Time off for others isn't always time off
+ an explainer on BING BONG + keeping work anxiety at bay during PTO
Hi friend,
I hope you've been able to take some time off for yourself lately.
This time of year, it's common to take time off. There's holiday obligations, traveling to see family, and the impromptu errands you forgot you need to do ahead of the new year.
But what I hope is that you're finding time to take off for yourself.
Not for others. Not for all the things you need to do on your to do list.
For mindless Netflix binges. For that hike you really wanted to do. For the time to rediscover your own city. For whatever you've been wanting to do but haven't found the time to do.
I know, it's hard to find time for that when so many others are demanding your attention. But maybe you can take one hour this month (or more if you can fit it!) just to do something you want to do.
Consider it a holiday present to yourself. You deserve it.
with warmth + love,
N
—
📚 The Click Throughs
Long-form reads for the marketing geek + content creator
The Atlantic: When Multilevel Marketing Met Gen Z
No matter the generation, no matter the means of communication, one thing remains: MLMs will always find a way into the conversation. In recent times, that looks like Instagram DMs + Facebook groups where Gen Z are falling into companies with new names but the same schemes.
The Verge: How an Excel TikToker manifested her way to making six figures a day
If you've ever tried to build a personal brand, you've heard the slew of advice to niche down. Nothing screams niche quite like a TikTok just for Microsoft Excel tips + lessons, and Kat Norton, more commonly known as Miss Excel, is reaping the benefits.
Related – Digiday: How non-traditional brands are connecting with avid fans on TikTok – if you're looking for a similar "niche down" angle, but for corporate brands.
Distractify: 'Sidetalk' Creators explain viral "Bing Bong" TikTok craze
As someone living within a driving distance of New York, my feeds have been flooded with BING BONG. And yet, I had no idea where it came from. If you're like me + too embarrassed to ask your NY friends, this article has you covered.
InsideHook: What's the Deal With the Corner of Instagram Where Fake Celebrity Accounts Offer Up Motivational Quotes?
I'm all for motivational and inspirational Instagram quotes, but these accounts using quotes alongside images of hustle culture are just... weird? This article investigates who's behind these accounts + asks the same thing we're all wondering: Why??????
—
🧘🏼♀️ Mindful Moment
One actionable thing to get you through this week
This one is a little different than usual, but bear with me.
Recently I woke up wide awake in the middle of the night + turned to my Headspace app for their Nighttime SOS series which helped me get back to sleep.
But I think this particular (10min) meditation is good for anytime of the day when you need a reset from all your mental chatter – let me know if you use it in the middle of the night!
—
🔗 Link(s) in Bio
Things I’ve been loving that have absolutely nothing to do with marketing or business
Mothers Under the Influence: Is "cozy season" a cry for help? – I've never been so simultaneously sad and fascinated by this analysis into the psychology + seasons we lean into coziness on social media.
After I spent 3 weeks this past September traveling and drinking at least one latte most days, I gave in + finally bought a Nespresso machine + milk frother for myself this Black Friday. I just really love foamy drinks + it felt more eco-friendly (they have a solid recycling program!) + I don't feel like pulling espresso shots every morning?? Anyways, if you have Nespresso pod or drink recipe recs, send them my way!
Well+Good: How to Keep Back-to-Work Anxiety From Ruining Those Last Precious Moments of Time Off – Just dropping this here ahead of what I assume will be a period of post-PTO anxiety for a lot of people. Definitely feels like the Sunday Scaries on steroids.
This is a little belated, but this video of Broadway performers (including Lin-Manuel Miranda + Sara Bareilles) singing a tribute to the legendary late composer Stephen Sondheim will give you chills (+ you may need tissues).
The Atlantic: How Leisure Time Became Work – Remember when hobbies were just, hobbies? This article dives into the process we've all seen (+ maybe experienced) when people to dive deeper into something they love by turning it into a side hustle. For better or worse.
New York Times: It's Never Too Late to Pick Up Your Life and Move to Italy – I really, really loved the lightness + romanticism of life in this story of a woman who vowed to move to Italy when she was 20 and made it happen 38 years later. Just a really good escapism piece.
My friend (and now client!) Emily Abbate is hosting an incredible virtual goal setting workshop to help you get your priorities set ahead of the new year. I attended this last year + it's the reason I've written to so many of you 35 times this past year. She's got a way of lighting that fire under you in a way that's also realistic + honest. There are two sessions this year (Dec 15 + 21) but I know they're gonna fill up quick, so make sure to snag your spot. Click here to register – tickets are $75 + well, well worth it to take stock of your 2022.
—
💭 Content Calendar
Ideas for you to take into your week ahead as a content creator
Sometimes, when I'm feeling really uninspired to create the content I need to create, I do something a little counterproductive.
I make content I want to make.
Sometimes that content won't make money. It won't move the needle. It won't go viral.
But sometimes it can unlock a part of your brain that's been blocked by that unexciting assignment.
It can chisel down the mountain of the tough content.
Give yourself a small amount of time to run wild and see what happens.
I bet it's worth your time.
—
👋 The (ring) Light at the End of the Tunnel