#81 On Being Self-Contained

There’s a moment in the Jeen-Yuhs documentary where Pharrell calls Kanye an artist who is truly self-contained... why? Because he could make the beat and rap over it. That hit me while watching... its episode 2. Being self-contained is a superpower.

In this episode of Happy Human, I talk about what it means to be a self-contained creative... someone who doesn’t wait on outside permission, production, or partnerships to get things going. That doesn’t mean you don’t collaborate, it just means you’re not dependent. And that makes the difference.

I get into what this looks like in real life... from editing my own podcasts, building out my website and app, designing merch drops, learning Logic Pro for music, and even making my own wooden table. And I share how that self-contained approach helps you build something anti-fragile, like Nassim Taleb writes about... a system that doesn't break when things get rough.

Being self-contained gives you speed. It gives you clarity. And it gives you a seat at the table with skills. That way, when you do collaborate, like I do with Sketch83 (check his work here) you're bringing real value, not waiting around for someone to carry your part.

This episode is a reminder that sometimes the biggest contribution to your confidence as an individual is being able to build it yourself. Learn the skills. Stay curious. Become your own ecosystem. That way, when inspiration hits, you don’t wait... you move, you create.

Check out the latest art and t-shirts at happyhuman.studio, or download the Happy Human Studio app on Google Play or the App Store. Tap the top left profile icon to become a member and I’ll give you a digital Happy Human badge when you do.

Download and follow the podcast on Spotify. And if this episode hit something for you, leave a comment or share it with someone who’s building their own creative system.

Being happy makes you have a good day. Words by Bella.