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On personal development, mindful productivity, creative lifestyle design, and figuring it out as you go
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Hey There!
I’ve come to a turning point in my YouTuber journey that has me reflecting on where I am in my career as a media producer.
After years of hustle at the outset of my career, it’s strange to no longer feel the need to prove myself. I’m content with the outward recognition I’ve received, and (even more importantly) I’ve developed a sense of inner confidence that grounds me outside of any external validation. I no longer feel the pressure of chasing material success. I love the sense of calm that brings me.
And yet, my YouTuber journey isn't resolved. I feel like there’s more that I’m meant to say, more that I have to contribute, and more that I know I’m capable of. I want to be doing the work I was put on this earth to do. I’m not concerned about getting particular accolades, I just don’t want to miss my mark.
That’s part of why I’m so excited about this next chapter, and about developing videos for my new YouTube channel, Bean Thinking. I want to create a series of videos that are dynamic, nuanced, and represent the highest expression of the creative skills I’ve learned the years. I want to have engaging discussions that help raise our collective consciousness around the social and cultural issues that are shaping our world. I want to add a voice to the public online conversation that I haven’t yet heard.
It’s not just pursuing a career, it’s pursuing a calling. It’s about hitting my mark, and making a positive mark on the world. I see the vision - I just need to bring it out on screen. And with that, I’m excited to get down to work.
Spiritedly,
Ahsante
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My latest videos, for your viewing pleasure and daily leisure
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I'm leaving 🏾... Come with me
In my latest video, I talk about why I'm stepping away from weekly Ahsante the Artist videos. I'm excited to put more effort into larger creative projects.
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My other recent videos include why your coworkers are not your friends, how I deal with betrayal, and how to make productivity less toxic for artistic perfectionists.
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I've relaunched my Patreon! We're now The Brilliant Beans Community, complete with a fun logo and shiny new perks! Check out the page to see all the new tiers are rewards.
I'll be using the community space to share the behind the scenes of developing Bean Thinking, to get feedback on videos, and to discuss upcoming topics.
If you're interested in supporting and getting more involved in my work, I'd love for you to join us.
And if you join by July 31st, you'll get a special gift: a physical postcard with a handwritten note and a design I've painted.
Thank you so much to The Brilliant Beans for your support!
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Two new things!
For the next few months, I'll be working on a new video essay YouTube channel called Bean Thinking. Subscribe here so that you see new episodes in your feed when they're ready.
I've launched an artist Instagram account! If you've been curious to see more of my art and creative work outside of making videos, that'll be the place to find it.
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Music to keep your spirits up and let it all out
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Here's a playlist of jams that I've been grooving to lately. Take a listen and bob your head along as you pop through your inbox.
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Pieces of media and pop culture that I'm absolutely loving
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Rotisserie Chickens are Inflation-Proof
Shoutout to this WSJ podcast episode for the hot tip on rotisserie chickens. This was a fun and fascinating listen about how rotisserie chicken became prominent in grocery stores and why the prices have stayed low even when other food prices are on the rise.
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Personal Kanban: Mapping Work | Navigating Life
by Jim Benson and Tonianne DeMaria Barry
This book transformed the way I think about managing my tasks and workload. It encourages us to resist pushing tasks onto our schedule by arbitrary deadlines and to instead pull tasks onto our plate based on our current availability, energy, and circumstances (rather than trying to predict our future capacity, which often proves inaccurate). I also love the point that our days don’t fill, they flow. Jam-packing your schedule can actually reduce your throughput, and throughput is what productivity is all about.
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What's been keeping my productivity boosted
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- Loom: Loom will allow you to capture a short video recording using your webcam, desktop recording, or a combination, and quickly send that video to someone else. This handy app a great way to answer questions that are too complicated for a text response. I use Loom to answer questions from colleagues or customers that need an on-screen walkthrough of how to use a particular program or piece of software.
- An Extra-Wide Monitor: Prior to using one extra-wide monitor, I had been using my main laptop plus a monitor on the side. I’m so glad I made the switch. I’ve been loving the extra-wide setup I’ve been using for the past year. Mine is the LG 34-Inch 21:9. I chose a flat screen as a more moderately priced version, but if you have the cash, it could be worth splurging for a curved model. It’s been great to be able to roll through a long video editing timeline or lay out apps beside each other, all in one place.
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Live Spiritedly & Think Creatively
Catch ya next time :)
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PPS. Consider supporting me on Patreon to help me continue making dope work
Some links in this email may be affiliate links, through which I earn a percentage of any purchase made.
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