Boundless #9 | How do humor, creativity and energy fit together?
Boundless #9 | How do humor, creativity and energy fit together?
#BoundlessPod: Amma Marfo on creativity, humor & energy
Amma Marfo is a freelancer I met in Boston. She cracked me up several times on this podcast. It is no surprise then, that she describes herself as "thoughtful yet incurably silly." She also defines herself by three words: humor, creativity, and energy - something we talk about at the beginning of the podcast. Like many freelancers, she does so many things - she is a speaker, teacher, coach, and podcaster and has a lot of insight into the future of education and what helps people succeed in school. If you are interested in writing, education, and creativity check out this episode.
Bonus: Today, you will also find a repeat of my interview with Stephen Warley, host of the Life Skills That Matter Podcast (which you should also subscribe to): LISTEN NOW Itunes • Stitcher • Google Play • Overcast Show • Notes
#Writing
The Future of Work Mindset
Last week, I launched the FoW Mindset Assessment for you. This week, I published an article that seems to be getting quite a bit of traction that lays out the case for why we need to shift our mindset.
Some people have said this article is filled with "energy" - and some people have pointed out that the article had the same sentence twice. The second problem is now fixed - the first point hopefully stands. I'll let you judge for yourself.
Want to discuss your results? I'd love to set up a call with a couple of people who are interested so I can learn more - reply to let me know!
#Thoughts
Readings, musings
In his book The Happiness Advantage, Shawn Achor found that 75% of your job success can be predicted by your levels of optimism, social relationships and how you perceive stress. He also studied Harvard undergraduates and found something shocking — that the most successful students were not the ones that worked the hardest, they were the ones that when they were stressed out doubled down on the time they spent with their closest friends.
So next time you are stressed at work, text your friends and say “I want to be more successful, let’s grab a beer.”
#Community
Things I wish I wrote & people doing amazing work
I literally just got off of a video call with Jeff Hittner who founded Your Project X - which runs accelerator/workshop programs in New York (and likely Boston again soon) around finding your purpose, doing work that matters, and making bold career changes. I believe these types of programs will increasingly replace grad school. As demand for skills changes rapidly, it starts to make much more sense to invest in shorter-term intensive workshops and skill-building experiences that also tie in a sense of community and connection.
#Support My Efforts
In the past few months, I have decided to shift my mindset away from "building a business" and "monetizing" my work. I am trying to create as much useful content and materials and give it away for free. I have embraced Patreon as an experiment for people to support me in continuing to do this work. Think about it as Kickstarter for creators. I'd love to hear about people's thoughts on this - so reply and let me know what I should think about offering to supporters.
#ICYMI
Links, articles, and content from past weeks
1. Boundless Podcast: Tom Critchlow on writing, personal branding, blogging and having a diversity of interests
2. Boundless Podcast: Cody Royle on what the business world could learn from sports.
3. "Make Your Own Rules" by Venkatesh Rao
4. Career Transition Playbook: A 50+ page workbook that will help you take action on a massive change in your career and your direction
5. Boundless Podcast: Janet Matta, Career Coach: Taking The Unconventional Paths In Your Career
Feedback? Praise? Complaints? Hit reply, I'd love to hear your thoughts...