On making challenging times less challenging
+ everything works out for us (on TikTok) + budget mental health resources
Hi friend,
Sometimes we have moments in life that require us to hold firm to our boundaries.
I just got back from a week of traveling abroad full of family events and 10+ hr flights. My jet lag and exhaustion forced me to ask:
What’s the bare minimum I need to complete today? What can I move or decline to make today a little bit more manageable?
I’ve done this a few times this past year. When I was going through some tough times, when I was physically unable to do things, when I was burnt out.
But it got me thinking… What if we didn’t need a major life event to happen to allow us to hold our boundaries? What if we could take things slower and lighter simply because that’s how we want to live?
So, here’s the permission, if you need it:
You don’t have to be going through a major challenge to make things less challenging for yourself.
You can hold your boundaries whenever you want to. Not just when you need to.
You deserve calmness and happiness and a life lived at your own pace.
You deserve to do whatever works for you without permission or a higher reason.
with warmth + love,
N
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📚 The Click Throughs
Long-form reads for the marketing geek + content creator
Marketing Brew: How will brands use TikTok in Super Bowl marketing this year?
With the recent M&Ms spokesperson campaign, it’s easy to see how some brands are gearing up for The Big Game with social media content. This piece includes commentary from agency experts on how a dual pronged approach with influencers can enhance the value of ad spots.
Garbage Day: Twitter is about 12 hours slower than Reddit
We’ve all experienced that moment when your friend sends you an IG Reel that you saw on TikTok a month before. This piece discusses the speed of Reddit’s algorithm versus Twitter’s algorithm and how social networks are shaped by the urgency of their trending content.
Sky News: What is ‘lucky girl syndrome’? The newest TikTok manifestation trend explained
Has your FYP also been inundated with videos repeating the “Everything works out for me” mantra? If so, this piece is a helpful explainer with analysis from a psychologist on how the “lucky girl” manifestations may not entirely be fictional.
Today: Teens love the anonymous new Gas app: Here’s what parents should know
Okay, I’m typically not a fan of the “what is this young person social media app” angle but this piece does provide a helpful overview of the latest app that’s providing more good than bad. Considering joining just so I can gas my friends up (but I might be too old).
Time: Why Everything on TikTok Is Beige and ‘Aesthetic’ Right Now
I’m obsessed with these picturesque videos, but I’m not sure I’d want my entire house to look like this. This piece interviews such ‘aesthetic’ creators on what makes their content so addictive and the decisions behind designing every aspect of their lives.
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🧘🏼♀️ Mindful Moment
One actionable thing to get you through this week
On the topic of boundary setting, I stumbled across this article in Shondaland about how to establish digital boundaries at work.
I recommend reading the full article, but here’s some of the actionable recommendations:
Determine start and end times for your workday
Include working hours or response time in work communication
Refrain from responding to work messages during breaks
Utilize status updates on work communication
Create and end-of-work ritual, such as closing your laptop
This week, I challenge you to pick one of their recommendations and follow it with me. I’m determining start and end times for my workday (harder than it sounds, IMHO).
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🔗 Link(s) in Bio
Things I’ve been loving that have absolutely nothing to do with marketing or business
Wondermind: 8 Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health When You’re On a Budget – Let’s face it, therapy isn’t cheap and the idea of having to invest money into mental health services can add stress to already stressful situations. This piece includes some cheaper + free options to prioritize yourself.
Rad Reads: Planning a 30 hour work week – My friend Khe Hy wrote this helpful piece on how to manage your time better to do your work in less time. Questioning the hustle mindset was the exact message I needed to hear coming back from travel and almost falling into the grind mindset.
Pet Hair on Everything: New Year’s Resolution Idea: Be Normal – I’ve loved watching Lee Tilghman’s recovery from being a wellness influencer and this piece is no exception. This piece challenges the idea of aiming for exceptional and doing all the things for instead being, well, average.
The Good Trade: How To Plan Your Own Writing Retreat To Find Creativity Again – I can’t remember who’s newsletter I found this in (if it’s yours, thank you!) but I’ve now become obsessed with the idea of holding my own writing retreat this spring. Anyone want to join me?
New York Times: Yes, Your Job Is Important. But It’s Not All-Important. – Two reasons you should read this: 1. Because Roxane Gay wrote it. 2. Because it’s a helpful and honest reminder about how work can feel all-consuming (and necessary, for the majority of us with bills to pay) but there’s still more to life than just work.
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💭 Content Calendar
Ideas for you to take into your week ahead as a content creator
I’m sure you’ve heard the latest frustration about how the social network algorithms are all prioritizing content that’s the same but different.
Trying to create explicitly for the algorithms can truly feel like a losing game. Even more, creating solely for what will be surfaced by the algorithm can deeply dilute your brand.
Sure, it’s important to know what’s trending and what’s top of mind for each network.
But it’s also important to stay true to your brand and create content that works for you instead of chasing an unknown end goal.
Create great content and don’t worry – the algorithm will probably change next week anyways.
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👋 The (ring) Light at the End of the Tunnel