Nov 20

What Separates Amateurs from Pros?

Lately, I've been pondering a concept that's crucial for any creative professional: accountability. It's a bold statement, but hear me out. When I talk about being a professional, I'm not just referring to earning money from your craft. It's about the satisfaction of completing and excelling in your work. That's what separates the pros from the amateurs. The Essence of Creative Autonomy In the realm of creativity, Patti Smith stands as a beacon of self-driven... read more ›
Nov 06

The Power of Structure for Boosting Creativity

Pablo Picasso once said, "Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There’s no other route to success." This sentiment resonates deeply with anyone who has ever grappled with the challenge of balancing creativity with structure. At first glance, creativity might seem like a free spirit, unbound by rules or routines. But in reality, even the most spontaneous... read more ›
Sep 25

The Paradox of Creative Freedom: How to Embrace Constraints

Let's dive into a paradox that's been on my mind lately: the idea that in a world of boundless creative freedom, we can sometimes feel utterly... stuck. It's like standing in front of a canvas that stretches endlessly in every direction, and feeling overwhelmed about where to place that first brushstroke. Sound familiar? You see, while the allure of unlimited possibilities and unfettered exploration is undeniably seductive, it can also be paralyzing. It's like being... read more ›
Jul 19

Five Simple Strategies For Stress Management And Personal Growth From Mel Robbins

For some, being manic is simply a part of being creative. Non-stop ideas, improvements, and all-nighters are conducive to success in the field. But there is a line to be drawn - one that when crossed, can quickly lead to burnout and a reverse in productivity altogether. One of my best conversations about this was with Mel Robbins in 2021. Mel is a keynote speaker, author and life coach who frequently speaks on the topics... read more ›
Jul 10

The Procrastination Cure You Don’t Want to Hear

Have you ever found yourself staring at a blank screen, with a deadline looming? Suddenly, the urge to scroll through social media becomes irresistible and you end up pulling an all-nighter fueled by caffeine and sheer determination. You might have met the deadline, but the quality of your work (not to mention your sleep) likely suffered. The toll on your mental and physical well-being was enormous. But why do we put ourselves through this last-minute... read more ›
Jul 05

Small Steps, Big Wins: James Clear on Harnessing the Power of Incremental Progress

Tricky question - what fundamental thing does everyone need in order to achieve their ambitions? Rich parents? That can certainly help. But the real answer, as simple as it may seem, is progress. Prioritize Progress No matter who you are or what you're striving for, progress is the one thing capable of keeping every human's mind focused on the pursuit of a goal. It makes sense - our minds see everything through a logical lens... read more ›
Jan 25

The Upside of Stress: How to Thrive Under Pressure with Kelly McGonigal

 Looking to learn how to thrive under pressure? Kelly McGonigal has your answers. She's made a career with the power of psychology, using it to help people improve their mental health and overall wellbeing. Her insights have reached all sorts of audiences; her first two books, The Willpower Instinctand The Upside of Stress, are bestsellers with tens of thousands of copies sold worldwide. Kelly's expertise helped form Stanford's innovative Compassion Cultivation Training program that's... read more ›
Jan 23

Why Creative Cross-Training is Actually Better than Productivity Hacks

Let’s get something clear: all the “productivity” gibberish we read in our social feeds day in and day out is largely a waste of time. Productivity has become a self-help institution that deals with the symptoms rather than the cause of our problems. Instead of finding ways to cram more five-minute meetings into a day or accelerate the hamster wheel of emails flowing into your in-box, start thinking about how you can cultivate the state... read more ›
Jan 11

Julia Cameron: How to Use Daily Creative Practices to Get Unstuck

Julia Cameron is a world-renowned, highly acclaimed artistic talent. She created a movement within the art scene in 1992 with the release of her book 'The Artist's Way', and has been inspiring creatives with further reads, songs, films, and plays ever since. Julia recently added another book to her collection with 'WRITE FOR LIFE: Creative Tools for Every Writer. As what she calls a 'love letter to writing, and to writers', it shares some of... read more ›
Dec 28

How Do We Break Out of Chronic Stress with Dr. Elissa Epel

Stress - we've all felt it, and in today's day and age, it's just a fact of life.  But just because it's seemingly unavoidable doesn't mean you have to give in to it. Learning ways to manage and cope with stress is essential for a healthy and balanced life. This is something I spoke about in-depth on my latest podcast with Dr. Elissa Epel, an accomplished Professor and Vice Chair of the Department of Psychiatry... read more ›