Solving a problem

Does it always have to be about solving a problem? What if you just want to say silly things and entertain people? What problem is that solving? Boredom?
-> bingo you got it.

I don't know if I have the chops to be an entrepreneur or a so-called maker.
-> You do. Being an entrepreneuer is less about flair and more about being there and being reliable. You have both of those. Most people you might think would make good entrepreneuers because they have creative flair make horrible ones because they don't think long term enough. If you read Bezos' shareholders letter from 1997 you'll see what the epitome of long thinking reliability is.


So the dilemma is what can I do instead that I am more passionate and excited about that I can eventually get paid for?
-> I think this is the wrong question. I feel like Godin talks about this doesn't he? That passion more follows competency and purpose... rather than the other way around. As in you should find something you find purposeful and get good at 'solving' that 'problem' and then you'll have the passion. If boredom is that purpose you wish to address with your 'passion' humor then there you go. But of course this takes a lot of reflection and trial and further reflection to actually get to the real purpose you wish to be entangled with.

So many people have opinions. So much noise out there. Whom to listen to? Which advice to follow? What's worth spending time on? 
-> Yourself. And people who are one horizon ahead of yourself. And people who are one horizon behind yourself.


My skill set is honed to work in corporate America. Anything else is uncharted territory for me. I did decide to double-down on writing, but to what end goal? 
-> Back to what I wrote above about reliability, I think corporate America domesticates many employees thus rendering them poor fit to lead, but in your case you haven't been domesticated. Thus the corporate skills and temperament you've obtained should transfer really well.

I'm looking  for a "click." A sign that I've found something worth pursuing. Is it ever going to arrive? What if it doesn't? What if it does and I don't recognize it? 
-> No. If it does arrive then it will be made and accepted and undertook by you. Won't be placed there on the side of the road by Government, Maker Communities, Podcasts, or your family. There might be one place where they have this sign tailor made for you. Grand Canyon University.

How can I be so successful in certain areas of my life and be a complete train wreck in others?
-> Any large success come casts a shadow. I think the key is to keep tinkering with the successes and watching where the shadows lay so that you can live a life where the shadows cast in non-detrimental ways... as in ways that you can personally accept.

Btw really loved this post and the other one on LifeLog the other day. More personal and reflective.

As much as the post - I loved the response. Abe's toolbox has a blind-spot flashlight.

Now that I'm Rant Driving over on Brandon's Newsletter - I'm thinking about it. I wonder if the "wellthy" name is too pleasant-ville.

Ask me about TrainWreck Health

Good post. and a good epistle by Abe