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To the obsessed,

Happy Saturday. It's freezing in NY. Yesterday, I biked to get a haircut- face flush, hands freezing, riding like a puppet in the wind.

When I got there, my barber said to me, "You're insane."

"Yes," I said, "But it felt so good."

Do something today to feel alive. The more 'insane,' the better.

PS: I just went on the The Meat Mafia Podcast. I don't do these often, so this was a ton of fun. Brett and Harry are legends, with pure obsession, and a great purpose. You can check it out below- we go deep on obsession, content, and creativity. Let me know what you think. Comment on the video, I'll be replying.
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If you enjoy this newsletter, feel free to forward to some friends.

1. On obsession:

"I have worked on music all day every day since I was fourteen. Even when I'm not making music, I'm making music." - Russ, It's All in Your Head​

I read Russ' short book on a flight last week. Really really loved it. He's a perfect example of obsession. He found his gift early, and produced relentlessly for a decade, to make it real. One thing I'm trying to learn from him, is his confidence. It was delusional, and unwavering, in the best way possible.

2. On doing > being:

"A writer is not a writer because he has written some books. A writer is not a writer because he teaches literature. A writer is only a writer if he can write now, tonight this minute." - Charles Bukowski, On Writing​

3. On feedback:

"The public is never wrong. When people don't respond to what you do, they're telling you something loud and clear. You're just not listening.” - 50 Cent (s/o Jack Butcher)​

4. On what to work on:

“If you have several ideas that all seem pretty good, work on the one you think about most often when you don’t think about work.” - Sam Altman, YC Podcast (Highly recommend this pod. Shoutout Danny Miranda for sharing).

5. On traction > tools:

"Brand built to $30m off an iPhone. Never used a real camera. Never hired a real photographer. Everything shot by me while doing all design concepts & shit with help of some illustrators over seas. Lesson in there." - Coltybrah​

You can change the world with obsession and an iPhone.

6. On making something people want:

"Figure out what people want, before they do. People don't know what they want until you show it to them. Our task is to read things that are not on the page." - Steve Jobs (Founders Podcast)​

7. On the lie of optimization:

Obsession is the opposite of optimization. You don't need bio-hacks, morning routines, or affirmations. The obsession fuels everything. 'Optimization' only slows you down.

When you're on the right mission- the hacks are irrelevant.

*If no quotes are given like bullet above- it's my words.*

8. On differentiation:

"If you’re following a playbook, you’re already dead." - Packy McCormick​

9. On meaning solving everything:

"Honestly, a lot of your life problems will probably be fixed if you have projects that you’re focused on and derive meaning from." - Ava @noampomsky​

10. On the best decisions:

The best decisions aren't made. They just happen. Don't trust a choice you have to 'think' about.

One more thing…

​5-9 > 9-5​

One update from me:

This week, we did our first sponsored animation with The Five Minute Journal! It's the one-and only journal- I recommend. Beautiful product made with love (and obsession).

I think we did well showcasing the product, while still making a great piece of content. Watch it here on Instagram.

If your company is interested in a sponsored animation, feel free to reply to this email.

More for you to check out:

• ​Today's Saturday Morning Cartoon just went live on Instagram:
• ​This post is probably my favorite thing I've written.

I’d love to know what you thought of this newsletter.

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Reply to this email, or tweet me at @zachpogrob on Twitter.
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Stay obsessed,

Zach

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