Category Archives: op-ed

Wednesday Wisdom: How to Avoid Burnout When You’re Hustling 24/7

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Burnout is a monster all its own. It can chew you up and spit you out. When not addressed, it can haunt you like a ghost.

When you’re an entrepreneur — and especially if you’re an entrepreneur in a creative field — burnout is very real. More than likely, your passion became your business, and your business became your passion. And all of that has gotten tangled up with your need to survive, leading you to get caught in a 24/7 hustle that you can’t escape from.

Once burnout sets in, it can be very hard–but not impossible–to recover. However, the trick to dealing with burnout is actually preventing it in the first place. Here are my best tips.

Set boundaries

    Personally, one of the most important rules I’ve learned when it comes to both business and living a healthy and satisfying life is setting boundaries.

    Boundaries are crucial when it comes to maintaining a good work-life balance, and if you’re not used to setting them, doing so can feel scary. You might feel like you’re going to upset or disappoint the people around you, and in business specifically, setting boundaries can make you feel like you’re threatening important relationships, or like you’re putting yourself in danger of losing work.

    Every day, you are teaching others how to treat you, and when you’re constantly allowing your boundaries to be broken, you’re teaching them that you’re okay with it. Not only that, but by putting others’ needs before your own and prioritizing their demands, you’re damaging your self-esteem, you’re sending yourself the message that your time and effort are not worth as much as that of others, and you can get caught in an endless cycle. And the more you allow your boundaries to be violated, the more it can shake your self-worth, stir up frustration and anger that you might not even realize you’re feeling, make you feel powerless, and yep, lead to burnout.

    When you finally make the effort to set boundaries, you might feel some anxiety to begin with–because saying no can be incredibly intimidating when you’re not used to it–but you’ll find that the more you do it, the easier it will be. 

    Take breaks

      This may seem like an obvious solution, but when you’re going going going, working with clients, working on trying to drum up business, working to survive, taking breaks can feel like a luxury. Heck, making time for life in general can feel impossible.

      If you’re stuck in the hustle 24/7, your brain isn’t getting the rest it needs to function properly, nor are you leaving yourself any space for new ideas and solutions to come through. 

      Your mind needs time to focus on other things, so make it a non-negotiable to do something you love every day, even if it’s just for five minutes.

      Whether it’s cooking or crafting, reading or watching movies, whatever it is that fills you with joy and makes you feel alive, do it. Regularly. Consistently. Just do it.

      Exercise

        A major key to preventing burnout is stress management, and one of the best ways to manage stress is through exercise.

        Stress needs a way to leave the body. Otherwise, it can fester and build up inside you, leaving you feeling exhausted, drained, and just plain unwell.

        There are endless benefits to exercise. It helps lower stress hormones, it helps you sleep better, it can help you feel happier, it can help you focus. At the very least, it can help you get your mind on something else, for gosh sakes. And when it’s combined with fresh air and sunshine? There’s nothing like it.

        So take a walk, do some yoga, hit the gym. Move your body in whatever way feels good for you. Get the stress out.

        Find support from your community

          Human connection holds a lot of power. Maybe even more power than we realize. It even has the power to heal.

          If you’re a business owner, your default might be to do everything yourself, and you might have trouble giving up control, even when it comes to the smallest tasks. And if you’re a solopreneur, you really do wear all the hats, which, let’s be honest, can not only be draining as heck but can put you on the fast track to burnout.

          If there’s one thing I’ve learned from starting and running a business it’s the power of community and the importance of building a good one for yourself. Whether you find it in friends, family, fellow business owners and creatives, or all of the above, your community plays a crucial role in your overall success and mental health.

          Being able to rely on people you trust will help you feel supported, and when you’re caught up in what seems like a never-ending to-do list, they’re the ones who will pull you back into the present moment and remind you that there is more to life than the hustle.

          Burnout is a beast, but it’s a beast you can avoid by making a few small changes to how you approach your work and life. You don’t have to do it all overnight, but putting in a little effort one day at a time will make you stronger in the long run and prevent you from reaching a point that will be difficult to bounce back from.

          Wednesday Wisdom: What to Do When Life Throws You a Curveball

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          In baseball, a curveball is a pitch with more movement than pretty much any other pitch. There’s a lot of spin on it, and it will drop suddenly as it approaches the plate.

          It’s an off-speed pitch, so when it’s delivered, the batter can be thrown off balance. Their timing might be disrupted, and they might swing too early and miss.

          So, it’s no surprise that when we’re thrown a metaphorical curveball in life, it often has a similar effect on us.

          Those metaphorical curveballs can really put a hitch in our stride. They might represent obstacles that get in the way of achieving our goals and leave us feeling discouraged, or they might represent a disappointment that leaves us devastated and wondering how we’ll move forward.

          Of course, there’s always a chance we’ll hit that curveball and knock it out of the park, but when we swing and miss, that’s when we need to take a moment to get ourselves back on track. Here are my best tips.

          Let yourself feel all the feelings.

            At the end of the day, a curveball is a surprise, and when it’s not a good one, it’s important for us to recognize and experience our feelings in order to fully process what happened.

            We can get into trouble when we deny ourselves the time and space to do this. We can get trapped in our emotions without even realizing it, and as a result, they can get bigger and start affecting other parts of our lives.

            It’s important that we don’t shame ourselves for feeling a certain way, or be critical of ourselves when we “let” something bother us. The fact is, we’re human, and we react to the world around us in different ways. Having feelings and emotions is part of the human experience. 

            When a curveball comes our way, welcoming and validating what we’re feeling–instead of ignoring it and pushing it down–can help us release and move forward.

            So let yourself experience all the emotions and all the feelings. If this curveball made you sad, cry it out. If it was something truly absurd, laugh (because sometimes the only thing you can do is laugh, am I right?)

            Allow the change to happen.

              Of course, a curveball can come in a variety of forms, but sometimes it represents a significant and unexpected change in our lives. And we might find ourselves wishing that whatever change that curveball brought with it didn’t happen. 

              It’s when we resist that change, however, that we can get frustrated and stuck. To keep the baseball metaphor going here, we might wish that the curveball wasn’t thrown.

              Although it might seem counterintuitive, there truly is so much power to be found in allowing change to happen. As much as we may hate it at times, and as badly as we might want to control everything around us, the reality is that change is inevitable. And it’s not always a bad thing.

              So let the change happen. Go with the flow. Find peace in knowing who you are and that this curveball was just one bad pitch in the game of life.

              Swing again.

                When a curveball comes our way, it doesn’t mean that it’s our last strike. 

                You get three strikes until you’re out in baseball, which means you have more swings to turn that at-bat around.

                That being said, whatever the challenge you’re facing–whether you were rejected from your dream job or it’s raining on your wedding day–there’s likely a way to resolve it by swinging again.

                If you were rejected from your dream job at your dream company, keep an eye out on other job openings there and look for ways to connect with other people who work there. If it’s raining on your wedding day, put up a tent, or move it inside.

                Sure, the solution might not look like what you thought or hoped it would, but that next pitch that comes your way might be a fastball. And guess what fastballs are great for? Hitting home runs.

                When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

                  Yeah, yeah. We’ve all heard this one before. But it’s actually decent advice, as corny

                  and played out as it might seem.

                  And when I hear that saying, I also hear this: Sometimes we just need a little perspective.

                  Making sweet lemonade is looking at sour lemons from a different angle, isn’t it? So, if we think about that curveball from a different angle, we can consider how we can make the best of it. In baseball, a curveball is a deceptive pitch. Maybe that curveball is really a blessing in disguise. Maybe the path we started walking down really wasn’t the best path for us, and that curveball is helping redirect us toward something better. Maybe that curveball was what we needed to help us start building the life we’ve always dreamed of.

                  As difficult as it can be to reframe our thoughts when we’re disappointed, the best part is that when we’re able to see a situation from a different perspective, and learn how to see the light in the darkness, it can change the whole game. 

                  Without sugarcoating it, getting thrown a curveball can really suck. It can be easy to feel sorry for ourselves, get angry, and become, well, miserable, but with just a few tweaks to our mindset, we can understand that it was just a little bump in the road and be ready and waiting for the next pitch that comes our way.

                  #RoadtoSXSW: My ‘WrestleMania Moment’

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                  Before the #RoadtoSXSW became but a glimmer in my eye — in fact, before Underground Music Collective or The Quinn Spinn even existed — I was a kid who cycled through dreams. I was looking for purpose and meaning, and ways to impact a large number of people. I always envisioned myself as a leader, even if I had no idea what leadership actually meant.

                  Throughout my youth and adolescence, I wanted to live a thousand lives. At different points, I aspired to be an all-star right fielder, a star quarterback and team captain, a lead actor, and a famous singer with the dance moves and calm, confident swagger of Jordan Knight. (OK… I still haven’t given up the ghost on that one, my 38-year-old ex-football player knees be damned.)

                  Right around age 12, I added “professional wrestler” to the list.

                  The year was 1999. WWE’s (then-WWF) Attitude Era was in full swing, and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin was at the top of the mountain. One day, the kids in my class were talking excitedly about the latest episode of Monday Night Raw, and I decided to check it out for myself.

                  I was instantly hooked. Finally, there was an outlet for my pre-teen suburban angst, courtesy of these larger-than-life characters and their over-the-top antics. For the next several years, I’d tune into every piece of WWE programming I could get my hands on. Raw, Smackdown, and even Sunday Night Heat were appointment viewing. Wrestling theme music became a regular part of my library (and still is to this day). Sometimes, I would convince my mom to let me order the Pay Per View events (and a couple times, I just did it myself and asked forgiveness later. Sorry, Mom!).

                  Eventually, I dove into the art form myself — first by participating in online-only “e-feds,” an internet-based role-playing game where we would write message board “promos” against our opponent, with victory awarded to the writer who created the most compelling argument before each match. Then, my brother and I started our own backyard wrestling federation — the infamous Long Valley Backyard Wrestling (LVBW). Blatantly ignoring WWE’s “Don’t Try This at Home” warnings, we laced up and competed in a crudely made ring with no mat in our parents’ backyard. Eventually, we met other aspiring wrestlers from around the Northeast, and traveled regionally to compete in various strangers’ backyards (who, admittedly, had built much safer rings) throughout high school.

                  By senior year, my interest in pursuing this career path had given way to a renewed focus on football. Nonetheless, my passion for and enjoyment of this unique, sometimes-bizarre form of entertainment has never waned. I’ve followed the action through the years and, as social media has broken down the walls of “kayfabe,” have come to root for my favorite wrestlers on- and off-screen.

                  The biggest date on the pro wrestling calendar is WrestleMania. If you’re a professional wrestler — or serve any function in the industry — it’s where you fight your entire career to be. It’s the reason why you put all those hours in; you’ll drive hours to wrestle in bingo halls and high school gyms for little-to-no pay, because every rep is building toward something greater. It’s building toward the moment where the eyes of the industry begin to look your way. It’s building toward the moment when you sign your first contract and have your first match with a major promotion. It’s building toward the possibility that, one day, you might get to have your own “WrestleMania Moment” — a featured spot on the Grandest Stage of Them All, where you reach the pinnacle by creating a memory that will live on through history.

                  Not everyone gets their “WrestleMania Moment.” In fact, most professional wrestlers don’t. That’s what makes it so special; it means that you’ve put in your 10,000 hours, have sacrificed greatly, and continue to persevere through the challenges that greet us all on our way to our visions turning into reality.

                  When you have that moment — one that can take years or even decades to reach — it is something to be cherished. If one thing along the journey had gone differently, you may have never gotten here. Now that you’re here, you may never get here again. All you have is now. Make the most of it.

                  I’ve been thinking a lot about major milestones, as the #RoadtoSXSW takes its turn into the home stretch. And, while I may not be competing for the WWE Championship in Las Vegas this April, I can appreciate what it means to travel a long, challenging road, to eventually stand before the biggest opportunity of my life.

                  I’m heading to Austin for my first SXSW this Friday. As a music industry thought leader, this is my first ‘WrestleMania Moment.’ This is my Super Bowl, World Series, and Stanley Cup Finals. It’s taken a long time and plenty of lessons — at least 60+, if you’re curious — to get here. There have been countless late nights and early mornings. There have been loads of triumphs, and my fair share of disasters. There have been glimmers of hope scattered through the past 11 1/2 years, and perhaps just as many moments of doubt and stress.

                  This is where I’ve fought my entire career to be — since the moment of singularity when this was all just a USB mic, a laptop, and an idea in my childhood bedroom, one August night in 2013.

                  Through it all, there has been faith. I’ve always held the belief that, if I just stay on the road a little bit longer, I’ll graduate from the “bingo halls” and “high school gyms” of my chosen industry, and have the opportunity to build this platform into one that transforms the music industry and the creative ecosystem at-large. That faith has been rewarded so many times along this journey — especially over the past couple of years — as our platform has been blessed with incredible opportunities in media and at conferences, festivals, notable venues, and more.

                  We’ve already made it to the big leagues. Figuratively speaking, we’ve been on Raw, Smackdown, and plenty of Pay Per Views — but this is the biggest one yet.

                  This is WrestleMania as I know it.

                  The lights are on. My music is playing. All that’s left is to walk down that 800-mile ramp to Austin, get in the ring, and create moments that live on, long after the bell rings.

                  Wednesday Wisdom: How to Break Out of Your Comfort Zone

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                  Ah, the comfort zone.

                  It’s a cozy place, isn’t it?

                  But as warm and safe as it might feel, our fear of breaking out of it is often what holds us back, when it comes to moving forward in life. And it’s usually when we finally break those chains that we grow and change in the best ways, and even achieve our greatest accomplishments.

                  If the time has come for you to break out of your comfort zone, here are some of my best tips for making it happen.

                  1. Start with small steps

                  If you’re thinking about testing the boundaries of your comfort zone, you probably have an idea of what you want to chase after outside of it. So if you’re feeling a little intimidated, start small!

                  Think about what it was like when you were learning to read. You didn’t go from not knowing how to read to all of a sudden being able to read “War and Peace,” did you? Of course not! And did anyone expect you to do so? NO! You learned the alphabet, you learned vowels and consonants, you learned what sounds the letters made when combined in different ways. Then you might have started reading picture books, then short chapter books, and then novels.

                  Fast forward to today, and instead of learning how to read, maybe your goal is to attend a networking conference, but the mere thought of it scares the living daylights out of you. What is one way that you can dip a toe in the water?

                  The internet has been a blessing for those who might find it easier to connect with people online than to jump right into in-person networking. So maybe you start with meeting a new person or two in a Facebook group related to your business. Or maybe you summon the courage to actually attend that conference, but instead of overwhelming yourself with the thought of connecting with everyone in the room, you focus on saying hi to one new person.

                  Breaking out of your comfort zone can be a process. Although small steps might feel insignificant now, they add up and will lead you to where you want to go. 

                  1. But sometimes taking a giant leap is necessary

                  Sometimes you need to stop thinking and start doing. Really.

                  So it can be better–and easier even–to bust out of your comfort zone like a wild horse and go after the thing already. 

                  Just like ripping off a Band-Aid, there are times when it’s necessary to take a big step outside the lines of your comfort zone in order to grow in the way you need to. Yes, it can be scary as hell to go all in like that, but the rewards far outweigh the risk.

                  How do you take that leap though? 

                  First, you have to commit to doing the thing, and you can’t put pressure on yourself. If you put too much pressure on yourself, you’ll likely begin to get overwhelmed and talk yourself right out of it. 

                  It’s going to feel hella uncomfortable to take a huge step out of your comfort zone, but you have to get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable. Remember, discomfort isn’t always a bad thing. Discomfort often happens when we challenge ourselves. And that’s a really good thing.

                  Most importantly, though, don’t forget to believe in yourself. Believing in your unique power will give you the push you need, and it will get you further than you ever thought possible.

                  1. You might be hesitant to try something new. Try anyway.

                  When it comes to trying something new, some people are able to dive right in with no fear, but so many others are hesitant or nervous. 

                  But guess what? It’s totally natural to feel that way.

                  Whether it’s trying a new food, starting a new job, or speaking in front of an audience for the first time, stepping out of our comfort zone can be scary and intimidating. So much so that it can cause us to shrink back and stay where we are.

                  But trying is a key factor when it comes to breaking out of our comfort zone because trying is actually us making the effort to escape it. And that’s a pretty big deal. 

                  1. Let go of the fear of failure

                  I know, I know! This is much easier said than done. But the fear of failure is more often than not one of our biggest obstacles when it comes to personal growth.

                  Yes, everyone gets scared of failing, and perhaps some of us experience this more often than others. However, when you think about it, “failing” is actually learning. And when you’re able to flip the switch and you’re able to look at that anxiety of failing as excitement about possibility instead, big things can happen. Like major, huge, life-changing things.

                  We talked about trying something new earlier, right? 

                  Trying is never failing.

                  Say you went to that networking conference we talked about earlier, but you didn’t talk to anyone. That’s ok! Although you might feel like you failed, you didn’t. You took the first step, which was actually attending the thing with the goal of meeting someone new. You can always try again at the next event, but now you have a better idea of what to expect and it might be easier for you to strike up a convo with someone new. 

                  What matters in the end is that you have the courage to try, and although it might not always work out the way you hope it will, you’ll likely learn something that you wouldn’t otherwise, and that in itself is a success, not a failure.

                  If we spent our lives stuck within the confines of our comfort zones, we’d never grow. We’d never achieve all the wonderful things we’re meant to achieve. We’d never experience all that life has to offer. So don’t let those chains prevent you from going after what you want. Dream. Explore. Thrive.

                  Road to SXSW: Find the Beauty

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                  As we head into February — and realize that once the calendar turns, SXSW is officially next month — I’m reflecting on January with appreciation.

                  This month, I had the opportunity to present and get feedback on the workshop that I’ll be bringing to Austin this March. In addition, our first-ever BRANDCAMP from UMC Academy kicked into full gear. The opportunity to work one-on-one with brilliant, driven creatives from coast to coast is a privilege. I’ve written about that inspiration recently.

                  As I continue to serve in this capacity, I realize that I’m doing what I was always meant to do. I’m using my experiences and perspectives to create — and the things I’m creating are helping people uncover ideas, organize their thoughts, and create from a place that is truly, authentically them.

                  Moreover, the journey is all of us turn the challenges we’ve faced navigating this industry and life itself into opportunities. There is great power in our stories, and this type of work helps us to dig deeper and unleash that power — even (and especially) when it’s uncomfortable.

                  I say this is what I’m meant to do, because for the longest time, I believed that my story didn’t matter. I grew up in rural New Jersey in the 90s and early 2000s, where boys sharing their feelings was frowned upon. Get too emotional — or even too expressive — and people were going to look at you funny, at best. “Toughen up,” “be a man,” and similar phrases were a regular part of the vernacular. As I got into later adolescence and adulthood, I stopped sharing much about myself at all.

                  There was a lot left unexpressed and, as I detail in the book (out Feb. 25), it led me to a point where I gradually became desperate for an outlet. Then, one August night in 2013, I found one — and I’ve never looked back. (If you want to know the details behind that anecdote, I have a pre-order link for you.)

                  In the process, I’ve slowly become more comfortable opening up. As I’ve gotten further into this journey, I’ve allowed myself to share what I’ve experienced, with the hope that it can provide someone with the boost of courage needed to step into theirs.

                  Have I met resistance? Absolutely. Relatives and peanut gallery members alike have, at times, accused me of being “too open.” I’ve been told that I wouldn’t be taken seriously as an entrepreneur if I shared the challenges (and how they illuminate the successes). I’ve spoken on the grit and adversity that meets us along this path — no, it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows! — and have been told that I sound like I’ve been “kicked.”

                  (Even as I type this, a small part of my brain wonders if there’s anyone out there who’s tired of hearing me talk. I’m sure they’re out there. If any of you are reading this, I love you anyway. 😉 )

                  The difference between now and my younger days? I haven’t let this criticism turn me back from sharing my truth and uncovering how I got there — warts and all. In fact, surviving every one of these instances has taught me to lean in and embrace the criticism. It’s a compass that points me toward a Truer North, every time.

                  So many of us let fear hold us back from who we truly are. Fears of judgment, rejection, and even success — based on prior traumas, or external narratives that we’ve internalized — stand in the way of so many people who are capable of doing incredible things.

                  By its nature, modern society places so much importance on these external judgments — which often come from people grappling with and projecting their own insecurities.

                  Those judgments don’t actually matter. Those people, in their current state, aren’t for you.

                  What matters is living this life and sharing all of its parts through everything you choose to create, so that the people who derive hope and connection from stories like yours have a chance to ignite their own personal Renaissance.

                  I consider this realization to be one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received. It’s an even greater gift to have a platform like SXSW to share it with other creatives from around the world, and to help them find and ignite the flame of purpose that flickers within.

                  This is my life’s work. I’m the kid who, for so long, was told his story didn’t matter so many times that he became afraid to share it. Now, I realize the blessing it is to not only have the ability to share it, but use it to help others find and communicate the beauty in theirs.

                  Lean into that beauty. That messy, imperfect, real, unfiltered beauty.

                  People are counting on you, beginning with yourself.

                  What to Do When Your Passions Change

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                  When a new year starts, many of us often find ourselves reassessing our lives, goals, dreams, and passions, but when we go through this process, we might realize that we are feeling stagnant and that something needs to change.

                  If you’ve been feeling stuck in a rut lately, and that the same passions that once fulfilled you are no longer serving you, you’re not alone.

                  Oftentimes, our passions come to be such a big part of our lives that, when we realize that they are no longer serving us, it can feel intimidating — and may leave us questioning who we are.

                  But here’s a secret: We’re allowed to change.

                  In fact, the only constant in life is change, and if we don’t change, we don’t grow. The world changes. The human species is constantly changing, and we as individuals are always changing throughout our lives. We grow and adapt, we meet new people, we learn new things.

                  So it’s OK if what once brought you joy no longer does because you’re not the same person you were last year or last month. Heck, you’re not even the same person you were yesterday.

                  If the person you are today wants to change direction and pursue a new passion, go for it! Find the next thing that satisfies your spirit so much that you could just burst.

                  Here are some of my best tips for making it happen:

                  1) Give yourself permission to follow a new path.

                    Giving yourself permission to try something new can be incredibly difficult. It can even feel scary. And when you’re used to following the rules and doing what you have to do–and what is expected of you–it can be easy to forget that you have a choice.

                    Yeah. There’s a little something called free will, which means you always have a choice, especially when it comes to your passions and the hobbies you pursue, but when you’re not used to owning this–that you have a choice–it makes it that much harder to allow yourself to act on it.

                    If you’re a perfectionist, following a new path can provoke a fear of choosing the wrong one. You might get caught in that dreaded black and white thinking and feel like you’re being forced to choose between life and death.

                    Just remember that no one can force you to pursue a hobby or passion that no longer serves you. In fact, you have all the freedom in the world to explore new interests. You only have to let yourself do it.

                    2) Talk to people.

                      Throughout the course of our lives, we cross paths with countless people who affect us in all different ways. Some may hurt us, but others may deeply inspire us, and it is when we meet those people that we might discover new parts of ourselves.

                      If you’re feeling a bit lost, and like the passions that have brought you so much joy for so long no longer do, get out there and talk to people. Talk to your friends. Talk to your family. (You might feel like you know everything there is to know about your closest friends and family members, but you probably don’t). Talk to your cashier at the grocery store. Talk to your local librarian. Talk to the barista at Starbucks.

                      When you talk to other people, a few things can happen. First, you can start understanding their perspectives and what life looks like through their eyes, which is valuable in itself. But when you talk to people, it also exposes you to new things that you never would have known about otherwise. You can learn about their hobbies and passions and what brings them joy. Your local librarian might be a rock climber or a beekeeper who makes her own honey. Maybe your mom used to write songs when she was young but you never knew that about her, and maybe you’ll realize that same love for music runs through your veins too, but you never gave it room to surface before.

                      So talk to people. It might change your life.

                      3) Get out of your comfort zone.

                        That darn comfort zone. We all know the definition of our own comfort zones and where the boundaries are that keep us feeling safe. And I’m sure we can pinpoint the times when staying in our comfort zone held us back, as much as it sucks to admit.

                        Sometimes, though, we really need to break out of it, as uncomfortable, and–let’s face it– unnerving, as it might seem. It’s often how we see the most significant growth in ourselves.

                        Exploring past the boundaries of our comfort zone allows us to challenge ourselves, which, although daunting, has so many benefits for our overall happiness. If we never challenged ourselves, we wouldn’t grow and we wouldn’t discover new passions.

                        Break free from the chains that are holding you back! You never know what’s waiting for you on the other side. 

                        4) Follow that spark.

                          While you might be finding that the passion you’ve had for years isn’t doing it for you anymore, you might also know exactly what you want to try next. Maybe just thinking about pursuing that new path is already lighting you up inside.

                          You never want to deny yourself of something that has the potential to make your soul smile, and feeling that spark within you? That means you’re excited about it. And that’s a very good sign.

                          So don’t deny that call. Be sure to answer it!

                          Life is too short to feel stuck and uninspired. But when we make the choice to take action and pursue new passions that satisfy our spirits, leaving behind those that no longer serve us, we are honoring ourselves, and that is one of the best ways to live.

                          Road to SXSW: Here & Now

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                          It’s impossible to truly predict what lies up ahead, once you decide to take action.

                          In my forthcoming book, 60+ Lessons from the Creative Journey: A Handy Guide for the Budding Entrepreneur, I start by going all the way back to the beginning. Without giving too much away, I was searching for direction post-college and post-football. My life seemed great on paper — well-paying job, steady relationship, holding my water in an endless footrace with the Joneses — but there was something unsatisfying.

                          I didn’t have a true purpose.

                          I then tell the story about how, one August night in 2013, I was hit with a spark of inspiration that led to the creation of The Quinn Spinn (now the official podcast of Underground Music Collective, in its 12th year!). I knew absolutely nothing about what it took to start a podcast, let alone keep up with the project. I had no way of knowing the roads I would travel from this point of singularity — the people I’d meet, the places I’d go, or the lessons I’d learn.

                          I was just a post-grad trying to find meaning. For the first time since I hung up my cleats for good in the year prior, I had found it.

                          In these formative moments, it’s easy to be filled with starry eyed wonder, as you dream of the possibilities up ahead. Back then, my co-hosts and I thought we’d keep putting out episodes and, after about six months or so, some radio conglomerate would discover our immense talent and whisk us away to national syndication. Our lives would forever change.

                          Certainly, the journey has changed my life for the better. It’s nothing like I thought it would look — and, as it turns out, that’s a beautiful thing.

                          After all, it led me here. It led me back home to Bethlehem, PA in the mid-2010s, where this very blog was launched under a different name. Then, it led me on a Starseed journey to Nashville at the end of 2018. Since then, I’ve had so many chances to better understand and connect to the greater creative landscape — in Music City, and everywhere else — and uncover the impact I’m called to have.

                          More than anything, I feel called to use my experiences to help others. I feel called to teach practical lessons — about business, creativity, and life. I feel called to lead people to discover the best within themselves, so they can build and create from a place that is undeniably theirs.

                          And so, on my birthday (March 10) in 2023, I launched the UMC Academy. I’ve been providing one-on-one coaching to independent artists and creatives ever since. We’ve had a chance to learn and grow together, and I’ve found myself inspired any time the spark of a fresh idea comes into the fold during a session. I love helping creative people organize their thoughts — back in those early days, I sure could have used help organizing mine.

                          Then, in 2024, I decided to take this show on the road. I had the opportunity to speak at several conferences, festivals, and in educational settings. I forged new connections, and even got to continue working with some of the people I’ve met in the process (shoutout to our first-ever class of BRANDCAMPers!).

                          All the while, I had my eyes on a particular prize. I had my sights set on SXSW.

                          Last summer, while in a fever pitch of applying to speak at conferences, I saw an opportunity to apply to SXSW as part of their PanelPicker process. I was intrigued, clicked the link, and filled out the application on the spot. I knew competition would be steep — this is one of the most influential tech, music, and film events on Planet Earth, after all. At any rate, if I didn’t try, I would never know.

                          I received solid support throughout the public voting portion of the PanelPicker process. Friends, family, and colleagues went above and beyond spreading the news. It felt good to know that I have so many people on my side.

                          Would it be enough? All I could do was wait to find out.

                          And so, that’s what I did. Throughout the rest of the summer and into fall, I continued speaking, creating, and building the UMC ecosystem, brick by brick, as I’ve always done. I wasn’t sure when (or if) I would hear back, but I wanted to be ready for any outcome.

                          Then, one October day, I got the outcome I wanted.

                          I was officially accepted to be a workshop leader at SXSW 2025!

                          I jumped up, did a full-blown victory lap, fists raised, around the studio, and told anybody within earshot that I had made the cut. I made a couple of important phone calls to deliver the news personally, and I spent the rest of the day in appreciation of the journey so far — and the road ahead.

                          This is a coveted opportunity for thought leaders all over the world, and it was mine!

                          This is an opportunity we dream of having on “the great someday” — the point in the future that we can only imagine. We’re not quite sure how we’ll get there, or if it’s even possible for “someone like me.” We continue creating anyway, pushing through all of the challenges and resistance we encounter — internal or external — just to keep ourselves in the game.

                          Then, one day, different doors begin to open. The work we’ve put in through the years — and the wisdom we’ve acquired — begins to pay off in the form of new opportunities and the ability to have a greater impact. In these moments, it’s important not to get caught up in the notion of whether or not we’re truly “ready.” If we weren’t, we wouldn’t have been invited to a dance quite like this.

                          This is no longer a possibility for “someday.” It’s a reality that is in front of us, here and now.

                          And so, we must give ourselves permission to step into a new realm of possibility. The door is open. How we walk through it determines what will come next…

                          BRANDCAMP Counselor’s Log: Clarity Takes Hold

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                          Our inaugural class of BRANDCAMPers are fully immersed in the process. They’re digging deep within themselves to define their visions in a way that feels purposeful to them. They’re taking the many big ideas they’ve already had inside, putting them into words, and turning those words into action. They’re uncovering new ideas from our time together.

                          And, truth be told, so am I.

                          This week’s hot button question was, “what is something unique that you bring to the table?” Our conscious, creative BRANDCAMPers were all quick to identify the attributes which position them to have a distinct impact on the creative landscape. It was inspiring to see such a profound level of collective self-awareness take shape, and that inspiration gave me the opportunity to go inward.

                          Each one of our conversations (individual and group) is an opportunity for me to reflect on my own process in designing this program. It’s a chance to take a look at the BRANDCAMP questions and prompts, assess the responses I receive, and tweak what’s necessary to make the experience even more meaningful. The fact that we’re all sharing an open dialogue as this is occurring – as all of our creative processes are taking more refined shapes – makes this a valuable shared experience that helps each of us clarify our individual visions, and how they serve the greater good.

                          I can feel that clarity taking hold, and a sense of cohesion as we all take in this experience – individually and together, all at once.

                          10 Takeaways from the ForbesBLK Summit for Your Creative Journey

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                          Earlier this week, I had the honor and privilege of attending the 2024 ForbesBLK Summit in Atlanta. A community fostered by one of the most trusted business media outlets on Earth, ForbesBLK exists to champion a global community of Black entrepreneurs, professionals, leaders and creators that are driving systematic change in business, culture and society.

                          A highlight of this year’s Summit was a day’s worth of panels and interviews with leaders in business, government, healthcare and, of course, entertainment. I sat in the audience all day, furiously scribbling notes and takeaways from the world-class professionals before me. As it turns out, I had more than enough to bring home to share with you, UnderDogs.

                          As I combed through my notes this week, I found 10 key takeaways that every creative entrepreneur — musician or otherwise — would be wise to keep in mind. Please know that these items merely scratch the surface of the value shared from the stage at The Eastern on Monday. Alas, 10 is a nice round number, and I want to leave you plenty of time to take action on the inspiration you are about to receive.

                          Ready? Awaaaaay we go!

                          First of all, everybody on that stage was on a mission.

                          Regardless of their particular areas of expertise, every single thought leader featured at this year’s ForbesBLK Summit had one thing in common: they were clear on their values, mission, and vision. They understood the challenges in their sector, and showcased a clear understanding of how addressing these challenges will make the world a better place.

                          Throughout the day, these leaders were effective in their messaging by communicating the experiences and perspectives driving them toward purpose. More than any individual accolade, the presenters’ collective ability to communicate from a genuine place is what resonated with the audience.

                          As we build our creative platforms, this is an important lesson to keep close to our hearts: talent is certainly important, but the ways we use our talents — and the messages we spread through them — will ultimately determine our impact and legacy.

                          Your network defines your net worth.

                          You’ve almost certainly heard this one before, right?

                          Here’s what I observed about the network brought together during this year’s ForbesBLK Summit: the room was full of solution-minded business professionals. In addition, every conversation I had or observed throughout the Summit was focused on finding ways to collaborate, and provide greater value to the world.

                          There is a correlation behind this collaborative, focused, purpose-driven mindset and success. During my visit to Atlanta, it was evident that those who have mastered this mindset are also in a position to inspire, educate, and serve in greater numbers.

                          Your network should share your vision, too.

                          Fantasia Taylor — singer, actress, and 2004 American Idol winner — was, in my opinion, one of the most compelling individuals to grace the stage on Monday. I could probably write a whole article on her wisdom alone — from the ways she has re-defined her relationship with fear, to her differentiation between the pursuits of success and purpose.

                          However — in the spirit of continuing from my previous takeaway — I offer you another intriguing point offered by the newly-minted Hollywood Walk of Fame honoree.

                          “Make sure the people you bring in reflect who you are.”

                          As you establish your platform’s values, mission, and vision, keep in mind that you are also developing an organization in need of a consistent culture. Those who become a core part of your ecosystem must believe in your vision, share a similar mission, and come from a similar set of values. If any of these areas conflict, friction may arise, and your message may get lost in the shuffle.

                          Greatness is a habit.

                          Legendary hip hop producer and Atlanta native Jermaine Dupri closed out the afternoon’s program. As with Fantasia, there was so much wisdom in his fireside chat with Forbes Senior Writer & Editor Jabari Young, that it deserves its own analysis.

                          One of the So So Def architect’s most striking points, however, was this:

                          “Great artists don’t stop trying to be great.”

                          Yes, there is a difference between being great, and being “good enough.” Those who settle for “good” — and who don’t go the extra mile — may see moderate, if fleeting, success. However, those who are consistently looking for ways to improve their skills, systems, and processes are those who endure, adapt, and evolve. Especially in our ever-changing industry, greatness is the standard for which we all must strive.

                          That goes for the people around you, too.

                          With all of that said, nobody’s perfect, and we all need a push sometimes. Sometimes, we’re on the receiving end. Sometimes, we’re the ones giving it.

                          Gospel legend Kirk Franklin — another super-inspiring, worthy-of-his-own-article fireside chat participant — had this to say, when it comes to setting the tone for those around you…

                          “Push people and challenge people to be the greatness that they are.”

                          Not only must we hold those around us to the highest standards, but we must keep in mind why we’re doing it. We’ve already seen their greatness; that’s why they’re riding with us in the first place. Sometimes, they just need a reminder that it’s been inside of them this entire time.

                          And, if you ever find yourself on the receiving end of that push, leave your ego at the door. It’s for the greater good.

                          Become a student of your craft — in every way.

                          Staying in the entertainment industry, we were also treated to a chat with 9-time NBA All-Star and 2016-17 league MVP, Russell Westbrook. As an entrepreneur, Westbrook focuses on ways to uplift underserved and underprivileged communities.

                          To Russ, that means understanding the most effective ways to serve — and knowing as many details as possible about how to do it.

                          “Learn the business, and learn everything the right way.”

                          For the sake of artistry, it can be tempting for artists to downplay (or even ignore) the finer details of business. However, these details — yes, even the unsexy ones — are essential to anybody looking to build their platform into one that is transformative. Understanding the necessary inner workings of your own creative enterprise — and the roles and responsibilities contained therein — will help you set clear expectations, communicate more effectively, and know what to look for when adding to your team.

                          Not to mention, doing everything the right way, the first time, will save you the headache of having to clean up a mess later on.

                          Understand what *you* bring to the table.

                          Christina Lewis is the founder of Beatrice Advisors, an independent, woman and minority-owned multi-family investment firm. When asked about an important lesson she’s learned along her journey, she said the following:

                          “You have to find your edge.”

                          As musicians, how do we escape the trap of being just another “singer-songwriter from My Town, USA” in an oversaturated market? Find exactly what is unique to you — within your craft, your mission, or the way you approach both — and lead with it.

                          Figuring out your “edge” takes work.

                          In a world full of social media “gurus” telling us to “be authentic,” it can be difficult to know what authenticity is.

                          The answer lies within. Cam Kirk — photographer and videographer at the Mike WiLL Made-It Collective — emphasized that authenticity means something different for each of us.

                          “You’ve got to do the work to find out who you are.”

                          That means doing some digging — and, at certain points, facing your truth is going to get uncomfortable. The result, however, is a person who will resonate with your true audience; someone who is fearlessly, unapologetically you.

                          You can’t fake it, either.

                          During the same panel, Lola Banjo — founder and creative director at Silver & Riley — made sure to point out that there are consequences when we don’t uncover our unique gifts and perspectives.

                          “Your followers see through it.”

                          In some cases, you may see fleeting success while chasing trends or trying to “go viral.” However, sustained success and impact comes not from these moments, but from building a true connection with those who share your values, and developing ways to keep them engaged. You are who you are — and all of the filters and hashtags in the world won’t hide it!

                          So, stand on that truth — even when it’s uncomfortable.

                          To conclude our time together today, let’s share in some wisdom from longtime Georgia State Representative Stacey Abrams:

                          “Why would we abandon our principles when someone who doesn’t believe in those principles mocks them?”

                          As a leader in our modern political climate, Rep. Abrams is certainly no stranger to people combating her views. However, this lesson stretches far beyond our political system, and into any area of life.

                          As someone building a public-facing creative platform, you aren’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea. People are going to disagree with your views, criticize your abilities, and they may even be rude in the process. These are the times when you need to stand even stronger in your convictions, and understand the purpose your art is here to serve.

                          Not everyone will get it. That’s OK. Hold steady, and keep pressing ahead. Those who get it will still love you.

                          Which takeaway is your favorite? Were you there, and have a different one you’d like to share? Leave a comment!

                          Wednesday Wisdom: How to (Finally) Do the Thing

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                          How many times have you wanted to do something, or wanted to chase after a big dream you’ve had, but then you just…didn’t?

                          Maybe fear was holding you back. Or maybe you were battling procrastination. Maybe you were overthinking yourself right out of the whole thing. Maybe this is something you’re battling right now.

                          It can be tough to break out of a cycle of overthinking, and feeling like everything has to be perfect before you start doing what you want to do. It can be tough to break out of that fear. But you’ll never get anywhere if you keep getting stuck in the same place.

                          Sometimes it’s hard to just do the thing.

                          Below are some of my best tips for getting started so you can finally check that thing off your list.

                          Ask yourself what you’re most hesitant about

                          Sometimes when we can’t do the thing it’s because we start overthinking. As a result, a bunch of what-if scenarios might pop up in our heads, further preventing us from moving forward.

                          Thoughts like “What if I fail?” or “What if I’m making a mistake?” can be pretty daunting, and self-doubt can start taking over quickly. Maybe you find that imposter syndrome is rearing its ugly head and it’s convincing you that you’re neither capable nor worthy of achieving your dreams. (More on how to combat imposter syndrome here).

                          If fears like these are holding you back from starting, take the time to reflect on what you think will happen if you actually do the thing you want to do. Get honest with yourself. Write it all out. Feel all the feelings.

                          Sometimes just acknowledging our fears is exactly what we need to do in order to realize that, sometimes, they really aren’t as big as they might seem. Sometimes just acknowledging our fears removes the fear itself and you can get moving in the right direction again.

                          Take one small step forward…

                          When we feel really stuck, and like we can’t get going, sometimes it’s actually because we’re feeling overwhelmed. 

                          That thing you want to do? Maybe it seems huge and impossible to you right now, but maybe it will seem more achievable if you break it down into smaller pieces.

                          Of course, it’s super easy to feel overwhelmed when we’re thinking about climbing a mountain instead of climbing two steps up a staircase, right? So, is there something you can do right now that can be that first step you need to get started? 

                          Are you dreaming of opening a business but can’t even begin to fathom how exactly you’re going to make that happen? Maybe your first step is coming up with your business name. Have you always wanted to write a song but never wrote one before? Find a local writer’s round and get your feet wet that way.

                          When we can break down our biggest dreams into smaller, achievable goals, and then we achieve one of those goals, it gives us an important sense of accomplishment and fills us with the excitement that’s going to help us to keep moving forward.

                          Or… take a step back

                          Sometimes we get so deeply involved and invested in something that we start losing perspective. Small obstacles might start becoming bigger in our minds than they are in reality, and we might start believing that they’re impossible to overcome. Basically, we start psyching ourselves out. Big time. 

                          If you’ve been thinking and thinking and thinking about the thing you’re thinking about doing, take a break and do something different. Get out of your head! Take a walk, watch a movie, go out to dinner with a friend. Anything. It will give your mind a much-needed breather, allowing you to refocus.

                          Meditate

                          Meditation is most commonly known as a coping method for stress and anxiety, but it can also be an important tool when it comes to accomplishing our goals and chasing after our greatest dreams.

                          Taking a moment to ground ourselves in the present moment can help shift our perspective and see that thing we want to do in a different way. Maybe you’ll realize you were approaching it all wrong and you’ll discover a new road to take that will allow you to achieve your goal even faster.

                          Maybe you’ll realize that everything happens at the time it’s meant to happen.

                          Maybe you’ll find a new sense of patience that will help you keep chugging along, rediscovering the drive within you to make your dream come true.

                          It’s natural to feel stuck and overwhelmed, but when there are things you want to do, sometimes it’s difficult to get them done. Don’t let a little hesitation or setback get in your way, because there’s no worse regret in life than not trying. You’ll be so glad you did.

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