Blog

Or else vs. because

I was driving by some people out on the street corner, and they were holding signs warning of coming judgments. And I realized that a lot of what we’re taught about being a good person comes with or else. Be good, or else. Do this, or else. And so on.

When I think, using because would be more effective. Be good because it can bring happiness. Not, or else you’ll be miserable. Maybe they say the same thing. Just in a different way.

Creative breakthroughs, breakdowns, and breakups

A lot of the past few months has been mired in dealing with issues in my profession. There’s been the strikes (WGA and SAG-AFTRA); a film that my partner and I walked away from; and the push to bring a new project into production. While the day-to-day flows easily enough, the overarching plan is one that’s weighed heavily on my mind.

And it isn’t that it’s bad. Or good. It just is. I’ve had to readjust. Pivot, as my partner has said numerous times.

And sometimes that’s the way it works. In Dale Carnegie’s How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, he advocates the idea of Sir William Osier, to live in “day tight compartments”. That is, “taking the world in strict 24-hour increments, letting neither yesterday nor tomorrow be a worry today”.

And such it is – that today is the day we have to live. The only day we actually have to contend with.

Glorious distractions

When I think about why I don’t do the things I’m supposed to do, I would often claim distractions. But that’s not really it. It isn’t that I’m actively doing something I said I would, and then I get distracted. It’s that I choose to not.

And that’s what it is. Choice. We make the choice to not do something. If a distraction comes along, then we choose to get distracted.

I wanted to make sure that I started following through on what I said I would do. Which, I’ve been pretty good about. But there’s always room for improvement.

Coming back to the page

Well… The longer it sits, the harder it is to return to it. It’s like the gym. Or a diet. Or any positive activity you’d like to incorporate into your life.

If you step away from it, you can let it go for too long.

Which is why I’m here today. Because it doesn’t matter whether or not you did it yesterday. What matters is whether you’re able to do it today.

And today is a good first step to get you to tomorrow.

Going viral

The term “viral” can refer to content that spreads rapidly and extensively through online channels, such as social media platforms, websites, and email. While viral content has become synonymous with internet culture, its origins can be traced back to the early days of the web.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the internet saw the emergence of memes, which are humorous or satirical images, videos, or text that are widely shared and replicated. One of the earliest examples of a viral meme was the “Dancing Baby,” a 3D animation that became a sensation and was shared via email chains.

Recognizing the power of viral content, marketers started leveraging it as a tool to promote their brands and products. Companies began creating content that was specifically designed to go viral, with the hope of reaching millions of potential customers at a fraction of the cost of traditional advertising.

One of the early examples of successful viral marketing was the “Will It Blend?” campaign by Blendtec. The company created a series of videos showcasing their blender’s ability to blend various objects, including iPhones and golf balls. These videos garnered millions of views and significantly boosted Blendtec’s brand awareness.

Viral content has also had a profound impact on popular culture. Memes, in particular, have become a ubiquitous part of internet culture, with new ones constantly emerging and spreading like wildfire. Memes often reflect societal trends, current events, or shared experiences, and they serve as a form of social commentary and self-expression.

Moreover, viral content has the power to shape public opinion and influence social movements. Hashtags like #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter gained viral traction, leading to widespread awareness and discussions about important social issues.

As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that viral content will continue to play a significant role in our lives, both as a marketing tool and as a reflection of our cultural zeitgeist. Understanding the history and impact of viral content allows us to appreciate the ever-changing landscape of the digital world.

Production issues

Sometimes you run into delays during the production process. It can affect any aspect of your business, and what you do to solve the problem is often indicative of the business itself.

Delays and inefficiencies can be opportunities to improve the process.

Sharing your interests

We all have interests. It’s natural to want to share them with others. The issue is, we don’t all share the same interests, or have the same level of excitement about things. So, sure, you can feign interest. But isn’t that just being disingenuous?

I think it’s important to be receptive, but also to be truthful. To find common ground while being true to yourself.

Been working a bit on a project that requires a great deal of physical exertion.

Engaging in physical labor provides a tangible sense of accomplishment.

Completing tasks such as building a structure, tending to a garden, or repairing something creates a sense of achievement and pride. The physical results of labor are often visible and can serve as a constant reminder of one’s hard work and dedication.

How to sleep

To facilitate a restful atmosphere, it is crucial to design a calming environment in your bedroom. Clean, clutter-free, and well-ventilated. Dim the lights, use curtains or blinds to block out external light sources, and maintain a comfortable room temperature. Investing in a high-quality mattress, pillows, and bedding can significantly enhance your sleep quality.