- MYFI Monthly
- Posts
- MY⚡️FI MONDAY
MY⚡️Feature
featured piece of advice for creatives and creative leaders
Destroy the mold.
Not everyone is a sports fan, but if you are you may know who Pat McAfee is. Pat is a retired NFL kicker/punter who has always been known for his wild personality. He is unpredictable, irreverent in the best ways, and never fails to push the boundaries in every moment. Currently, he’s a commentator on one of ESPNs biggest shows, College Game Day, and he hosts his own show every weekday afternoon on ESPN as well.
However, he is not the norm for ESPN. In the past the network has been known for it’s professionalism, everyone wears suits, and conducts themselves in a certain manner. But not Pat McAfee. Pat readily takes off his shirt, almost refuses to wear sleeves, his language is often on the edge for live TV, he’s completely unpredictable, and yet he’s been given some of the most visible spots on ESPN. He was just elevated again recently after having just signed a huge deal with the company back in May of this year.
Why am I telling you all this? Because…
The best way to be great is to just be yourself.
Pat doesn’t fit the mold, but that’s why he’s making such an impact. He’s just being himself. It’s impossible to fit in and stand out at the same time.
Discovering your unique place in the world will never happen unless you just be who you are. Sometimes it feels a little safer to fit in, but it never leads to anywhere unique and impactful. The world needs you to be you. I know it’s scary.
We all have a certain fear that if we are fully ourselves the world will find out that we suck, or that we’re weird, or they will reject who we are or how we do things, but the alternative is living in constant fear of being found out. It’s basically the constant feeling of being an imposter. However…
If you’re honest about who you are, you will never live in the fear of being found out.
I have a lot of admiration for Pat McAfee. Not only because I love his rock n roll attitude and irreverence on national TV, but more so for the courage it takes in today’s world to just be yourself.
Being yourself will lead you into unique creative opportunities that are taylor made for your passions, your skills, and your distinct perspective.
MY⚡️Follows
great people to follow on social media
Stanley Donwood
(@stanleydonwood) is an incredible visual artist from the UK. He has literally done every piece of art for every Radiohead album and was actually college roommates with Radiohead singer Thom Yorke. He has powerfully distinctive style and his work is always thought provoking and inspiring.
Sound and Creativity
(@soundandcreativity) aims to demystify the creative process through inspiring posts and clips of interviews with some of the greatest creative minds from a myriad of disciplines. Their curation of influential and encouraging content is fantastic.
Good News Movement
(@goodnews_movement) is an account focused solely on good news going on around the globe. It’s operated by journalist Michelle Figueroa and is a must follow account to make you smile, encourage your soul, and remind you that the world is full of wonderful people!
MY⚡️Finds
cool stuff I found this week
Boombox.io
As creatives we’re always looking for the most efficient and safest way to share files with each other and boombox.io is a great solution. They offer all sorts of plans including a free plan where you can host up to 4GB of content. It’s super intuitive and dependable.
Pizza Wednesday
If you’re looking for unique gifts for the musician or music lover in your life check out this Etsy store called Pizza Wednesday. They have some really eccentrically designed depictions of your favorite rock stars as well as some other great items like enamel pins, stickers, shirts, and more. Check it out here!
MY⚡️Favorites
some of my favorite sights, sounds, and reads
Car Phone Mount
When I find something that I love I stick to it. Even something as stupidly simple as a car phone mount. I love this thing so much. I’ve had the same one for ages. It’s strong, stays put, and is small enough to fit in the most perfect places. Grab one here!
Passwords
A few years ago I started using a password manager after being forced to by my employer. I was reluctant because I didn’t want to do the work to set it all up, but it was actually super easy and one of the things that helps me work safely and swiftly all the time. I use 1 Password and highly recommend it!!
MY⚡️FI Podcast
a podcast about the journey of creativity
Ep. 039 :: Whitestone Motion Pictures
Brandon McCormick and Nicholas Kirk are the duo behind Whitestone Motion Pictures. They have created dozens of incredible short films, and their work has been featured on the History Channel, A&E, NBC, CNN, and more. Recently they hosted the premier of their first full-length feature film, “The Daylong Brothers”. It’s billed as a “southern gothic musical” and it delivers in every way. Jump in the conversation with us as we talk about the complexities of film making, overcoming being overwhelmed, and the importance of experiencing art together.
MY⚡️FI Blog
monthly blog for creatives and creative leaders
Phases of Creativity
On the blog this month I share a little advice on how to reach your creative goals in 2024 by taking things in phases, being aware of the poison you can encounter in each phase, and the antidote to overcome it. Check out the blog by clicking here.