Using Instagram as a discovery platform is becoming increasingly common, even in my daily life. I use it to find places while abroad…so I can be cool just like the locals.
The Instagramability factor plays a role in the places people choose to eat, party, and visit. Certain art galleries, museums, and shops have seen increased foot traffic because of the digital hype. Same goes for food…rainbow bagels anyone? I can probably identify a handful of bloggers and photographers in the NYC area who have real influence, the kind that no one’s measuring, “I saw that X went here yesterday, so I’m going next weekend.” The local peer-to-peer, word-of-mouth, kind of influence.
I remember the time when Pinterest kind of changed the game for image search and people started saying that they go to Pinterest before Google search in some cases. We’re heading towards that kind of behavioral change with restaurant and venue discovery.
But also, what’s the point of spending half of a paycheck on a boozy brunch if it’s not Instagramable?
The current push media outlets are making is video. Snapchat changed video. Instagram changed photography. Who will change audio?
Serial changed the game for the podcasting industry. I can see a world where we only listen to shows instead of just watching them. I can also see little snippets of content versus reading or watching in long-form.
A while ago, I sent out an email to a core group of my friends + network asking: what gets you from inspired to execution?
I had been struggling to find motivation to pursue things that were once important to me, mainly writing. It’s one thing to be full of ideas, plans, & lists but another to bring those to life. I was inspired, motivated, and even determined, but something was missing. Since then I’ve learned that it’s a combination of caffeine and my health (more on that later).
I have been using the “five minute” approach to a lot of things lately…work on something for just five minutes. And yes, I’m using that approach with this post.
I got a lot of incredible answers. I’ve listed them all below. The thread sits at the top of my inbox and I glance at it often. I hope these help you as much as they help me.
Shala B’s advice speaks to the inner struggle, which I’ve found to be at the center of why I lack follow-through.
I usually ask myself “what’s the thing that is bothering me deep down (and is thereby preventing me from moving forward)?” Usually it has nothing to do with the writing and some other thing that I have on my mind.
Sometimes the best way to move and progress is by including someone else in that journey. As indicated by Jill O’s tips, including others forces you to be accountable. Action items:
> recruit a true partner so that you feel there’s buy in from another entity > create momentum > find balance. i.e I have had time to spend w friends, loved ones and on myself/wellness/self care, so I don’t feel so frazzled. > TALK about your idea > seek CONSTRUCTIVE feedback > build on feedback
My friend Melody W tackles this from a time management aspect. I’m not bad at managing my time, but I do tend to procrastinate.
For me, the path from inspiration to execution is paved by properly managing my energy. I’ve had to work hard at building a habit of putting the important things first – that is, if I have a big project I want to work on, making it the first task I work on when I sit down in the morning, and avoiding getting mired in the urgent (but not important, like making phone calls or writing emails). In order to capitalize on my inspiration and actually get things done, I personally have to front load my day.
Spencer I talks about the execution paralysis that comes with knowing all that you “have” to accomplish.
Execution paralysis is often brought on as you try to select the first step of so many possible first steps and an overwhelming sense of what must be done after you get stared.
Start with what you can control and break big ambitions into one doable problem.
Matt H says his motivation comes from other people’s work. This can be difficult sometimes. I’ve talked about my struggles with jealousy.
When I see something that has been crafted. It’s going to sound crazy but when I see beautifully made movies, I get inspired, or when I tour amazing companies, I get inspired. When new technology comes out, I’m inspired.
I’ve read a lot about separating work and home, especially in the freelancing space. So Claire D’s comment is on point and I think it can be applied to even when one is pursuing a side project or a hobby. I’ve learned that the environment (both physical and psychological) is hugely important to my success.
Here’s a tip from a friend, a work-from-home freelancer who managed to build a huge, million dollar consulting practice: always leave the house first thing in the morning and have breakfast – even if it’s just a grapefruit and tea. Having that break from personal life to professional life lets you know that business time begins once you return from your meal.
And if everything fails, here’s the most honest & obvious motivator from one of my favorite ladies, Sam A…
Lastly, I’m so thankful for my squad. Thank you for taking the time to respond and for making my life better.
One of the things I love about the startup world is that no task, job, or role will ever be “above me.” I get exposed to every aspect of the business at some time or another. It’s truly an amazing feeling when you step back out of your daily happenings and just think, process, everything you’ve seen and done within the startup. It’s incredible.
One such experience is customer service. Everyone (particularly, founders and executives), should handle customer service, even if it’s for an hour. It’ll put everything in perspective.
But most importantly, it’ll make you think twice as to how you behave as a customer. I’ve taken to social media and customer service email accounts to express bad experiences and frustrations, we all do it. That’s usually the only reason we contact them in the first place, right?
After handling customer relations for an emerging brand, I find myself questioning humanity. It blows my mind that people often forget that as automated services are these days, there’s usually still a human being who reads your snarky, obnoxious, and horrifically inappropriate comments. It’s okay to be upset and disappointed. It’s just not necessary to be rude.
Absolutely, reach out to brands and services for both the good and bad, but just remember, that a bit of humanity goes a long, long way.
The internet is spectacular. Hundreds of platforms have emerged over the years for folks to voice their opinions, thoughts, criticisms, concerns, questions…among other things. These platforms have launched a whole industry of careers around blogging and publishing. They allow for writers to publish without having to jump through the traditional hoops and have provided the foundation for non-writers (and even not skilled/trained writers) to write & be read.
The next “blogging” is photography. Pictures are worth a thousand words but in today’s case, a thousand dollars. With apps like Instagram + VSCO, anyone and everyone can become a photographer. And that too without much cost. Smartphones are cameras. Photo bloggers are already a thing. Pictures are also easier to consume than words.
Just as everyone is a blogger these days, everyone will soon be a photographer. ODing on pictures.
I’m very inconsistent with my weekly Chick Picks but I’m making an actual effort to sit down every week and do these, not necessarily for you, but more so for personal reflection time. I’m writing this at a Starbucks with a very shitty wifi connection.
This week’s picks (not too techy):
Coffee Shops: I’m a sucker for an aesthetically pleasing coffee shop — most espresso based drinks taste the same, so the decor, vibe, & presentation become a deciding factor in whether or not I like the place. I’ll eventually curate a list of my favorite spots.
[Pause: there are two guys awkwardly staring at me & I have no idea why]
VSCOcam: I’m obviously a very seasoned photographer if I’ve just discovered the awesomeness that is VSCOcam. It instantly beautifies your snaps. Screw Instagram filters. Also, I’ve been Instagramming more these days. But I’m still very Kanye about it.
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns): I finally read a book after a really really really long time. I got through it in about a day. It’s an easy ready and needless to say Mindy & I are practically the same person (though I’d argue, I’m funnier).
Sam “Fucking” Smith: I cannot get enough. So much talent + skill.
Eaze: Eaze is the Uber for medical marijuana ordering + delivery. How awesome + cool. I haven’t studied it enough to know all the intricacies of the business yet.
Lastly, s/o to Swarm. I don’t like it. Bring back Foursquare.
A few days ago I wrote about my struggle with Entrepreneurial Jealousy and I’ve been thinking about it more and more since then. Here’s what I have so far. Honestly, it seems like a stretch but I’m determined to stop letting stupid factors hold me back.
Accept that jealousy is natural. I can’t necessarily control how I feel but I can control how, when, & if I act upon those feelings
Attempt to determine what exactly about another entrepreneur’s story or success triggers the jealousy; sit there & mull
Let triggers be used as sources of inspiration to hustle: figure out how to make these triggers relevant to me and the work I’m doing
This is something I’ve been wanting to write about for quite some time but felt I didn’t have enough insightful things to say about the topic other than my own personal emotions. I still don’t.
If you ask my family, I’m the least emotional person they’ve ever known, sometimes maybe even cold-hearted (though I’d prefer the term, tough-love). If you ask my friends, I’m usually dramatic – dramatic good and at times dramatic, basic bitch style.
I’ve been in the startup world for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s not fear or risk or failure that drives me & my emotions crazy, it’s jealousy. There’s no doubt this world and lifestyle is fast-paced or ever-evolving and I love that. It means boring days are far and a few in between. I meet smart people. I meet kind people. I meet accomplished entrepreneurs and successful professionals.
But I constantly find myself feeling envious and jealous. It’s a combination of happiness around the success and “why haven’t I experienced this yet, GAW, I ‘hate’ you?” I don’t get angry but rather discouraged or maybe frustrated. I’m amidst figuring out how to channel that into motivation or a drive to work better.
WatchESPN + XFinity Go Apps: best apps on my mobile devices. Hands down, the best. Not only can I watch live television on the go (literally, I’m able to watch FIFA as I’m driving – I wouldn’t encourage it), but I can download shows to watch later, say on the plane. The best thing Comcast has done. Thank you.
Starbucks App: I’ve been using this nugget quite a bit lately. Starbucks redesigned its app. I see the differences. It’s a lot sleeker, less glitchier, & more efficient. Aside from the app, the actual Starbucks’ have been loud lately. The music is usually a lot louder than one would expect forcing everyone to shout; meaning I can’t take a phone call without yelling “what was that?” every three seconds. A bit annoying.
Long / Short List Pad: I have a thing for stationary, it’s essentially why I avoid office supply stores and stationary shops, because I usually “need” everything. I like it so far, but it’s hard to separate items. I just visited the website and have a few ideas as to what I’ll be purchasing next.
SlideShare: I’ve actually been avoiding SlideShare because “one more social network to add to the list.” BUT. It’s a wealth of FREE information, lots of it research backed info. I can’t ignore it anymore. It’s too valuable.
