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  • Notes on “Content Creation Is A SPORT | How to Grow As A Creative” by Notes on Mario Devon

    I watched a wonderful YouTube video today by Mario Devon that discussed approaching content creation like a sport and how this mindset can help creators improve their craft and grow as artists. And if we want to be creators, artists, entrepreneurs – anything truly, you must be willing to create. To share with the world because it’s a privilege to take our talents, our gifts, to express ourselves and to share it with the world.

    Highlights from the video

    Treat content creation like a sport: Just like athletes who train and practice to get better, creators need to be just as dedicated in their craft and consistent in their practice. In order to do this, develop a solid a routine that helps you improve consistently

    “There’s no right or wrong way to create content, so find what makes you unique and authentic.”

    Mario Devon

    Example: Michael Jordan and Tom Brady prioritize consistent training and practice to maintain their performance at a peak level. Creators need to have the same mindset as athletes. Artists must dedicate time and effort to honing their craft through consistent creation.

    Develop your play style: There are many different editing styles and approaches to content creation. Create the content, find out your style and what works best for you, then refine it over time to develop your own distinct and personal style. [02:11]

    Example: YouTubers Peter McKinnon (known for his cinematic and educational editing style) and Josh Yoh (known for his fast-paced and energetic edits) and how they’ve created their own, distinct, and well-known style.

    “Just like any athlete trains their body, you need to train your creative mind.” –

    Mario Devon

    Healthy competition is good: Learning from and being inspired by other creators can push you to improve your own skills. [03:41]

    Example: Devon mentioned that when sees other creators he admires doing something well like an editing technique or style of photography, it motivates him to learn from them and improve his own content.

    Quote: “Surround yourself with people who are better than you, and you’ll constantly be growing.”

    – Anonymous

    Embrace failure: Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things because failing is part of the learning process. You’re not your failures, failures are just a part of your journey – learn from them and come back stronger next time. [06:21]

    Example: Devon talks about learning from his own mistakes, such as a video concept that didn’t resonate with his audience. He emphasizes that failure is a natural part of the learning process in content creation.

    “Love the game, appreciate the game, and respect the game.”

    -Anonymous

    Remember your “why” and that initial spark: It’s easy to get bogged down in the business side of things. Don’t forget the passion and joy that initially drove you to create content – remember that special moment. Do things creatively that you enjoy because client work can sometimes be boring so do things that give you a spark in between, things that made you fall in love with the process. This will help keep you close to the art [13:31]

    Example: Devon reflected on his early days taking photos with friends – just because he enjoyed the process, and the lightness of the activity. It’s important to reconnect with that initial passion that drives creativity, and to be close to that joy.

    “Do it for the love of it – love it and it will love you back.”

    -Mario Devon

    Create space to make the content you want to make: Carve out a spot somewhere for a dedicated space to create – this space primes you for content development.

    Disconnect to reconnect: Disconnecting from social media from time to time is equally as important – this the recovery portion of the sport. Recovery (removing the distractions) will help you focus on your work and will the reduce the need for constant comparison

    Create a positive environment: Surround yourself with positive and supportive people – these special people should challenge you to be your best and help you stay motivated along with cheering you on.

  • A Roadmap to Combating Burnout: Embracing Transformation with a Purpose-Driven Approach

    Understanding the Burnout Challenge

    As a registered nurse, I’ve witnessed and experienced the profound impact of burnout within our system. The pandemic revealed vulnerabilities in our healthcare infrastructure and pushed our healthcare professionals to the brink. The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Burnout paints a stark picture: it affects a staggering 60–80% of healthcare workers and extends its reach beyond our field, making it a universal concern.

    Burnout isn’t just feeling tired after a grueling shift; it’s the outcome of prolonged exposure to the relentless stressors of the healthcare profession. This multifaceted issue leads to serious health consequences, including cardiovascular diseases, mental health disorders, and substance abuse (US Surgeon General Advisory, 2022). Moreover, it imposes an immense economic burden, costing the healthcare system billions annually, and compromising patient safety with a 19% increase in errors and adverse outcomes. 

    It’s not just a buzzword; it’s a workforce risk that demands immediate attention and it’s time to embrace a transformative approach to address the complex issue of burnout – one that safeguards healthcare workers’ well-being and reshapes our healthcare landscape.

    Section 2: Purpose-Driven Transformation

    In today’s rapidly changing healthcare landscape, healthcare leaders and organizations find themselves at a pivotal juncture. This moment offers a unique opportunity for sweeping change and this transformative approach is not just about addressing the symptoms but tackling the root causes of burnout. It emphasizes the need for healthcare systems to be compassionate, holistic, and empowering. It challenges healthcare organizations to become nurturing environments where healthcare professionals thrive, rather than merely survive. It’s a call to action, a proactive stance against burnout.

    Section 3: Actionable Solutions for a Resilient Healthcare System

    Actionable Solution 1: Transformational Leadership

    In healthcare, leadership extends far beyond making decisions; it’s about shaping the ethos of the entire organization. It’s disheartening to note that less than half of healthcare workers trust their organizational leadership to prioritize patient and worker well-being, with only 23% having faith in these leaders (US Surgeon General Advisory, 2022).

    Effective leadership transcends financial outcomes; it hinges on the genuine concern for the well-being of healthcare professionals. This commitment, when embraced by leadership, has a cascading effect, benefiting not only healthcare workers but also patients and the entire healthcare system. It’s noteworthy that healthcare professionals under supportive leadership experience significantly lower burnout rates.

    Leaders who prioritize well-being take tangible steps to create an environment where healthcare professionals feel genuinely valued, supported, and empowered. Their actions serve as an inspiration, fostering trust, unwavering commitment, and resilience among their teams.

    Actionable Solution 2: Prioritizing Well-being Initiatives

    Unfortunately, only 10-40% of healthcare professionals seek mental health treatment (US Surgeon General Advisory, 2022) due to the lingering stigma surrounding it. To break down this barrier, it’s imperative to cultivate a culture of well-being that not only welcomes but actively encourages discussions about mental health.

    One effective approach is the implementation of consistent and regular check-ins and surveys to gauge the well-being of employees. This data becomes our compass, guiding us toward a healthier work environment. Well-being initiatives should be viewed as a necessity, not a luxury. It’s essential to invest in mental health resources, counseling, and robust employee assistance programs. The unwavering commitment to prioritize healthcare professionals’ well-being should commence with the creation of a space where seeking help is not only acceptable but wholeheartedly supported.

    Actionable Solution 3: Embrace Technology and Data-Driven Insights

    Technology can be a powerful ally in our battle against burnout – if used correctly and efficiently. We must harness technology and data analytics to predict and prevent burnout by identifying patterns of excessive workload or high-stress periods. By intervening proactively, we can make a significant difference.

    Moreover, it’s essential to encourage the use of wellness apps and platforms that offer self-assessment tools and resources for stress management. In today’s information age, we have the tools at our disposal to make data-driven decisions that benefit both healthcare professionals and patients.

    Conclusion: Building a Resilient Healthcare Future

    These actionable solutions, grounded in transformational leadership, prioritizing mental health, and the wise use of technology, can pave the way for a resilient healthcare system that guards against burnout and ensures the well-being of healthcare professionals, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes. It’s time for healthcare to embrace change and build a future where burnout struggles to take root.

    References:

    • U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Burnout
    • “Managing Workforce Risk in an Era of Unpredictability and Disruption”
    • “Workforce Risk Management: A Critical Imperative”
    • Weberg, D., & Lawson, C. (2023). Leading Through Times of Transformation: Purpose, Trust, and Co-Creation. Journal of General Internal Medicine.

  • Listen

    When I was 2.5 months pregnant I went to the ED because I thought I was going to lose my daughter.

    I received both the best bedside manner and the worst. All in the same visit. 

    My provider was burnt out and overworked, head of a busy and understaffed metro ED. It was understandable. He assessed me quickly and sent me to ultrasound to check my baby’s heartbeat. 

    When I got to ultrasound, my sonographer saw the concern on my face. He immediately held my hand and wiped my tears. We didn’t exchange many words. What was only supposed to be a 5 minute test ended up being a half hour visit.

    In my nursing career and in my personal life, I’ve been both a good listener and a bad one. There’s a stark difference between the two.

    “Successful relationships are an act of co-creation. You must both listen and volunteer. When we express vulnerability, we’re giving some of the tools. When we listen, we’re gaining some tools. When you both have tools you can build something together.”

    -Simon Sinek 

    Listening can alter the entire trajectory of an experience, healthcare or otherwise. Listening is intentional. It’s being aware of body language and gauging facial expressions. Sometimes it involves an exchange of words and other times it’s just sitting in silence. When we’re feeling vulnerable and we share, we need someone to sit in the mud with us. Likewise, when we’re the listener, we must give space to the other person. 

    It’s an act of co-creation.

    It can be hard, but it’s necessary.

    So today.. be a good listener.

  • My dad

    Do you ever wonder where an initial interest of yours started? When did that spark first initiate? Today I’m reflecting on when the kindle of entrepreneurship was first lit inside of me.

    My dad was the first person I knew that started his own business. My family and I first came to America in the early 90’s and we eventually settled in Fresno where he pursued his MBA from Fresno State. He became an accountant at a large bank after he graduated but like many other immigrants, he got the entrepreneurial itch. After my dad got a few years of experience under his belt, he moved our family to Seattle, WA with the hope of starting a business.

    As I examine that time period now, it was interesting seeing him transition from employee to self-employed. As a kid, his experience as an entrepreneur wasn’t something I thought deeply about, but now that I have my own business and have made a similar transition, I’ve come to appreciate his experiences. His bravery and grit is something that should be lauded – he went from a highly secure job at a company that has been around for decades to moving his entire family of 5 to an entirely new state to start a business in an area he had zero experience in.

    Truly remarkable.

    And a little insane – a characteristic all entrepreneurs share.

    When you’re young, you don’t often or are unable to truly appreciate the sacrifice and fortitude parents go through to build a better life for their family despite the odds and the magnitude of risk.. That is until we’re a lot older, until we have our kids, go through our own challenges or achieve personal successes and milestones – this reflection has allowed me to feel closer to him, and to appreciate what we he went through. I also feel a little closer to him – knowing our entrepreneurial paths have been similar.

    Thank you, Dad.

  • A night with Stacey Abrams 10/12

    Stacey Abrams is the GOAT. 

    My sister Fatima and I went to ‘Conversations with Stacey’ at the Mesa Arts Center earlier this week. It was dope.

    These last few weeks I have started to become more intentional about my life. About my goals, my future self, and what actions and behaviors I need to take to become the person I want to become. Listening to a powerhouse like Ms. Abrams was transformational.

    Biggest takeaways from that evening (long but worth it):

    -Meet people where they are 
    -Don’t get excited about the vote, become a voter. It’s not just about one action, it’s the mindset and consistency that comes with it
    -The best organizations check on you before they need you. They continue to nurture that relationship before, during and after 
    -Sometimes, containment only is the answer, not the cure
    -Read voraciously and watch tv voraciously. Stories connect you with others
    -Why feel guilty about watching TV? Don’t feel guilty about things you get pleasure from! Whether it’s a romance novel or the great British bake-off 
    -Organizations need to be intentional about diversity. Bring others in that aren’t represented 
    -Find alignment with others. You don’t have to have all of the same views on everything 
    -Focus on progress, NOT perfection
    -Evil doesn’t take a vacation, it recruits mean and comes back with a vengeance. Stay vigilant.
    -Build strong teams. Be intentional and bring others up with you, remember.. there’s safety in numbers in success and when going through hardships
    -Compromise your actions but don’t compromise your values
    -Check out the Whistlestop podcast with John Dickerson
    -Push back against disinformation. It’s a disease that wreaks havoc
    -It’s not the vote it’s what it means that your voice matters 
    -You should not have a higher level of democracy because of your race or status 
    -Don’t enter conversations trying to change someone’s mind 
    -Ideas are malleable ideologies are not 
    -Remember the John Lewis quote “Get in good trouble”
    -Be responsible for others. Always be learning, education is a passport. Volunteer your time no matter how little you have someone has it worse
    -How to get your kids involved in civic duty? Take your child to vote with you every time
    -And last but not least, have political discourse without being mean ❤️

  • AI Superpowers by Kai-Fu Lee

    In his non-fiction book, prominent venture capitalist Kai-Fu Lee discusses artificial intelligence, the two biggest players in the AI world, and the importance of human emotion, touch, and connection as our society becomes more technologically integrated.

    Due to China’s extensive level of integration and ability to collect massive amounts of data, they will bypass the U.S. in many sectors. Initially, China was perceived as a copycat culture in terms of technology creation, data collection, and software development. Although this tactic was looked down upon by the West, it has proven to cultivate a culture of continual learning for engineers and entrepreneurs. For example, people in the west would often describe Chinese tech companies as ‘the Facebook of China’ or the ‘Amazon of China.’

    The reason China is bypassing western technology companies is because of the way The Chinese government heavily subsidizes entrepreneurship endeavors. Although this is an expensive strategy initially, it has proven to be the right decision for China in the long run. In one example given, the Chinese government subsidized and pushed the use payment apps for taxi drivers. Although it was extremely expensive, consumers and taxi drivers benefited. Payment apps have little to no credit fees or minimum payments for purchases. This card-less, cashless system has transcended into other areas because it allows people to easily pay for products and services quickly which makes people buy more thus, creating a positive feedback loop for consumers.

    Using payment apps for everyday activities allows for a thick net of data to be collected, rendering it ready to be analyzed. Although the U.S. is integrated somewhat in terms of payment apps, it’s not on the level that China is. This is incredibly important in AI development because large amounts of data are needed to predict user behavior, and to tailor products and services to users. According to Kai-Fu what’s more important right now is the quantity of data rather than the quantity of data. Due to this high quantity of data, China does not evangelize ‘genius’ engineers, rather, companies want engineers who have sufficient skill, not those who are necessarily the cream of the crop.

    This book was incredibly interesting because not only did it discuss the different areas of artificial intelligence and the current and future trends in technology, but the author discussed his own personal life, and his fight against cancer. Before becoming ill, Kai-fu was so entrenched in becoming the best in his field. He prided himself on responding to email immediately, no matter the hour of the day, he would even try to optimize his personal life and his family just like a computer algorithm. When he became ill he was forced to slow down, and through self reflection and spending time with the people that were most important to him, he realized that life isn’t just about fame or money or trying to optimize every moment – life isn’t an algorithm, as he so eloquently put it.

    With AI on track to reduce the number of jobs in the world, Kai-fu discussed what types of jobs will be in high demand as we become more automated. Kai-fu believes that one of these jobs will be caregiving for those with healthcare issues and the elderly and I wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment.

    I was drawn to this book because I’m really fascinated with technology, and the more entrenched I became in this arena, the more I started to wonder what the future would like for registered nurses as we obtain more data – health and other data.

    What will healthcare look like in the future? What role will a registered nurse play and what will the nursing profession look like in 5 years?

    What about 10 years? Or even 25? And lastly, how will the nursing schools and our communities adapt to these inevitable changes?

    Incredibly fascinating indeed.

  • 2018: A Year of Reading

    I read quite a bit last year. I made some graphs because I like nerd shit. I read a variety of books, I reread some books because I thought they were important and they were short and sweet and it helped me reach my 52 book goal. I read comics, essays and fiction. I read nonfiction, I listened to audiobooks. I read books about zombie babies murdering neighbors. I read a book Da Terminator wrote about his Terminator life and there were actual nuggets of wisdom that I deeply appreciated.

    I read the last book one of the greatest scientists of our time wrote. I read books that made me cry. Books that made me pull over and replay the last 30 seconds because that stanza was just so damn beautiful, so thought provoking and insanely and gorgeously and painfully written.

    I read about how Starbucks began. I appreciated the hell out of the story.

    I read a book about Elon Musk’s larger than life story, a heart wrenching story about a neurosurgeon’s fight with lung cancer. Books about the big bang theory, event horizons, and books that provided a hypothesis that disproved Gods existence – which really fucked me up, but in a good way. A book by Seth Godin about how to stand out, how to use your imagination and creating with love because that’s what differentiates us from machines in a cog – “Linchpin” was the book that inspired me to start this blog. And James Altucher’s “Choose Yourself” taught me to train my idea muscle on the daily – I’m all about that swole idea muscle life.

    I reread Carol Dweck’s “Mindset.” Why? It’s a book so fucking important it should be read at least once every year. I also read 2 books that taught me about meditation and the power of being present, and lead me to download Headspace, an app that has positively affected my life. “You Are a Badass,” “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck,” and “Rejection Proof” made me laugh out loud IRL, and the story of Elizabeth Holmes of Theranos in “Bad Blood” made me go WTF IS WRONG WITH PPL.

    This chart shows how many books I read each month. I really picked up my reading when we moved out of our apartment. My commute became longer, from 30 minutes one way to almost an hour one way so I got through A LOT of audiobooks starting in the summer. Not only did my commute get longer, but I was also more awake and feeling much better after switching from night shift to day shift, which occurred sometime during March/April. Nightshift really killed any desire for me to read anything I had to actually digest and think about.
    I used Overdrive/Libby and Audible to get most of my audiobooks. Shoutout to Tom Bilyeu and the Impact Theory team, they really kicked off my love of audiobooks by sending me 3 months of audible credits because I was a was a 2nd place winner for a contest they were running. I used Audible when I REALLY REALLY wanted the book and when the wait times for the library was like 6 months or longer cause I have no patience. Audiobooks and kindle books are easy to carry around, thus more convenient. I’m prone to laziness so when things are super convenient, I don’t have an excuse and I’m more likely to read. I try to follow this rule in other areas of my life. If I meal prep I don’t have to make food throughout the week. If i pick out my clothes the night before I won’t be late and I can be lazier in the mornings. If I follow a workout program I don’t have an excuse to not go to the gym. If you’re a lazy POS like I am, make it super fucking easy on yourself you’ll be able to develop that habit.
    Nonfiction books are good for the brain, and fiction books are good for the soul. Fiction ignites a fire in your imagination. The majority of the books I read were nonfiction, but I didn’t just stick with personal development. I read true crime, medicine, science, biographies, and so on. Keep it spicy my dudes.
    I went out of my comfort zone last year. I didn’t sky dive or give a speech in front hundreds of people, nay, it was much more tame than that. I expanded the type of reading I did. It’s important to read classics, and most of the classics are written by old white bros. It’s a fact. I’m still gonna keep reading books written by old white dudes, but I want to expand my worldview and to do that I have to read stuff from authors of different demographics. For 2019 I’m going to continue this quest.

    I read short books, essays, books with pictures, ebooks, I listened to books, I read books by brown people who look like me, read books by women, just like me. That felt good. Empowering. In October I was stressed the hell out wondering how I would get to my 52 book goal and I went into Overdrive (pun intended). I felt like I was back in college, with only one week left of finals, but like, in a more fun way, not the “Oh shit I’m gonna fail this fucking class if I don’t cram all this information inside my brain which I will immediately dump out soon as I finish my test” kind of way.

    My favorite books of 2018 are David Goggins “Can’t Hurt Me,” “Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates, “The Giver” by Lois Lowry, “Daring Greatly” by Brene Brown, “Relentless” by Tim Grover, and “Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline. My goal for 2019 is to read 30 books and to even more books by authors from diverse backgrounds. My goal is lower this year because a higher priority for me in 2019 is to network and really cultivate deep meaningful relationships. I want to apply what I read instead of just consuming vast amounts of information, which often leads to inaction. Inaction is one of my greatest weaknesses. It’s easy to stay at home and read in my own little introverted bubble, life’s more comfortable that way. Ideas and people grow when we interact with others. Growth occurs when you put yourself in uncomfortable situations, and I’m trying to develop that David Goggins type of calloused mind 💪🏾🧠

  • My porch

    I read Linchpin by Seth Godin.

    I also read Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin.

    How do I change the world? In order to change the world, I must first change myself. I can do this through action. Through routine, I obtain freedom. I will change my world. I network, read, create and share my art.

    My art, my work, is a gift. I will give this gift freely, easily. My word, my vision, my empathy, my ideas, my soul.

    Through routine, by nourishing my body, my mind and my spirit, I will slowly but surely obtain what I desire.

    In order to create an impact with my art, I have to exercise extreme ownership in my craft, in my life, because by owning up, I exercise control over my own world. I am in control of my actions, I own my emotions and my feelings, I control me. It’s easy to blame others, it’s not easy taking blame. Nothing world while comes easy.

    Welcome, to my front porch.

    I sweep it, consistently. Every day my porch is cleaned, freed of dust through my controlled movements. I hold the broom and I create. My art develops as it’s shared, from my heart to yours

  • Read 4.5 Books in 12 Days

    I read these books since I posted last:

    • Mindset: The Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck (reread)
    • Choose Yourself by Dave Atulcher
    • Pet Sematary by Stephen King
    • Relentless By Tim Grover

    And I’m halfway through The Personal MBA.

    How do I do this?

    I made these 3 small changes in my life.

    • Read more, watch less

    I didn’t cancel my Netflix subscription and I’ll jump on Instagram/Facebook once in a while. These days though, I don’t have much time to dedicate to social media or binge watching the latest show on Netflix. Instead of cutting things out, which is negative reinforcement, I simply increased my reading time. I’ve cultivated my love and need for reading this way. I thrive on learning new things, exposing myself to new ideas, and being able to get through books so quickly. The more I read, the less time I have for other stuff.

    • Make it simple, make it special.

    I make it easy to read. I listen to audiobooks when I’m doing chores, when I’m on the treadmill for 15-20 minutes before I lift, at the grocery store when the lines are long. I listen to audiobooks when I ride my bike. I carry my kindle or a book with my when I’m going somewhere. I get a minimum of 2 hours of reading on my workdays because my commute is so long.

    I make reading special. I read with my kid. The time I read to her helps me bond with her. She’s awesome. We make jokes, do silly voices for characters, read books with pictures, books without pictures, classic books, audiobooks. It’s fun. Don’t have a kid? Read to your grandma, or fish.

    I share what I learn from reading with my family and others. I highlight and write down quotes in my journal. I read reviews about books and try to understand what other people learned from that book and compare and contrast. I look up words I don’t know the meaning of. I read books from different genres and age groups. I read poetry and essays. I don’t let myself get bored with reading.

    • Listen fast, read fast

    Listen to audiobooks at 1.5 speed and above. Start with 1.25, then up the speed when you get used to it.

    Lastly, I invested in a program that helped me read faster. Athletes pay coaches insane amounts of money to become elite. Businesses pay consultants like, hella money yo to increase their profits and efficiency. I take reading seriously; if you do too, throw some money down on a legit company to help you read faster. If you don’t have money, look for free resources on Google or Youtube.

    That’s it. Promise. It sounds easy because it really is.