Mind of a Maker
A daily blog inspired by Matthew Dicks
“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become. No single instance will transform your beliefs, but as the votes build up, so does the evidence of your new identity.”
To become better at something, you have to practice. What better way to become a better writer and storyteller than to practice by making a habit of writing daily?
In this daily blog, we’ll discuss Maker-related topics as well as what inspires projects, including YouTube videos, Movies, TV Shows, Disney, Star Wars, LEGO, Books, and more. Everything is on the table, and nothing is off-limits.
Disclaimer: The thumbnail images featured on this blog are often AI-generated. See Disclosure page for more information.
7 Takeaways For Entrepreneurs From Derek Sivers's Book "Hell Yeah or No"
Social media would have us believe we need to say “Yes” to more to succeed, but that’s not true.
• Change your default answer to "no"
• Believe you are below average
• Great goals cause change now
• Don't use single advice
• Embrace new ideas
• Share what is obvious to you
• Success comes from evolution
5 Books Every Content Creator Should Read (And Implement)
Reading has helped me think about and implement business ideas more than anything else (other than doing the work). These are my 5 favorites for content creation.
• Show Your Work by Austin Kleon
• The Thank You Economy by Gary Vaynerchuk
• The Art and Business of Online Writing by Nicolas Cole
• Building A Second Brain by Tiago Forte
• Start With Why by Simon Sinek
5 Takeaways For Content Creators From "Start With Why"
Most businesses owners spend so much time focusing on what they do and why they do it that WHY is forgotten. WHY you should Start with WHY:
1. WHY before What and How
2. Aim for innovation, not novelty
3. Destination (What) < Journey (WHY)
4. Authenticity comes from WHAT aligning with WHY
5. Run advice through The Celery Test
Your WHY is your compass.
4 Takeaways For Content Creators From “Hook Point”
Follow and subscriber counts mean nothing without effective communication.
• Capture attention within 3 seconds
• Provide quality value
• Create beneficial stress (eustress)
• Set trends, don't follow them
Capture attention and overdeliver on value with good storytelling
4 Takeaways For Makers From Austin Kleon's "Show Your Work"
Many on social media only show the finished result, but Austin Kleon recommends showing the work in progress for success.
1. Show the work in progress
2. Daily content is feasible
3. Always give proper credit
4. Start an email list
Social media needs more Makers showing what they are creating, not just the final products.
3 Takeaways For Entrepreneurs From "The ONE Thing"
Most aspiring entrepreneurs get frustrated when their big goals fall flat, but their focus is too fractured.
1. Narrow goal focus till there is only ONE thing
2. Don't settle for small goals
3. Don't try to do everything right
Having big goals is amazing, but focus every day on the ONE thing that will give you leverage.
3 Insights For Maker Creators From “The Thank You Economy” By Gary Vaynerchuk
3 insights for Maker creators from "The Thank You Economy" by Gary Vee.
1. Care about your audience.
2. Be authentic to who you are.
3. Relationships > Impressions.
Caring about your audience, their needs, wants, and desires, in an authentic way will show through even if quality isn't there.
3 Takeaways For Entrepreneurs From “How To Take Smart Notes” By Sönke Ahrens
3 takeaways for entrepreneurs from “How To Take Smart Notes” by Sönke Ahrens.
1. Unwritten ideas = no ideas
2. Separate idea capture & organization
3. Link preexisting ideas together for something new
Entrepreneurs have tons of ideas constantly, but need a system to organize and see them together.
3 Key Takeaways For Makers From "Every Tool's A Hammer" By Adam Savage
1. Embrace your weird passions.
2. Your workshop is a reflection of you.
3. Sweep up at the end of every day.
1 & 2 are what inspired me to start creating a Star Wars workshop and home office.
3 is my goal for 2026.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*** by Mark Manson delivers a refreshingly blunt guide on focusing your energy only on what truly matters, with insights on meaningful problem-solving, internal motivation, and embracing life’s challenges to leave a lasting legacy.