Summary

Roman Muradov is an award-winning author and illustrator living in San Francisco. I speak with Roman in this interview about his new book On Doing Nothing: Finding Inspiration in Idleness. We discuss expression, creativity, meaning and how to find greater inspiration in doing less. Unique perspectives and a worthwhile listen. Enjoy!

His work has appeared in the New Yorker, the New York Times, the Paris Review, Vogue, and Lucky Peach, among others. He has designed books for Penguin Random House, including the Penguin Classics Centennial Editions of James Joyce’s Dubliners and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. He also has a couple of medals from the Society of Illustrators, and an imaginary dog named Barchibald.

Coaching

Discussion Topics

• How to not make art in order to make art.
• Expression and the pursuit of an authentic life.
• The reason we do art, there is no reason at all.
• The art of being idle. Tools, thoughts and techniques.

Quick round questions

Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?

Waking up at the same time every day.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Get over yourself. Be nice to people. Be patient.

What is the meaning of success?

I don’t believe in success or failure.

What is your number one productivity advice?

Breaking work up into little chunks of time.

What advice would you give someone that needing/wanting to make a change?

Try to appreciate every day a bit more.

Favourite Food

Ramen

Favourite Leisure Activity

Walking

Favourite Book

Life: A User’s Manual (Verba Mundi) (English and French Edition) by Georges Perec

On Doing Nothing: Finding Inspiration in Idleness by Roman Muradov

Favourite Quote

“We don’t need to see anything out of the ordinary. We already see so much.” Robert Walser

Do we all have a why?

No. I think life is meaningless.

What does living with passion and purpose mean?

Getting through the day with minimal suffering.

The Underlying Motivation.

Communicating something that can only be communicated in a certain way. And knowing that you have to do it is good enough for me.

Connect with Roman

Website Bluebed

Instagram 

Twitter

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.

Coaching