You're not always a work in progress
+ what de-influencers want you to know + reframing mindfulness
Hi friend,
Here’s something I’m working to internalize: Do things the way they work for you.
Prefer physical planners and note-taking to the latest digital tool? Wonderful.
Not into being online 24/7 but still learning the trends? Amazing.
Work better with deep, short sprints rather than a full 8-hour day? Incredible.
And if you prefer the opposite, perfect. For you.
What works for me won’t work for you and vice versa.
So, let’s get it out of our heads that there’s one right way to work and live. Do what works for you.
And remember: we’re not always a work in progress.
with warmth + love,
N
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📚 The Click Throughs
Long-form reads for the marketing geek + content creator
Embedded: The Gen Z shake
We’ve all seen the millennial pause, but you’ve probably also seen this video intro: the shake as someone presses record then sets their phone down on a stable surface. Are all content details eventually generationalized?
Glossy: De-influencing is TikTok’s response to overconsumption and inauthenticity
I only recently came across my first “de-influencing” video and found it fascinating. Essentially, social media has brought forward so many trending products and hobbies based in consumerism. This new trend flips that and asks: do we really need all this stuff?
The New Yorker: My Year of Reddit and Relaxation
From personal experience, when I’ve been recently overwhelmed by social media, I’ve found myself regularly browsing the escapes of Reddit and Pinterest. This piece discusses how Reddit, which can often get forgotten, has remained a magical network away from the usual social discourse.
The Guardian: Why it’s time to stop filming strangers in public for social media thrills
Who knew this topic could be such a polarizing question? I’m guilty of loving videos of beautiful, candid moments on TikTok – like this man and his dog watching a sunset – but it’s anxiety-inducing to wonder if your flops could be recorded at any minute.
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🧘🏼♀️ Mindful Moment
One actionable thing to get you through this week
Oftentimes when we think of mindfulness, we think of the obvious: meditation, breathwork, yoga. I’m guilty of it too (just look back at how many times I’ve used this spot for meditation videos in past issues).
But one thing I’m working on is reframing what I think of as mindfulness.
In this season of life for me, mindfulness looks like: reading a book, walking my dog, making a latte and savoring it, taking care of our houseplants, doing my skincare routine, or taking a bath.
This week, I encourage you to reframe what you think of as mindful. What makes you feel like you’re living in the moment? What simply brings you joy?
(Bonus: feel free to reply or tag me on social media with one thing you’re doing that feels mindful to you!)
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🔗 Link(s) in Bio
Things I’ve been loving that have absolutely nothing to do with marketing or business
I support paid journalism and think you should subscribe to outlets/writers that you love. But it’s expensive and often unfeasible to subscribe to everything. I’ve been seeing RemovePaywall everywhere lately and just started using it. It’s not perfect, but hopefully it helps you access some of the articles below (my hack was always using an incognito browser). Sorry, but also you’re welcome?!
The Atlantic: Nothing Drains You Like Mixed Emotions – Sometimes it’s easier to feel bad about something than feel unsure. This piece argues that every time we’re in a middle ground of being conflicted, we expend more energy than if we just picked a side.
Mashable: You’re not getting old, concerts are weird now – The TikTokification of concerts has definitely been wild to watch. I’m a sucker for any Matty Healy or Harry Styles video, but I do wonder what effect it might have on the upcoming Taylor Swift tour (her last tour being pre-TikTok).
New York Times: The Digital Workplace Is Designed to Bring You Down – I’m a fan of Cal Newport’s work in the productivity space, dispelling the “always-on” grind culture. This piece hits on exactly what I’ve been thinking lately: do what works for you.
Rolling Stone: Nothing Can Cure These People Who Want to Bang the Mucinex Monster – Putting this here because I can’t get over this headline and now that I’ve seen this article, I need everyone else to see it too.
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💭 Content Calendar
Ideas for you to take into your week ahead as a content creator
For those of you who had “grow TikTok channel” as a goal this year, here’s a helpful recap of 7 short-form video trends to watch in 2023 from The Leap.
Also a reminder that even pros need refreshers sometimes. Don’t sleep on approaching things as a beginner.
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👋 The (ring) Light at the End of the Tunnel