Author: MAÔ

That time again. Film awards shows are events where filmmakers and actors gather to celebrate and recognize excellence in the film industry.

We typically see red carpet arrivals, glamorous gowns and tuxedos, and acceptance speeches filled with gratitude and humility.

Or shenanigans. Maybe we can make it a second year without having too precarious an incident.

The term “experience economy”, supposedly first used by economists Pine and Gilmore in the 90s for Harvard Business Review, described the growing trend in our society where individuals value experiences over material possessions.

It encompasses the idea that people are willing to pay a premium for memorable and authentic experiences. In this economy, businesses are no longer just selling products or services; they are creating immersive experiences that leave a lasting impression on their customers.

Whether it’s a memorable vacation, a thrilling concert, or a unique dining experience, the experience economy is all about delivering more than just a product or service – it’s about creating memories that last a lifetime.

Prioritizing your mental health is a crucial exercise that lays the foundation for overall well-being.

It is often easy to overlook the importance of mental well-being amidst various responsibilities and demands.

However, recognizing the significance of mental health and actively taking steps to prioritize it can lead to enhanced resilience, improved relationships, and increased productivity.

Self-care practices, such as mindfulness, adequate rest, and seeking support when needed, contribute to a resilient mental state.

Each year around this time, I tend to think about decluttering. Decluttering is the process of removing unnecessary items and excess possessions from an environment. It involves assessing and organizing your belongings to create a more organized and functional space.

With too many belongings, you tend to get stressed and can feel overwhelmed. By clearing out, you can reduce stress, improve focus, and create a more harmonious living environment.

Do we do it? Sometimes.

Gratitude is a powerful emotion that has profound effects on our well-being.

When we express gratitude, we acknowledge and appreciate what we have, which cultivates a sense of happiness and contentment. This positive mindset helps us to focus on the positive aspects of our lives and fosters a sense of gratitude for the small and simple pleasures that often go unnoticed.

It is a simple practice that can have a profound impact on our overall happiness and mental health.

In the new year, several exciting opportunities await you.

You could explore new hobbies, such as painting or playing a musical instrument. Or you could take on a new challenge by learning a new language or pursuing a new career.

Additionally, you could focus on self-improvement by practicing mindfulness or setting fitness goals.

Each new year offers a fresh start and endless possibilities for growth and happiness.

I gave up resolutions a while back, and each year try to pick one or two words that represent the focus and intent that I’ll be putting into the coming year. After thinking about it a lot, trying to parse down every goal I was anticipating accomplishing this year, I finally came up with: Progression.

To progress: “to move forward or onward in space or time”.

And this focus is to encourage me to be making daily progress towards those same goals that I seek to accomplish.

We’re not always in control. I’m fact, it seems like what we do actually have influence over is quite limited.

This can be scary.

But facing fears is how we find out just what we’re capable of. And that’s a huge part of what we’re here to do.

This week feels marginal at best. From Boxing Day to New Year’s Day, what do we really anticipate achieving?

It’s a good time to reflect on the past year. You can identify areas for improvement for the coming year. Maybe focus on setting realistic goals.

You could find meaningful charities to donate to, getting that little extra tax benefit.

Or, you could just pretend to work. Whatever gets your goat 🐐

An acquaintance got fired up by the video game awards recently. While the spread of “fun” in the form of video games could be debatable, depending on who you are, I was taken by the argument.

The claim: that someone there stole an idea, created a game, and made millions. Setting aside the veracity of the claim, I’d like to take a moment to consider the way ideas and creation could work.

There’s another person I can think of (and I’m sure we all have a person like this in our lives) who constantly bemoans “someone else beating them to their ideas.” They say that they had the idea first. And then someone else comes along with it, and makes it happen.

Well, maybe. But here’s the thing. If you don’t do something with your idea, someone else will. There’s no monopoly on ideas. They can come from anywhere, and go to anyone.

So when you have an idea, act. Otherwise, you really should give up the disappointment of someone else bringing it to fruition.