linkedkim

marketing + social media consultant in danbury, ct

Art

Creative Expression

· · Leave a Comment

Not much feels as good as igniting your inner creativity. We are encouraged at a young age to create whatever our little hearts desire. With paint, pencils, crayons, paper plates and pom-poms. But as years go on, creativity is placed further and further on the back burner. But why?

If you are anything like me and have the mindset to become better than the person you were yesterday, creativity is the perfect outlet. Along with self-progress comes self-awareness and self-expression. If you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed, creating surely subsides your emotional strain.

This post is to remind you that creative expression does not have to stop at a certain age. We tend to overlook how blessed we are to live in a time where we can learn how to create anything at the touch of our phone in our palm. We have the freedom to create whatever we can dream of. The only person holding you back from creating, is, you guessed it, the person looking back at you in the mirror.

So this week I encourage you to let your emotions run wild, create and proudly say “I made that.”

If you would like to take a look at some (re)creating I have done this weekend, check out the All New American website.

*Special thank you to Jon Nastor from Hack the Entrepreneur for his motivating Sunday newsletter that encouraged me to create this post.

“Create the things you wish existed.”

The Power of Idea Sharing

· · Leave a Comment

One of the most fascinating concepts to me has to be idea sharing. New perspectives and opinions give any idea a reinvigorated, recreated life. An idea that is hidden for only one to see cannot reach new heights and exceed boundaries, which is why collaboration is so powerful.

Joining forces with other creative, sometimes contrasting minds can generate monumental outcomes. For instance, Steven Johnson, author of “Where Good Ideas Come From” references Apple’s prime example of idea collaboration. When Apple was trying to brainstorm their design for retail stores, they wanted a place the customer could come – and want to be. They wanted to change the game and look beyond direct competitors to create an environment where their customers would thrive.

Apple went on to study not other technological retailers, but high-end hotel chains, sending their employees to the Ritz Carlton training program. The principal notion from the program was that customers loved going to the concierge. Where whatever the customer would ask for, the employees would eagerly help with. What brilliance was conceived? You guessed it, the Genius Bar.

Sharing and exchanging ideas can lead to the unknown and exhilarating. I encourage you to exchange some thoughts with your fellow creatives and see what magic you can make.

This post was inspired by the TED Radio hour “What is Original” with Steven Johnson, Elon Musk and more. Watch it here.

 

Secret Source of Motivation

· · Leave a Comment

When you commit to creating the work that makes you feel most alive, you know in your heart you are doing what you are supposed to be doing. You feel it in your soul. Creating an everlasting impact.

However, throughout your journey, you often question yourself and the path you have chosen. There are unforeseen emotions and circumstances you encounter. You seek validation that is not always so readily available. You may receive resistance from people you thought for sure would be entirely supportive.

All of us creative, passionate people struggle with the speed bumps which are part of our ride.

I would like to introduce to you to a new blog/podcast which will indeed compliment your remarkable journey.  “No Sidebar” discusses “intentionally designing a simple and successful life.” Thank you to Brian Gardner and Allison Vesterfelt for your most recent podcast episode, “Digital Business, Authenticity, and the Freedom of Being Yourself.” I was instantly drawn in to the podcast, not wanting the seconds to be winding down. It left me with a feeling of reassurance as well as fiery motivation. I think if you are reaching for the stars you will benefit from hearing it too.

Check it out here.

It’s Always Your Turn

· · Leave a Comment

I pre-ordered Seth Godin’s “What To Do When It’s Your Turn [and it’s always your turn]” September of last year.  I had been reading Seth for over a year and could never get enough. He has a power that takes you over, making you want to actually do all those things you have always dreamed about. When my book came  in November I was like a child on Christmas, unwrapping it like I received my first Barbie DreamHouse.

The man is not one of the best American authors, entrepreneurs, marketers, and public speakers for no reason.. he is nothing short of genius. The guru himself sent me two books. I ordered one. Wait, what? Why? Mistake? No, Seth knew exactly what he was doing. He knew I was so passionate about his book that I preordered it. He knew that I was the type of person he wanted sharing his new book with the world. Like I said, Genius.

So what did I do? Exactly what he wanted me to do. I gave the book to a fellow go-getter. This go-getter actually finished the book before me. Over-achiever.. Just kidding.

The book is more or less 100 blog posts, all in one beautifully designed bound masterpiece. Each section motivating you further than the one before. I will share with you one page that I reread frequently:

Ship.
Speak up.
Stand out.
Build a following.
Market a product.
Make a connection.
Solve an interesting problem.
Write, sing, invent, create, ask a
question, launch a project, organize a protest,
open the door for someone, question authority,
make a short film, direct, produce, create, or adopt.
Learn a new skill.
Help someone who needs you.

Be missed if you are gone.”

If I did not take my turn over a year ago, I would not have this blog that you are currently reading. I would not have designed this website you are looking at. I would not currently be involved in the projects I am working on.

So now I encourage you to leap to places that make you feel uncomfortable, dance with fear, and point to something and say “I made that”.  Take your turn. It’s always your turn.

BONUS: Check out the newest motivating article on my Be Inspired page – “Passion Project: 3 Exercises to Discover What Drives You In Life” – Thank you Mark for sharing!

Why You Should Start Writing. Today.

· · Leave a Comment

A little over a year ago I began a voyage. A voyage of self-improvement. A voyage of commitment. A voyage to embark in a creative process that makes me feel most alive. Recently I began thinking why it was that I began this exciting affair and how it has helped me develop as an individual.

Commitment to Learn

If you don’t read you will not have too much to write about. Writing forces you to learn more, to dig deeper. Occasionally I have a case of writers block. Remedy: read more. Reading sparks some new topics, conversations and viewpoints.

Gain New Perspectives

Reading leads to new perspectives and broadening your horizons. If you think about it, how can you become knowledgable by only reading part of what it is you want to know. New ideas are powerful.

Share Knowledge

Once you gain these perspectives, it is time to share the perspectives with others.  Now your readers can alter their opinions if necessary. Your readers can also provide their own perspectives and opinions, which is mutually beneficial.

Connect With Like-Minded Individuals

Reading and sharing launch some solid connections. You begin to apprehend issues you are passionate about, and connect with those who share the same passions. You are who you surround yourself with, so what better way to find these formidable connections.

For Yourself

At the end of the day, write for yourself. “The only person you should try to become better than is the person you were yesterday.” There is no more empowering feeling than knowledge. No one can take it from you.

The more you write, the better you become. I take a look back at some of my first posts which are underdeveloped. I don’t hide them, I take pride in them. The posts are a benchmark I am proud to reflect on. So start writing. Today. And take pride in what you become. 

Let's Collaborate. Learn More