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Workflow automation has granted me peace of mind. In times where many face anxiety — be it entrepreneurs, creators, or artists — the sense of calm brought by automation is invaluable. Creative entrepreneurs often struggle with content creation, newsletters, and the demands of multiple social media platforms. It can feel overwhelming.

For a long time, I’ve advocated for workflow automation. It allows me to edit eight WordPress blog posts in merely 20 minutes. Automation lets me repurpose my videos, which cover topics such as artistry, creativity, entrepreneurship, and technology, into various formats: LinkedIn posts, newsletters, Substack entries, blog posts, and more. This repurposing saves an immense amount of time and effort.

Embracing New Skills

Many people hesitate, thinking that learning something new is yet another hurdle. Pause for a moment and consider all the tasks you’re avoiding right now. Learning new skills can seem daunting, but it’s crucial for growth. While some might prefer outsourcing, I believe in understanding the process myself first. This approach gives me leverage and control over my work, allowing me to scale my efforts in ways that I couldn’t do alone.

Competing in the Social Media Landscape

When using social media for marketing, it’s essential to communicate effectively. You need messages that attract people to what you’re offering. Competing for attention is tough. You can’t rely on one scheduled post hoping it goes viral; consistency is key. Instead, ensure that your audience repeatedly sees your message. This exposure drives them to your website, where they might make a purchase. Followers matter, but their ultimate destination is even more important.

Building Your Platform

It’s vital to remember that building a platform on social media is like constructing on rented land. You must create spaces where you can cultivate relationships directly, without the noise of external platforms. Workflow automation can help you achieve this by simplifying tasks and saving time.

For those eager to streamline their processes, I offer a Workflow Automation tool. It’s available via the link in the bio, allowing you to post from Google Sheets directly to LinkedIn seamlessly. Embrace workflow automation for long-term success in your creative business.

Visit MCJ Studio for more insights and tools to enhance your creative business.

Comparison is often dubbed the thief of joy. It’s prevalent across social media platforms, where many compare their successes, failures, and everything in between. The reality is that comparison is an intrinsic part of life—it helps us make choices and discern differences. While many argue that comparison fosters negativity, let’s explore a different perspective: competition and comparison are necessary for growth and development.

The Role of Competition

Coming from an era where to be the best meant competing, I recall childhood races where boys and girls tested their speed. Initially, boys were faster, but some girls, including myself, soon caught up by adapting to new conditions and competitors. This adaptation highlights how individuals develop specific strengths based on their environment. Everyone operates on different planes with unique conditions and capabilities. Thus, they aren’t necessarily better—just more suited to their current environment.

Shifting Planes and Environments

Our world is one of contrasts—high and low, black and white, hot and cold. These dichotomies shape our perceptions of good and bad. However, assumptions about others’ lives are often misguided. We don’t always know their conditions, capabilities, or struggles. Hence, comparing ourselves to others without this insight is futile.

Competition, however, compels us to evaluate our conditions, capabilities, and environments to progress from one plane to another. It’s not about superficial comparisons but understanding the factors that contribute to success.

The Implications of External Conditions

Consider the socioeconomic implications: in a world where middle incomes are dwindling, the differences between having a real Gucci bag or a fake one become trivial. Both individuals are one paycheck away from financial instability. The absence of a middle-class flattens societal planes, creating a crowded space where competition becomes more relevant. This crowding emphasizes the importance of personal growth and competitive spirit to navigate and thrive.

True Nature of Progress

Competition isn’t inherently negative; it motivates self-improvement. It requires a clear understanding of your current position, conditions, and the necessary steps to advance to a more suitable plane. Merely aspiring to a different plane without the requisite mindset, strength, or conditions won’t lead to success.

The Myth of ‘Fake It Till You Make It’

The adage ‘fake it till you make it’ suggests believing in your goals until they manifest. However, this belief should be rooted in genuine actions that align with the desired capabilities and mindset. When the façade becomes insufficient, continued growth depends on real abilities and adaptations. Those who fail to transition from faking to making often fall off, as the fakeness no longer sustains them.

Embrace Competition for Growth

Ultimately, competition and comparison, when understood deeply, are tools for personal and professional growth. They push you to evaluate and improve your conditions and capabilities. This understanding transcends superficial comparisons, encouraging meaningful progress.

Ready to elevate your creative journey? Join MCJ Studio for strategic insights and solutions in art, culture, and the creative industries.

 

The creator’s sentiment is clear: he is exasperated with the continuous barrage of questions in the comments section when viewers seemingly disregard the content of the video. It’s perplexing to see how information is often ignored despite being readily available. If this topic is sensitive for you, I suggest moving along because I won’t be holding back. I agree wholeheartedly with his perspective, and it isn’t because of technology or artificial intelligence.

It’s Not About AI, It’s About Us

The issue of thinking predates AI. Long before this tech era, humans struggled with processing information. The advent of calculators, computers, and other technological aids didn’t create this problem; it merely highlighted an existing one. The core problem lies within us, not the technology. Regrettably, this will likely continue and even worsen.

I’ve already discussed how information is quickly becoming a luxury commodity. Recently, I came across a discussion about the growing trend of everything turning into a subscription service. The same will happen with information. Without stimulating your brain, developing innovative methods or improvements will be challenging, even with simple tasks.

Question the Source, Seek the Knowledge

Some argue that if information is shared, the sharer has a responsibility. While that might be true to some extent, as a recipient, you must research further. Understand how it pertains to you and how you can use it. Your responsibility doesn’t end with just receiving the information.

It’s also dangerous to accept everything as truth without questioning. Technological advancements should have made us smarter, but that’s not always the case. Only those who question and seek deeper knowledge will benefit fully. If someone provides a thought-provoking piece without directions for further information, it’s up to you to dig deeper.

The Perils of Passive Consumption

Many are glued to platforms like TikTok, passively consuming content without engaging critically. This passive approach leads to frustration when answers aren’t directly provided. Information is growing increasingly exclusive, often hidden behind paywalls. If you struggle to engage with free information, you’ll find future challenges insurmountable.

The world is moving at a breakneck speed, and keeping up requires active engagement. Understandably, some creators avoid answering repetitive questions because they feel viewers haven’t engaged with their full content. Make sure you fully consume and understand content before reacting or questioning.

Engage Your Brain and Challenge Assumptions

To stay ahead, constantly challenge the information you consume. Ask yourself if it’s true, why it resonates with you, and whether your reaction is justified. Engage critically with the content, and remember, not every question needs to be asked if you fully understand the content.

Staying intellectually active and questioning assumptions will ensure you are not left behind as the world continues to evolve rapidly. If you’re ready to deepen your understanding and sharpen your strategic thinking, visit MCJ Studio for more insights.

 

This might be an unpopular opinion, but many of you aren’t exhausted because of the excuses you give yourselves. The real reason you’re feeling drained is that you’re suppressing the truth about why you aren’t giving your ideas and vision the structure and organisation they need. It’s simply not a priority for you. You don’t find it important enough to budget for, invest in, or take action on. Instead, you prioritise holidays to de-stress, buying unnecessary items during holidays, or indulging in bed rotting.

This isn’t about shaming those who fall into habits linked to particular mental states. We’re talking about the rest of you, the ones who know better. People prefer to hear the truth. Admit that you don’t want to do the work, that you’re too lazy. You may like the idea of it, but you don’t want to put in the effort. You’re hoping for a miracle—a genie in a bottle—to make things happen without any real effort on your part. Many of you are operating this way, waiting for some miraculous intervention.

For those on the opposite end, overworking isn’t the answer either. Doing a thousand things without achieving results is like running in place. It doesn’t make sense. Your brain is scattered in ten different directions, which isn’t necessarily bad for high-level thinking, but few can effectively structure those different thoughts. That’s why you need tools to create structure and organisation.

Some might argue that creativity and artistry should be free-flowing and unrestricted. I never said your creative power couldn’t be free. Creativity is infinite by nature. However, you are not infinite. You are a mortal being with limited time and energy, and these resources can only be spent once each day. Using your time and energy wisely is critical.

If you continue to scatter your efforts, you’ll exhaust your mind, and your body will follow suit. Without a plan, your body might as well freeze up and do nothing. This approach isn’t conducive to achieving your goals. Therefore, grounding rituals are essential. For instance, I find incense, good smells, perfumes, and essential oils help me stay centred. Even taking a nap when needed can be beneficial.

If you’re tired of feeling stuck and overwhelmed, it’s time to reevaluate your priorities and create a structured plan for your vision. Prioritise your projects and invest time and resources into bringing them to life. Your energy and creativity deserve to be channelled into focused, meaningful efforts.

Ready to convert your ideas into structured action? Visit MCJ Studio to get started.

Imagine being in a conversation a month from now, perhaps with a colleague or a peer, and hearing them discuss an idea you had thought of but never acted upon. You might see a video scroll by on social media, and there it is – your idea, brought to life, but by someone else. They’re executing it with fewer resources than you have available.

The kicker? They’re openly admitting they were scared but pushed forward regardless. And there you are, sheepishly wanting to claim, “I had that idea too.” It’s an awkward position to be in, realising that someone else is successfully doing what you hesitated to start.

Don’t let this happen. Act on your ideas now. Take the plunge, despite any fears or uncertainties. Your initiative and actions are what count, not merely the thoughts that flit through your mind. Get up and get moving. Don’t let someone else capitalise on the brilliance you’ve been sitting on.

Let’s Make It Happen

MCJ Studio is here to support your creative dreams. Take the next step and connect with us today.

 

Procrastination is often viewed negatively, but for creative minds, it can be a valuable asset. When we procrastinate, our minds have the freedom to wander, picking up ideas that wouldn’t emerge in the thick of constant activity. This unstructured mental roaming can lead to unexpected bursts of inspiration.

It is crucial to differentiate, however, between beneficial procrastination and procrastination that stems from distractions. Modern distractions like smartphones and computers can quickly turn a productive delay into an excuse for inactivity. When procrastination becomes excessive, it disrupts your ability to meet goals and manage your time effectively. This sort of procrastination doesn’t foster creativity; it hinders productivity.

Time management and goal setting are essential components for achieving success. They enable you to thrive rather than merely survive. A cluttered mental space, exacerbated by psychological issues like the fear of failure or perfectionism, can severely impact your progress. Conditions such as empathy fatigue and low self-esteem also play a role in your ability to achieve your goals.

It’s important to seek help if you find yourself stuck. While I’m not a therapist, I’ve seen how significant these psychological barriers can be. Professional guidance from someone with the appropriate expertise can help you address deep-seated issues and convert procrastination into a force for positive change.

Self-honesty is vital. If reluctance becomes an excuse, it’s essential to confront it directly. An unwillingness to act for reasons unrelated to psychological issues results in time and resource wastage. Your community and colleagues will notice if you’re not contributing as expected.

Ultimately, identifying the root causes of your procrastination and taking proactive measures can transform how you harness your creative potential.

Take Action Now

Ready to channel your procrastination into creativity? Visit MCJ Studio for tailored strategies to help artists and creatives thrive.

 

Many walk around with misconceptions that hinder their growth, such as imposter syndrome. When these beliefs take root, they become difficult to challenge, affecting your ability to progress. These subconscious barriers can make you wonder why you aren’t achieving your goals, despite your efforts.

To bust these myths, you need to challenge your limiting beliefs. That was the essence of the first video. Moving further into the topic of self-awareness, I emphasised its importance alongside discipline. I know “discipline” is a word that often grates, but it’s crucial to your growth. Think of yourself as a ghostbuster, tackling the pesky doubts and fears that haunt your mind. For those unfamiliar, Ghostbusters was a franchise involving middle-aged men eliminating paranormal entities, and you need to adopt a similar approach to your self-doubt.

Self-Study for Personal Development

How are you utilising your time and space for self-study? This isn’t about relying on circumstantial evidence from your current situation or the perceptions of others. Interactions can show different facets of you, but they don’t paint a complete picture. Self-study involves a comprehensive view of your personality and skills. Your personality is unique and wonderful, but for now, focus on your skills. Assess what qualities you possess or can develop to build confidence and position yourself for success.

The Role of Self-Awareness and Discipline

Self-awareness and discipline are essential. Though these terms are overused, they carry significant truths. Self-awareness isn’t about self-deprecation or comparing yourself to others. Neither is it an excuse to avoid responsibility. Stop marinating in your struggles; they don’t define you. While struggles can lead to interesting stories, they don’t make you more interesting as a person.

Let’s keep self-awareness in focus. It’s not a buzzword that you simply adopt. True self-awareness requires an honest assessment—not a fatalistic one—about your strengths and areas for improvement. This doesn’t involve wallowing in your difficulties and expecting them to enhance your creativity or success.

In your journey towards personal and professional growth, self-awareness and discipline are your allies. They help you cut through the noise of self-doubt and societal expectations, enabling you to focus on what truly matters: your skills and how you can develop them effectively.

Call to Action

Are you ready to become your own ghostbuster? Start with our video series on self-awareness and discipline. Click here to begin your journey with MCJ Studio.

 

This message goes out to all women executive decision-makers of artistic and creative projects, dreams, and businesses. Particularly, when seeking grants or funding, it is crucial to ask for money confidently. Equate your ideas to a budget—this is essentially a financial framework for your abstract-to-concrete concepts. Finances provide a structure for what you aim to do with your ideas.

Having a financial budget indicates that you can account for every penny you request through funding or grants. This ensures that your project not only makes financial sense but also eventually makes logical sense. A fun idea alone isn’t sufficient. For events, projects, exhibitions, acceleration programmes, or any initiatives you might have for your business, startup, or agency, translating ideas into financial terms is vital. Sustainability of these endeavours hinges on money.

Financial management is often perceived as male-dominated—handling large budgets, risks, and cost analyses are seen as male-centric activities. However, incorporating financial acumen into your business is essential. Think in terms of cost, expected return, and timeframes. If you aim to scale from one stage to the next, understand the financial implications. Look for ways to make processes more efficient and effective with a solid budget supporting your mission, values, and creative power.

This message is not for hobbyists. If you’re pursuing this professionally—be it part-time or full-time—you need this perspective. Your grant applications and funding pitches will be scrutinised for market understanding, purpose, and financial turnover. Be prepared to justify every financial request with concrete numbers. Money should not be feared. It’s not the money itself, but the energy it brings that might seem intimidating.

Female proficiency in financial planning and budgeting is crucial for sustainability in creative industries. Understand that building a solid financial framework is part of your professional journey.

In our upcoming series, we will explore the concept of rewards, specifically focusing on emotional labour and its implications in the workplace. High rewards often require specific activities, utilizing both hard and soft skills. While job descriptions may list certain tools or tasks, many roles demand additional emotional and interpersonal skills that are not explicitly mentioned.

Emotional Labour in Complex Organisational Structures

In highly hierarchical environments, emotional labour becomes crucial. These complex structures necessitate humanising the work to improve output, success, and business relationships. Despite being business transactions, interactions still occur between people. However, capitalism has transformed these soft skills into extractable and scalable commodities. Yet, increasing demands for empathy, flexibility, kindness, and cooperation do not necessarily enhance outcomes. Instead, they often lead to employee frustration, stress, and feelings of underappreciation.

The Impact on Marginalised Groups

Marginalised groups face additional emotional labour, often expected to conform to a predominant workplace culture. This added pressure can lead to disenfranchisement and hinder business growth. Performative acts, especially from women who strive to be validated for their emotional labour, often go unrecognised. The system does not remunerate these efforts adequately, instead framing them as part of the job without proper acknowledgment or reward.

The Need for Structural Change

Many women realise that their emotional labour isn’t fairly compensated. While some believe in contributing to a better workplace environment, such communal efforts don’t fit into a capitalist framework and may even be punished. The current system values measurable output over the soft skills crucial for a healthy work environment. Therefore, employees must build frameworks that appropriately remunerate these skills, recognising them as inherent powers rather than areas for development.

Building Awareness and Taking Action

Understanding the dynamics of emotional labour and its value is the first step. Building awareness around these skills and advocating for their recognition within corporate structures is crucial. If you haven’t already, consider courses that help you navigate these complexities and empower you to stand strong in your abilities.

Join us at MCJ Studio to further explore these topics and embrace a more equitable approach to emotional labour in the workplace.

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