significant amount of money.

The material works. For years, it's gotten me dream jobs. I've taught it to others, and they've also gotten success from it. Just last weekend, my friend Diane shared that she listened to a podcast interview I did, twice, applied the advice, and was able to connect with people from Amazon and other companies.

In theory, this project has all the ingredients to make for a highly motivating project. Yet, I procrastinated it for weeks. I needed to be on a Zoom call with dozens of people on mute doing their own work in order for me to finally start working on it.

Many people consider me one of the most productive people they know. But here's a confession: I've struggled with procrastination my whole life. For example, I graduated magna cum laude in university, but only by dragging friends to the library to study with me.

Lately, I'm thinking of just giving up the struggle. Maybe this is just how I am wired. To focus and work, I need to be around other people doing the same. This is what works for me. Why fight it?

About this post: I was rereading Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon. I’ve decided I want this blog to be about showing my work and attracting people who share the same interests. It will not be about any specific niche.

As Austin writes,

Imagine: Spending the majority of your time, energy, and attention practicing a craft, learning a trade, or running a business, while also allowing for the possibility that your work might attract a group of people who share your interests. All you have to do is show your work.

Tyler Cowen is another prolific show-your-work-er.