A Vending Machine on Mars: Exploring The Artist Archetype

"Aspiration without attachment." - Michael Please join us in a discursive, yet oddly flowing conversation exploring the paradoxes around being an Artist. For more on Michael's analogy of "a vending machine on Mars" see below, curated from the Atreyu Running's newsletter that you should be subscribed to: Before there was Atreyu, there was this audacious dream: to design a pair of running shoes that could be purchased from a vending machine on Mars. I know, I know... it's a wacky idea, but stick with me. This motivation was vivid and visceral to me. It still is. I have this philosophy about goal-setting: it’s about daring to transcend the logical confines of a reasonable outcome. For instance, if we aim to move from a 4 to a 7 on a 1–10 scale (any goal, any task), I find myself best served by aspiring toward a 15, only to land, serendipitously, on an 8 or a 9. Occasionally, I even achieve an 11, and have the opportunity to recalibrate my prior boundaries of excellence. Magic. The audacity of the goal is something to revere and embrace. The storytelling boldness alone has the capacity to catapult us beyond the familiar, pushing us into uncharted territory: the “exploration zone.” It allows us to glide gracefully over the incremental steps required to achieve the goal. Yes, those small victories are vital, but shooting for the audacious 15 becomes the beacon that keeps us inspired and invigorated in the pursuit. With that said, I am renewing my commitment to this challenge of the world's first vending machine in space. If humanity ever ascends to the point of running marathons in space, I fervently hope Atreyu is the title sponsor of the race, outfitting you with marathon finisher metal worthy of the stars. Wishing you boundless success in your own endeavors as you reach for the seemingly unattainable. Dream big, and always remember: Huge goals are a mosaic of tiny victories, thoughtfully strung together in an extraordinary way. _michael P.S. A shoe is just a shoe until you imbue it with meaning. I hope your Atreyus carry you on an adventure that’s nothing short of extraordinary. We hope you enjoy this conversation. Godspeed, my friends, godspeed.