I used to chase numbers and goals.

Because my self-worth was attached to them.

That’s what we are taught, right?

'We will be happy and successful and worthy, when we achieve and have certain things.'

The funny thing is, none of those achievement ever had a lasting impact on my happiness, nor inner worthiness.

This equation never works out. No external thing or person or goal will ever bring you lasting happiness. It doesn't work like that.

Neither crushing a five-figure launch nor finishing writing a book last week made me feel more whole as Conni.

But here is what does make me feel whole:

Being in love with the process.

Enjoying creating and helping others so much that the goal becomes irrelevant.

Goals and achievements are hollow.

It’s about who we become on the path and truly loving the present moment of creation.

The love for the process detaches us from the outcome:

When I work on a video for two weeks - I release it and there is a little high for an hour. But right after, it is back to work. More creating.

The key is to not get attached to the views and comments and the feedback, but to focus on getting back to creating. Because that is where my true fulfilment comes from, not the reactions to the stuff I put out.

Of course it’s nice to read wonderful comments and see the views go up - but my ego is not attached to it anymore. My self-worth does not need the affirmation from outside.

I create for the sake of creating.

I create with the intention to provide value and to serve and contribute. Not because I need people to love my stuff.

But I would also create for free and if nobody was watching.

-

Focus on the process and not the outcome.

Find excitement in creating and not in reaching the goal.

We cannot control the goal and we cannot control success - however, we can control our efforts and the process. I can set an INTENTION of reaching a certain number of followers or income per month, but in the end, it is not in my control.

What I can control is showing up every day and putting my heart and soul into my writing, my videos, my photography and podcast. I can control giving a ton of value. No one can take that away from me.

The more you focus on that, the more you open yourself up to true and authentic “success”.

Then, thousands of followers, a published book, making a good income or having a video pop on YouTube can be the result - but if the‘s the goal, we‘re lost before we‘ve even begun.

The only reason to be a writer, a filmmaker, a photographer or any creator is because you have to be that. You cannot not do it.

Fall in love with the craft and with every moment that your creative center moves you to express yourself.

This is where the magic to a truly fulfilling and meaningful life is hidden.

You will stop chasing and start being.

An article I wrote on my blog this week:

​What I Learned Writing A Book in 60 Days​

It's hard for me to turn the camera or the microphone on to record myself these days.

My heart is still too raw and vulnerable.

So I turn to the written word to express myself.

I didn't want to miss the opportunity of sitting down to gather my lessons from writing this book manuscript I just sent off to my publisher recently.

So here it is: https://conni.me/book-writing-lessons/​

Tweets I loved sharing this week:

• ​My college 2.0 list + upgraded curriculum (scroll down to read all follow-up tweets)
• ​What a random day looked like for me in Bali last week​
• ​Cultivating knowledge > consuming information​

Stuff I enjoyed this week:

1. Article - The Truth About Running a (Spiritual) Online Business​
   I feel this sister so much. I decided to shut down the bigger part of my businesse earlier this year, because I was called to come back to my roots: I am a creator. A writer. A video storyteller. A photographer. A podcaster. Reading her story made me realize that I am not alone in my quest to bring my business and my calling in full alignment.
   ​
2. Podcast - Gabor Matè on The Tim Ferriss Show​
   Even though this is an older episode, I just dove into it last week while riding around my scooter here in Bali. Uff, so good.
   ​Gabor Matè is specialized in addiction, childhood trauma, ADD and emotional stress. Do yourself a favour and make this episode a priority on your podcast list if you want to better understand yourself and your triggers. He has also written amazing books on these topics, so check those out too.
   ​
3. Book - Still Writing: The Perils and Pleasures of a Creative Life by Dani Shapiro
   I love reading books on writing and the creative process. Every creative has their own story, their own unique lessons. This one is a special one, because it feels so gentle to read, like little meditations. It is currently keeping me great company while I drink my morning coffee on the balcony.
   ​
4. Video - Starting a Company Ep. 1 by Adrian Ritchie
   Getting an idea off the ground is messy, man. My friend Adrian is not afraid to show it all and share her detailed process of starting a hat business from scratch - while having a full-time job. She is so awesome and the video is really rad (and not just because I am in it too!).

Quote I can't stop thinking about:

“The tools for learning are abundant. It’s the desire to learn that’s scarce.”

- Naval Ravikant

So much gratitude.

Love from Bali,

Conni.

PS:

I received a ton of beautiful loving emails in response to my last letter.

It felt so good to read all your kind words and to receive so much love and support as I am going through these rough emotional times. It really did.

My email inbox has been piling up since I started writing the book this summer and I am still in the process of responding to emails from months ago.

Please keep them coming though.

I will try my very best to reply to them all, it just might take a bit.

--​
​

Conni Biesalski

Nomadic Creator. Minimalist Vegan Surf-Yogi. Writer. Online Filmmaker+ Photographer. YouTuber and Podcaster.

I help mindful creators make more magic.

​My website.​

Connect with me on Instagram | YouTube | Twitter​

Listen to my podcast.