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Start: The Word of January

Start

Stärt - verb - Cause to happen.

The word "start" doesn’t get enough credit. There are thousands of how to’s about starting anything from photography to gardening, riding a bike to tying your shoes, or even getting off the couch to winding back down. You get it. Yet, there are countless factors that affect the start. It’s a complex action. I would never start something I knew I couldn’t finish. I would never start something I wasn’t passionate about. So, what propels us to start?

Stop

Stäp - verb - Come to an end; cease to happen.

"Stop" is better known as an antonym of start – the complete opposite. But can you really have one without the other? Can you truly begin something new without ending something else? In my young life, I have found that what feels like the end is often the beginning. You have to let go of what is holding you back to embark on something new.

A start will never stick if there is no stimulation or desire. There has to be a confidence in the action to ensure longevity. Relinquishing reservations empowers you to actively cause something to happen. Courage to overcome the intimidation of being an amateur is occasionally hard to come by. That’s what makes the start so hard, hence why this 5 letter word that has become so common isn't as simplistic as it sounds. Being halfway into the first month of 2015, I think it’s safe to admit that some of our resolutions weren't started or executed as we had planned.

The greatest thing about the word start is that it’s never too late.

(Image by freepeopleblog.com) 

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On the scene of our next video shoot. Special thanks to SoKnox Studios for letting us use their studio!

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Just dropped our first promo video. To see more, check out our YouTube channel! #comingsoon #startup #app #livelikeyoumeanit

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Fan your Flame

The idea was so big I am not sure in the beginning my mind could be totally wrapped around it. Despite the lack of full understanding, there was a spark – a twinkle of excitement as I sat in my chair at one of my favorite local restaurants, Aubrey's.

See, I learned about Spontivity talking with one of the creators at a local restaurant. They wanted someone with a new outlook to give a fresh response. Out of every person in the world, somehow they were directed to me. I felt honored to be considered. Even though I knew nothing about the journey I was about to embark, something told me that I just couldn’t pass it up.

Spontivity was a concept I hadn’t even fathomed, yet I was so intrigued by the opportunity. As I was introduced to the team that first day, I could think nothing more than these few people must have some sort of brilliance hidden behind the façade of their young normal looking appearances. They seemed no different than me, yet I thought my simplistic brain had no hope of concocting the intricate designs they had somehow created.

After spending more time with this team of 6, I have found that they are dynamic. This group of individuals truly brings out the best in each other. Every talent is utilized, stretched and interwoven between them to generate a powerhouse.

I had never in my wildest dreams thought I would work for a startup. I am such a conservative that I had always thought of them as shaky and unsafe without promise of return. Although no one likes to admit that they are wrong...I couldn’t have been more erroneous. The entrepreneurial spirit is extremely tactical and balanced. Every decision is calculated and deeply researched.

I have a genuine love for originality, novelty, and innovation. I dabble in many things like creative writing and painting. Something I had forgotten when considering my feelings about startups was the freedom of creating your own culture – one of my very favorite things about joining Spontivity. Have you ever woken up in the morning and thought that you just couldn’t bare going into the office? I can say without a doubt I have never felt that way about this job, because I love my work environment. It’s about being productive while enjoying yourself. When you love what you are producing, it doesn’t really seem like toiling labor.

Does that mean that this avenue of career comes without sacrifice? Absolutely not. A quote by Sidney Howard stands out to me when I think about the choices that the Spontivity team makes,

“One-half of knowing what you want is knowing what you must give up before you get it.”

I have never met a group of 20-somethings who worked harder. Their outputs far exceed the hours on their timesheets. Without sounding as cliché as possible, their drive to success is truly inspirational. Each one of them gave up their own stable career to pursue this vision.

I push myself harder to produce better work than ever, because I believe that they deserve nothing less than my best. Why would you want to work for people who demand anything less? Simple answer is I don’t. Because this is a startup and they require superior effort, I am able to take my creativity to the limit. I stretch my brain every time I come to the office. I am constantly learning new concepts of marketing, the meaning words I’ve never heard of, and how to be a more innovative and better person. I made a very serious decision to leave a perfectly healthy job to chase dreams with the Spontivity team for no other reason than that I believe in them. I feel that my personal sacrifice is merely a propeller forward allowing me to focus more attention to bigger things.

When reflecting on my experiences with Spontivity as a whole I often consider what common ground all of us do share, which is our roots. No, I don’t mean that we are all from the same place or have been friends for years. We did, however, all come from the University of Tennessee. UT was the cultivator of all our minds. As I approach my graduation in May, I often wonder about the weight of my degrees. The average graduate from the College of Business lands a stable, 40k a year, entry level job. These are the statistics provided to every student here, which are still impressive I don’t deny. Spontivity has busted me out of the suppressed box by realization that this is not the cap of opportunity. Those front line jobs with mindless tasks are not the best I can attain. Greater things can come from graduates of this university. UT promotes big ideas. I think the university should take great pride in the fact that these alumni have larger than life ideas, and instead of leaving them as something to be pushed to the back of their brain are building a tangible brand.

The spark that was introduced on my first day has inevitably turned into a flame. All the enthusiasm derives from the creation, the reason the team exists – Spontivity. It’s an idea I personally view as fail proof. It is the resolver of a problem every person on the planet faces at one time or another, an outlet for thrill seekers, a way for people to expand their network, and above all a way for any person to maximize the harvests of life. How could it not be a triumph?

Ultimately, Spontivity is more than just a brand for us. It is the potential of an enhanced life. It embodies the satisfaction that every minute devoted is well worth it. It is fuel to the spark of passion lit in every one on this team that is now a full fire.

Marina

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What's yours? #NewYear #Adventure

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Embrace Your Ampersand

There is a power that comes with the act of allowing as opposed to restricting - "and" as opposed to "or".

To fully appreciate the power of "and" one must first understand the tyranny of "or." As a youth, whether intentionally or unintentionally, we are programmed to accept "or" thinking: to label and define. We're taught that you either attend an ivy league university to create a successful start up or go to a state school to work for someone else. We're artistic or athletic, brilliant or beautiful, successful or soulful, have a head for numbers or a head for music. We learn that we have to choose between becoming a doctor or a dancer, an attorney or an artist, a programmer or a poet.

Today, as we approach the end of the year, go ahead and consider your “or's": at work, at play, in a conversation with a friend. You may find yourself choosing a new path or gaining insight into a friend.

In 2015, get out there, be everything, and don’t let anyone determine what that “everything” is supposed to be.

Embrace your ampersand! (&)

Jacqueline Stanfill

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Everything is better with others #LiveLikeYouMeanIt #Sunset

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A Priceless Holiday Season

Wealth

“An abundance of valuable or desirable things whether tangible or intangible.”

Yup, I said it. You can accomplish happiness without money. How? I’m glad you asked. Experiences - plain & simple. Wealth is about making memories & reminiscing over a life crammed with involvement, whether it be screaming your heart out for your favorite football team or all-you-can-bowl on Wednesday nights. At the end of the day, wealthful happiness is achieved through living to your full potential & doing something that makes you smile so big your face hurts.

As the holiday season nears it’s easy to place an importance on material items, but as I remember my past holiday experiences it’s not the gifts I remember - it’s the memories with others. What will your priceless holiday season memory be this year?

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Experience Life Everyday

What is life if you never truly experience it? Will halfheartedly rolling through the motions of each day leave you with a sense of true fulfillment? I tend to think not. Rushing from moment to moment only sacrifices the life you’re living. Adversely, wallowing in boredom from lack of knowledge about today’s happenings proves to be discouraging.  

The feeling of being a beginner can sometimes be intimidating. That’s just a simple fact of life. What you do with it, however, will define what kind of journey you lead. I have found you must engage deeply in your journey - otherwise it will prove to be mediocre. Letting time pass by without optimizing every possible moment is just a waste of life. Would being in a foreign city and not knowing the local places to hang out keep you inside your room for the remainder of your trip? Would moving to a city where you knew no one keep you from getting out there and making new friends? No and No. The unknown leaves boundless room for opportunity. Your choices dictate what kind of avenue you take down the voyage of life. Don’t get stuck at a stop sign! Seek adventure - even the small ones, and enjoy your expedition. Collect beautiful moments, and when it is time to look back on the life you lived there will be nothing but smiles.

Marina

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10 Movies That Would Have Been Better With Spontivity

1.       Step Brothers: So much room for activities!

2.       The Sandlot: Smalls might have more friends.

3.       Napoleon Dynamite: Never again would he have to play tether ball by himself. 

4.       The Breakfast Club: Their days of misfit bonding don’t have to end just yet.

5.       Pitch Perfect: Let’s face it; sometimes you need some backup singers.

6.       Elf: Meet up for some brunch?

7.       Hot Rod: How else would someone know about these legit stunts?

8.       Zoolander: Know when the next underground walk-off is so you can practice your “blue steel” face.

9.       Billy Madison: RSVP to Billy’s 3rd grade graduation.

10.   Animal House: Toga party?

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7 Must Have Thanksgiving Dishes

Finally the famous holiday is here where we put all inhibitions aside and chow down in the name of showing gratitude.  Yes, I’m talking about Thanksgiving.  Each November our nation takes time from our busy lives to reflect on the blessings we are so lucky to have.  We show gratitude for our caring friends & family, the communities we’re apart of, the fortunate gifts we have, and the simplicities in life we often take for granted.  And what better way to show your thanks than sharing in an extravagant feast before winter hits full force.  We all know everyone has their holiday favorites they simply can’t wait to eat, and below is our list of “must have’s” as we travel home for the holiday.

1.  Turkey with Brown Gravy

2.  Honey Glazed Ham

3.  Hashbrown Casserole

4.  Peanut Butter Pie

5.  Deviled Eggs & Green Bean Casserole

6.  Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

7.  Cornbread Stuffing

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Congratulations Amy on winning our photo sharing iPhone 6 contest. We can't wait to see everything you'll do on Spontivity!

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8 Ways to Have a Happier Day

1. Marvel in the enjoyment of small things

Have you ever just stopped to soak in the wonderment of the world?

You know the feeling you get when a child draws a picture just for you? An immediate unconscious smile is boundless to appear. It’s the most honest happiness from something so utterly simple. Don’t under mind the importance of this feeling.

2. Simply smile

There is magic in a smile. It can transform your whole day and even affect the people around you.

Believe it or not your brain is instantaneously active upon the curl of your lips. It begins releasing feel good neurotransmitters called endorphins, and boom – warm sensational contentment.

3. Try something new

Realize you have the freedom to try the things you’ve always wanted and act on it!

4. Compliment someone

It’s true. Cheerfulness is contagious. Enhance your network of bliss. It will only make your heart fuller.

5. Do one nice thing for yourself

You deserve a little bit of attention. Take time from the business of life’s eventful schedule to take care of yourself. Boggling your mind with useless stresses will only weigh you down. Put them in the back of your mind long enough to do something nice and treat yourself.

6. Be active!

Does this one need an explanation? Everywhere you look today there are ads to be active. It not only improves your physical wellbeing but your mental one. You will feel better in every way. And yes, that’s a promise.

7. Surround yourself with uplifting people

I call these anti-complainers. If you are with people who continuously search for negativity it is inevitable that you will too. Frame the picture of your life with people who make you better. Your outlook will be much more optimistic.

8. Make a list of things you are thankful for

It is so easy to focus on the shortcomings in life. To oppose this make a list of things in your life that make you feel good. I can almost guarantee that it will be much longer that you may anticipate.

Now hop off the computer and go be happy!

-Marina

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Live Life On Your Own Schedule

I’m sitting here writing this because I can’t find anyone to play volleyball. Volleyball is fun and a great workout, but only if you have enough people! Seriously, have you even tried hitting the ball around with yourself? For those of you that haven’t...good, because it’s not fun. It only takes four people to get a game going, so you would think I could at least find three others to play. Now, I consider myself to have a normal amount of friends, but time after time I run into the problem described above.

You've probably experienced the same problem. You have this precious free time you want to spend doing what you love, yet time and time again you reach out to friends and they’re not available. You hear responses like “Sorry, I’m busy,” “I wish, but I’m at work,” or better yet, “(no response).”

If you’re anything like me, you end up not doing anything and are left feeling frustrated and bored. You’re forced to rely on the schedules of your friends to actually do what you want to do.  Better yet, you can’t do whatever you want whenever you want, because it requires more than one person. We know everyone experiences this problem at some point in their life, and that just didn't sit well with us.

Life is precious; you only have so much of it, so why would you not want to make every second count? There are so many people, so many different activities out there all at the click of a button with Spontivity. Heck, you never know who you might meet or what you may find, but I challenge you to do something.

It doesn't matter what it is, but live life to the fullest. Try something new, try something old, and I promise you that as long as you try something you won’t be disappointed.

Every chance you get, live like you mean it.

Tyler

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The Window of Chance

Life is a series of revolving doors. It’s a neat concept really. Successfully getting through a revolving door requires you to keep moving forward. I recall as a child these entry ways were especially fascinating. My heart would skip a beat just before I jumped out to avoid being caught by the metal chasing behind me. Yet, what if I missed that split second of courage? Hands gripped too tightly around the handle to let go, my focus narrowed only on the principle fact that a shortcoming may cause what’s behind me to catch up. And so, at that precise moment I have inaugurated my own movement of complacency – around & around.

So often in the cycle of life we waste effort & potential opportunity pushing a door in circles instead of simply walking through it. Whether it is from fear or shear inability to see impending success, the schedule of rotation evolves into an acquainted security.

How can we step out of this repetitive orbit?

Adjust your attention on spontaneity and off of the perpetual dullness of routine. Realize your window of chance and cease the moment. Be willing to release control. Clear yourself from confinement, & most importantly, keep moving forward. The world is waiting for you on the other side.

Marina

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11 Quotes to Honor Our Veterans

On this 11th day of November we take the time to honor this nation’s heroes with these 11 Veteran’s Day quotes. Please find motivation in your day knowing our veterans fought hard for us and still do every day.  They are the best, plain & simple, and today we express our immense gratitude. Thank you.

1.  “This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” Elmer Davis

2.  “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” President John F. Kennedy

3.  “Heroes are made… by the paths they choose, not the powers they are graced with.” Brodi Ashton

4.  “In valor there is hope.” Publius Cornelius Tacitus  

5.  “Better than honor and glory, and History's iron pen, was the thought of duty done and the love of his fellow-men.” Richard Watson Gilder

6.  “We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their plows but to secure liberty for their souls.”  Robert J. McCracken

7.  "When our perils are past, shall our gratitude sleep?” Michel de Montaigne 

8.  “It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you.” Dick Cheney

9.  "I think there is one higher office than president and I would call that patriot.” Gary Hart

10.  “It doesn't take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle.” Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf

11. “Thank you for the sacrifices you and your families are making. Our Vietnam Veterans have taught us that no matter what are positions may be on policy, as Americans and patriots, we must support all of our soldiers with our thoughts and our prayers.” Zack Wamp