#also considering doing a weekly stream to hold myself accountable and share progress

[lunarblossomyuehua]

For context, I'm trying to build up my portfolio again as well as get myself working in 3D once more. Figured why not use my current interests as a way to do that?

Currently just thinking of making still dioramas, focusing on environments from the books and maybe some simplified models for placing characters in said scenes.

[calacuspr]

Calacus Weekly Hit & Miss – Thierry Henry & The National League

Every Monday we look at the best and worst communicators in the sports world from the previous week.

HIT – THIERRY HENRY

There has been much debate in recent weeks about the value of sports stars taking the knee.

Players and broadcasters make sure they push messages about the importance of equality and the fight against racism, but we have seen lately some players refuse to comply because they are seeing no progress.

Crystal Palace and Ivory Coast forward Wilfried Zaha, for instance, said that he will no longer take the knee before matches because he feels it is “degrading” and isn’t leading to real action on racism.

While discourse on racism and equality is certainly a step forward, there remain doubts about the progress being made on and off the sports field and in society in general.

Social media is one area in particular where racism and trolling are rife, with so many black players in particular facing racist abuse, even from their own ‘fans’.

Recently, Swansea midfielder Yan Dhanda hit out at social media companies after he became another victim of online abuse on Instagram.

South Wales police launched an investigation after Dhanda received a private message following Swansea’s 3-1 defeat against Manchester City but the player criticised Facebook, which owns Instagram, for not being proactive enough. The account holder was prevented from sending direct messages “for a set period of time”.

The former Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry, decided this week to take stronger action, deleting his social media platforms until greater action is taken to address the racism that pervades those channels.

Henry, who recently left his role as head coach at Montreal Impact, has 10 million followers on his Facebook page, along with 2.7m on Instagram and 2.3m on Twitter.

He said: “Hi Guys, from tomorrow morning I will be removing myself from social media until the people in power are able to regulate their platforms with the same vigour and ferocity that they currently do when you infringe copyright.

“The sheer volume of racism, bullying and resulting mental torture to individuals is too toxic to ignore. There HAS to be some accountability. It is far too easy to create an account, use it to bully and harass without any consequence and still remain anonymous. Until this changes, I will be disabling my accounts across all social platforms. I’m hoping this happens soon.”

Speaking on CNN, Henry added: “It's not a safe place and it's not a safe environment. I wanted to take a stand on saying that it is an important tool that unfortunately some people turn into a weapon because they can hide behind a fake account.

“I'm not saying it's not good to have social media, I'm just trying to say that it has to be a safe place.

“Basically, I did what I felt and I hope it can inspire people to do the same thing if they feel the same way.”

Oliver Dowden, Minister for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), said nobody should be forced to disable their social media accounts due to abuse.

He commented: “Social media firms must do more to tackle this and we are introducing new laws to hold platforms to account,” he said.

“This is complex and we must get it right, but I’m absolutely determined to tackle racist abuse online.”

But where is the deterrent when Patrick O'Brien, 18, sent 20 messages to Ian Wright on Instagram after losing a Fifa video game match in May 2019.

The teenager, who blamed his loss on picking Wright as one of his players, was given probation rather than a criminal conviction when the case came to court in February.

Wright said: “It seems to be a fad now - a black player plays poorly, or they think they've played poorly, and they come with all the emojis, or whatever it is.

“There are ways of being able to catch people. I don't think they [social media companies] are vigilant enough, nowhere near. How much do they really care deep down?”

“Seeing this judgement, I can only wonder what deterrent there is for anyone else who spouts this kind of vile racist abuse.”

The social media platforms make promises and declarations about how seriously they take online abuse, but until they take consistently more robust action and legal punishments better reflect the pain and suffering caused by trolling, the problems will endure. 

MISS – THE NATIONAL LEAGUE

The Covid-19 pandemic has had huge ramifications on sports clubs of all shapes and sizes.

Professional and amateur football clubs in the UK are one such group that has suffered severe financial losses, largely stemming from a ban on spectators from attending matches.

While elite teams have been able to fall back on other income streams such as broadcast and sponsorship revenue, professional and semi-professional non-league sides have been left to fight for their existence due to the lack of matchday income.

With the cost of hosting matches and paying players often outweighing money coming into clubs in the absence of fans, some sides have been forced to take drastic measures including the postponement of fixtures.

Last month, the National League confirmed that clubs would not be fined or have sanctions imposed on them for non-fulfillment of matches during the Covid crisis, news which was largely welcomed by clubs.

However, the League has since reversed its decision and imposed fines and suspended points penalties on several clubs across the National League, National League North, and National League South.

It is a decision that has shocked many with critics arguing that enforcing financial penalties on clubs for deciding against playing matches behind closed doors because they lacked the money to do so makes little sense.

Every organisation should have the right to change their mind or approach should circumstances change, but it must be communicated clearly and this move by the league could be viewed as trying to profit from something that is out of anyone’s control.

Dover Athletic have undoubtedly been hit hardest by the National League’s decision after they were expunged from the competition for failing to fulfil their fixtures.

The Kent club have only played 15 times this season compared to at least 25 by the rest and they will play no further part in the current campaign having had their previous results wiped out.

They have also been handed a 12-point deduction to start with next season and a £40,000 fine for being in breach of league rules.

Dover's owner and chairman Jim Parmenter shared his grievances with Sky Sports News: ""We have been hung out to dry and made an example of to the rest of the league with this draconian punishment. They are trying to implement a rule book that is not designed to deal with issues like a pandemic.

"We've stuck our necks out while there are seven or eight other clubs in a similar situation scared stiff of the type of action the league has taken against us.

"We have demonstrated we cannot afford to continue, nor finance a loan, so how does issuing us with a £40,000 fine help football?"

The National League's statement read: "The panel had regard to financial information provided by Dover Athletic and fully respected the responsibility of the club's directors under company law. However, the panel also had to consider the integrity of the competition and the actions of Dover in relation to the other 22 Clubs that continue to incur much costs as they fulfill their fixtures.

"In view of the current financial situation and in order to reflect the approach taken in other cases of breaches of rule 8.39, the independent panel reduced the initial fine by 20 per cent to £40,000."

Dover were not the only side impacted by the decision, with National League South side Dulwich Hamlet taking to social media to express their shock at being fined £8,000 and given a suspended eight-point deduction.

“Solidarity to the other clubs affected, sometimes you wonder why you do this in the first place. We'll work together for the good of the game and hope that change is swift,” the club tweeted.

The past 12 months have been an incredibly uncertain time and this has invariably led to difficult decisions having to be made, but the National League has made a series of mistakes in how it has communicated with its clubs and stakeholders.

Alongside ensuring the health and safety of players, coaches, officials, administrators, and spectators, the National League should be trying to do everything in its power to ensure all 66 clubs stay afloat, but that has clearly not been the case.

This sorry tale underlines the importance of regularly communicating with all stakeholders to explain why decisions have been taken and to avoid any unexpected shocks or U-turns that will have long-term implications.

[wanderingaunt]

What Taking a Break from Social Media Taught Me

Every Sunday, I get a weekly screen time notification pop up on my phone. I rarely look at the details, rather just the number of hours it tells me. “Last week, your average screen time was 7 hours and 35 minutes.” And each week when I see the number, I act surprised as if I was actually on my phone that much. My mind will take a few moments to consider, justify, and go about my day. My business is online, so that makes sense.

This is not a do this, don’t do that sort of post. It’s more an observation into behaviors and why Social Media detoxes are necessary for me from time to time.

Last month, I went on a personal retreat in Colorado. It was a much needed time to be in nature and unplug from all of the craziness happening in this world. When I left on my journey, I didn’t really plan in advance to take a break from social media, it happened organically. I became more aware of why I was posting. I would stop and ask myself, “Is this post contributing to the greater good or am I posting just for likes and comments?”

Oof. That last question got me. How often do I post just for attention? How much time do I spend going back to my Instagram stories to see how many people have viewed it? How often do I check likes and comments? Why do I care so much if this person liked or commented on my content and this person didn’t? That’s a lot of do’s.

I went on my retreat to BE, not DO.

The first time I remember actually going on a Social Media detox was in 2018. I was on a 10-day meditation retreat in Peru and wanted to be present to the transformation. I remember how difficult it was to not look at my phone. I noticed my tendency to have my phone right next to me at all times. What if I needed my phone to take a picture of something cool? What if I got a message or email that needed to be checked? As the 10 days progressed, I found it easier and less enticing to want to check my phone. I even stretched the detox 4 more days after the retreat to give myself time to re-integrate.

Over the past 2 years, I’ve spent a lot of time learning to BE. I meditate at least once every day. It supports me in the morning to shift my default energy of judgment to one of calm. It serves as a clean slate to starting each day fresh.

Meditation has taught me to BE more present and less distracted.

So this time around while on my personal retreat, I found it much easier to let go of my crutch of having my phone with me at all times. Each morning I would get up and not check messages or notifications from the night before. Instead, I would roll out of bed, brush my teeth and meet with my mentor Allison to meditate. I would go on long hikes and not take my phone. I found that I didn’t miss having it. It caused me to BE more present.

What caused me to take a break from Social Media?

Honestly, it was getting to be too much for me. We are constantly overloaded with media content whether it be ads, news, individual posts, blogs, etc…the amount on content consumed on a daily basis is in the thousands. This particular time in our history is intense. Social Media has turned into a playground for business, politics, activism, and opinions, opinions, opinions.

As I mentioned in my post “Where’d You Go, Robin?”, I reached a point of system overload. My Highly Sensitive self was literally going into survival mode. I had to take a step back.

Don’t get me wrong here, I enjoy Social Media. It provides a platform for individuals to share their voices, stories, and creations. I use it for my business and as a way to stay connected with friends all over the world.

The moment it starts to take a hold on you, though, is the moment you may consider taking a step back.

That’s what was happening to me. Social Media was taking a hold on me. I was getting consumed and impacted by the overload of opinions being shared and the amount of shaming I witnessed. I began judging my own posts and worrying about the perception of others. This is where Social Media becomes unhealthy for me. I focus too much on other’s perceptions of my posts or lack of posts.

Focusing on the perceptions of others is one of my biggest battles in life.

I constantly have this dialogue going in my head that thinks others are judging my every move. And while it’s unlikely that I provide that much attention for others, it is possible that others are thinking things about me. We are human after all. When you’re in a healthy relationship with perception, you can notice the thought, acknowledge it, and dismiss it; in other words, not give power to it. Where perception (judgment, approval, acceptance, doubt) becomes unhealthy is when you do give your power over to it. When you find yourself going down a rabbit hole of judgment, it may be time to take a step back and reassess your intention for posting and being online.

After a break, I found myself timid to get back online. I was worried that I would get stuck in my old patterns again. I also noticed that I was making myself wrong for wanting to be on Social Media. Worry creates interesting cycles sometimes. The good news is that I can use my tools to tune back in and ask myself, “Is what I’m posting and consuming helpful or harmful for the greater good?”

What is your relationship with Social Media? I’d love to know in the comments below.

Questions to Ask Yourself about Your Social Media Habits

Do I find myself habitually checking Social Media apps before going to bed and/or as soon as I wake up in the morning? What is the purpose for checking? Am I afraid I may miss something? Notice how much time you spend online and make note of whether it’s healthy or harmful. Are you addicted to being online and constantly checking updates and notifications?

Why am I posting this? Is what I’m posting contributing to the greater good? Before you post, ask yourself these questions. Is what you’re posting or sharing in alignment with who you are and what you stand for?

Am I posting just so others see me and know that I’m “in” the conversation? Performative posting has become a trend on Social Media. People are posting and sharing content around movements happening so that others will see them as “taking action”. Yet, in reality they don’t really care about being involved with the issue at hand. Again, assess why you’re posting? Do you care more about being seen as taking a side rather than actually contributing?

What type of content am I consuming online? Does it uplift and motivate me, or does it deflate and put me in a negative mood? Notice the accounts that you follow. Are they lifting your spirit and raising your vibration? Or are they causing resentment, judgment, comparison, etc.? If they are impacting your being in a negative way, consider unfollowing the accounts or pausing from looking at certain accounts. This could even include friends that you follow.

Am I getting online to avoid doing work or projects I’ve committed to? Am I using Social Media as a distraction? Notice if you’re getting online out of habit or distraction from taking action in other areas of life. If you find yourself resisting or avoiding what you’re supposed to be doing, notice if Social Media (or media in general…video games, streaming TV) is contributing to that avoidance and resistance.

What is My Intention for Being on Social Media? Own what works for you. Find a rhythm that fits your “Why” and your lifestyle. Take breaks when you need to and show up when you’re feeling aligned and ready to connect.

If you find yourself stuck in a spiral and in need of support, schedule a Deep Clarity Session. I would love to support you in gaining clarity and creating ways that will help you move forward.

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[topicprinter]

Hi y'all, longtime lurker and wantrepreneur. (TLDR at bottom) Normally that title is not something to be proud of, but in my case it’s the truth. I’ve always wanted to own and run a business. For me, it’s not about being the boss. It’s not about becoming freakishly rich creating the next Uber or Facebook. It’s not even about hating my full-time job. (Disclaimer: I freaking love my day job)My want comes from a starry eyed desire to provide value to others. Entrepreneurship is all about creating and providing value to the world around you. This could be a restaurant cooking up some tasty food or a cell phone app that makes somebody’s life marginally easier. I want to leave this world a better place than I found it. That’s my mantra and my purpose in life.“So Paul, why don’t you go start a business?”, you ask. Well, right now I’m trying. More specifically, I’m trying to find how I want to provide value. I spent all of college and a few years after, paralyzed with the questions “What do I do?”, “What business do I want to start?”, “What would succeed, and would I even enjoy it?” I filled up notebooks sketching out hundreds of ideas, only to find myself stuck again at the drawing board. It wasn’t until about five months ago that I realized that there’s not a perfect answer to those questions. And more importantly, I realized I’ll never find my way by just thinking myself in circles.So in September 2018, I started a blog, The purpose of the blog was to detail my journey of testing 12 business ideas in 12 months. (I counted the blog as the first business idea) It’s been 4 months, and so far I’ve spent 140 hours and $1077.34 building three blogs and one mobile app. I wouldn’t consider any of the four projects I’ve built successes, but I did finish each one. (Which is saying something for me!)“Wow! Four businesses!” you might think. Why would I call myself a wantrepreneur?I don’t consider any of the projects I’ve built successful, because I haven’t generated revenue from them. Literally, $0. What’s worse, I’ve only monetized one of the four ideas. Woe is me, right? I’m certainly discouraged, but I’m not giving up just yet. I wanted to take some time to organize what I have learned from my four failures, as well as share that knowledge around. Everyone likes numbered lists, so here we go.1. Find a schedule/system that works for you. (Setup a habit)Motivation is fleeting, so set up habits, goals, and rewards to keep pushing through the hard times. The biggest thing I struggled with is mustering up the strength to code on my project after a 10 hour day of coding for my full-time job. Plan for this, and everybody’s plan will look different.2. Market your product (Or get someone to do your marketing)I wish I could go back in time and smack September Paul in the mouth. If I could I would yell, “Hire somebody to do your marketing for you! Paul, you don’t know shit about marketing.” I went into this journey thinking I could just post weekly on Reddit and Facebook about my progress. Oh and maybe, I could finally make one of those Twitter or Instagram accounts and build that for marketing. NO. Subreddit moderators will remove any self-promotion posts faster than you can check if it’s even up. Your personal Facebook account will be equally difficult to get meaningful feedback. (Unless you want feedback from Grandma) And if you’re like me and trying to build a twitter/insta following at the last minute, let me tell you it is a struggle.3. Make it cost money! (And don’t save this step for last)This seems like the most obvious one on the list. “No duh, a business needs to charge money”, you might be thinking. But I’m not talking about polished and completed products. I mean as soon as you’re asking people “would you pay for this”, you should have something to sell and put in their hands. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking it’s not good enough to ask people to pay for. The payment is the ultimate test if the prototype is worth it’s weight. (A price tag also makes users take you more seriously.) Even ideas that generate sneaky revenue (like ads), incorporating some kind of payment is a MUST. You’ll have the least amount of motivation/confidence at the end of building your project, so set up a payment stream as soon as possible.4. Don’t build something you wouldn’t use/buyBefore I build any project, one of the first things I do is check if someone has already beat me to it. There’s often a solution that fits the exact use case I was thinking of, and it works better than I could have designed it. Someone else has already build the thing that I need, and I still don’t spend money on their superior product. When that happens, I realize that the product idea is a non-starter. If I wouldn’t buy or download the superior solution that I needed and searched in the first place, why would anyone else buy it? Use yourself as a litmus test, and ask: “If this was a thing, would I actually download it/ buy it?” Be honest.5. Find someone that’s done it before to be your mentorFrankly, this is something I haven’t done myself yet. However, I know is absolutely necessary for success. My plan from here on out is to find someone that is familiar with the niche I’m building, and reach out to them via email, LinkedIn, or Twitter. I’m not saying reach out to Mark Cuban and bug him with general business questions. Instead if you’re starting a candle and soap business, find someone that’s experiencing success with that and ask them for guidance. Ask them good questions to specific problems you’re having. Good questions will take you further than bad questions like “How did you do it?” or “Where do I start?”.6. Keep the scope of the project small and simple. (Then make it simpler)I’m a big dreamer, so this is something I personally struggle with a lot. I can plan out in detail how to put together a big project on paper. But actually executing each step to bring that project to life is hard. Keep stripping your plans until you’re left with a minimum viable product. No features, bells, or whistles.7. Don’t hide your idea. Share it with everyone proudly, and get good at sharing it.Sharing your work can be scary. Asking for feedback can be even scarier. But the more you do it the less scary it is. Personally, I get less emotionally attached to my work the more I share it. When I get told my business idea rocks or sucks after I’ve already shared it with 20 people each individual opinion holds less weight. When this happens you can start evaluating the feedback for what it is, raw unemotional data. Whatever your business idea is, you should be able to explain it in layman’s terms in one short line or phrase.8. One month is not enough time to build a businessShocker. One month is barely enough time to build a meaningful prototype if you’re working in your free-time. If I could do it over again, I would allocate three to six months of part time work for each business idea. Work hard, use time wisely, but don’t set unrealistic deadlines for yourself.9. Plan a vacation/break!Everybody needs time to relax and decompress. Entrepreneurship is no different, cut out some time to rest and recover regularly. I like to keep the pace of my breaks about as often as I would vacation from a standard corporate job. Your work will suffer if you’re constantly stressed or exhausted. Go easy on yourself!10. Take care of yourself while you’re hustling. Exercise, sleep, and eat right.This point is so important I saved the best for last, so it sticks. Take care of your physical and mental health, or you’ll burn out in four months like I did. Plan for it, build habits, do whatever you have to do to stay healthy. Find what works for you. For ideas, here’s what I find works for me in this order:Exercise regularly (like 5x a week or more) — At least break a sweat each timeDon’t eat garbage. Junk food does NOT give you energy, it’s gives you temporary comfort and is slowly killing you. You know this, eat right.Be around people. Talk out any problems, even if you’re an introvert like me.Go talk a doctor or therapist if you’re still in the dumps. It’s hard to ask for help, but you will not out-think or out-muscle mental illness. I know this from experience, don’t overthink it, suck up your pain/pride, and ask for help. If you have honestly tried 123^ consistently and it’s not helping, call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask around for in-network therapists. Be kind to yourself, and hang in there. :)I put together this list for myself as much I did to share it with others. And I’m not giving up on my irrational goal of 12 startups in 12 months. I’m going to weekly review this list and make sure I’m practicing what I preach. There’s an infinite amount of tips/advice for starting a business, but I wanted to organize and share something that I wish past me could have read.TLDR: Build habits. Marketing is important and hard. Don't work for free. Only build something you would actually use. Find a mentor. Keep it simple, stupid. Take care of yourself.