Poke the box
Don't wait. Start and learn on the way.
Poke the Box is Seth Godin’s manifesto for beginning… projects, experiments, ideas and movements. It’s a rallying cry against waiting for permission, over-planning and playing it safe. The key to success isn’t just creativity or talent, it’s the habit of starting things. The “box” is any system, e.g. product, market, idea, career. Poking it means experimenting, pushing boundaries and learning by doing.
Permission is overrated
Imagine that the world had no middlemen, no publishers, no bosses, no HR folks, no one telling you what you couldn’t do. If you lived in that world, what would you do? Go. Do that. - Seth Godin
In a world where anyone can publish, code, build, film, design or launch, permission is not necessary. The gatekeepers have gone. We are all our own R&D department now.
In August 2021, I started writing this weekly blog without asking anyone. It is one of the best decisions I’ve made.
Start before we’re ready
The only way to find out what works is to do it. - Seth Godin
Most of us hesitate, waiting for the perfect time, approval or more data. That’s fatal. The only way to learn is to start. “Poke the box” and see what happens.
I used to be an expert procrastinator, but I’ve trained myself towards action. Once, I brought my guitar into a work meeting and sang for the team. I wasn’t ready, but I’d promised myself I’d do it. Colleagues later said it was the most memorable meeting they’d ever had.
Initiators vs. Reactors
The secret of getting ahead is getting started. - Mark Twain
In organisations, some people wait for instructions; others initiate. Initiators are rare and valuable as they act without needing permission.
In my corporate role, I’m lucky to work with a colleague who constantly sparks ideas, builds prototypes and tests them with pragmatic enthusiasm. He’s energising and fun to work with because he creates momentum.
Shipping matters
Starting means you’re not stuck. Starting means you might finish. - Seth Godin
Starting is important, but putting things out in the world is where value is created. Shipping builds momentum, confidence and compounding returns.
Every Saturday evening, I record myself reading my blog post and schedule it for 9am Sunday on Substack, LinkedIn and Reddit. It’s been a weekly routine for over four years. A typical post attracts over 10,000 readers.
Failure is feedback
The cost of poking the box is less than the cost of doing nothing. - Seth Godin
Failure isn’t something to avoid; it’s an essential part of progress. Every “poke” produces data. The only failure is not trying.
I’ve prototyped products in personal finance, games, snacks, parking, geocaching, safety, productivity and meetings. Most didn’t take off, but each taught me something.
Other resources
Poke the Box talk by Seth Godin
Three Ways I Achieve More post by Phil Martin
Pick Ourselves post by Phil Martin
Seth Godin’s key advice is: Don’t wait. Don’t seek permission. Don’t overthink. Just start something, learn from it and keep moving.
Have fun.
Phil…
