This was a very quick read, but it was such a motivating piece for me. From the moment I began reading Create or Hate, author Dan Norris was entirely exempt from the well-worn nonsense that bubbles out of the pores of other self-help writers currently plying their trade. I loved the direct nature of this book. There are so many uplifting and quotable quotes within here—whether you're a struggling novelist, a painter, an actor—or even if you're just a person who hates your crappy day job with a burning passion, there is absolutely something here for you to reap mental benefits from. I promise you! Sometimes I allow that bastard nemesis Hate to lock me into a submission hold when it comes to forward progress, but I try my damnedest to get to the ropes and make a Hogan-like comeback (pro wrestling analogy). What this author does (and what he does so well) is attempt to have you focus primarily on YOURSELF.
Don't pay attention to the other cars on that jam-packed highway of creation. Stay in your lane, make something of yourself, and if it doesn't pan out for you, oh well! At least you tried, at least you did your best. And that's the best message to take away from this book. Thrive to maintain your drive. Or else you're barely alive. Feeling like you're dead isn't fun. So, go and do that mind grind already.
Here's a personal message to those of you who dream to do: no matter what creative field you're playing in right now, keep doing it. Don't falter. You have a talent that needs to be fully realized before you aren't here anymore.
All in all, this is just a powerful little number and I can't say enough about the lasting effect it has had on me. It's recommended for people who beat themselves up far too often, and for all of the people who feel like they're never "quite there yet" regardless of whatever it is that they do with their creativity....so basically, Create or Hate is highly recommended for everybody in this move-move-move, modern world.