I read a newsletter the other day. Much of it was about Stephen King. His approach to writing and creativity. 

“Your job is to make sure the muse knows where you’re going to be every day from nine ’til noon, or seven ’til three. If he does know, I assure you that sooner or later he’ll start showing up.”

King is referring to consistency. Persistence over perfection. Not waiting around for inspiration. 

It got me thinking about others with similar insights.

“Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity.”

Seneca said it first (apparently). It’s a reminder that we make our own luck. And to be ready to seize opportunity when it appears (unexpectedly).

Seneca’s muse is as tempted by preparation as King’s is by persistence.

Focus less on the results and more on the process. Keep showing up and keep practicing, day by day. 

“Tomorrow benefits from the work you put in today.” 

Penned in The Blank Page, a newsletter by Tim Stoddart (entrepreneur, writer, leader). He’s also talking about consistency and preparation. 

This time drawing attention to endurance – being able to outlast. 

To face doubt, hold firm and refuse to break. 

To overcome fear.  

To be the last one standing.

“If you get 1% better each day for one year, you’ll end up 37x better by the time you’re done.”

I saved this for last because it’s important.  

James Clear beckons his muse with incremental progress, especially when building [atomic] habits.

Give yourself purpose and perspective. Mini milestones are more sustainable than major breakthroughs – more realistic.  

The sum compounds in the long run.

Small Gains. Preparation. Endurance. Consistency. 

Those are the secret ingredients.

*feature image by Nick Fewings on Unsplash