How to Set Up a Podcast with Video: A Comprehensive Guide

In today’s digital age, podcasts have become an increasingly popular medium for sharing information, telling stories, and building communities. While traditional audio podcasts continue to thrive, many creators are now exploring the world of video podcasting to enhance their content and engage with their audience on a deeper level. This comprehensive guide will walk you through setting up a podcast with video, from planning and equipment selection to recording, editing, and distribution.

Understanding Video Podcasting

Video podcasting, also known as vodcasting, combines the audio elements of traditional podcasting with visual components. This format allows creators to connect with their audience on multiple levels, providing a richer and more engaging experience. Video podcasts range from simple talking-head setups to elaborate productions with multiple cameras, graphics, and on-location segments.

Benefits of Video Podcasting:

  1. Enhanced audience engagement
  2. Increased shareability on social media platforms
  3. Opportunity to showcase visual elements relevant to your content
  4. Potential for additional revenue streams through video advertising

Planning Your Video Podcast

Having a solid plan before tackling the technical aspects of setting up your video podcast is crucial.

Key Elements to Consider:

  1. Podcast Concept: Define your podcast’s topic, niche, and target audience. What unique perspective or value will you bring to your listeners and viewers?
  2. Format: Decide on the structure of your episodes. Will you have interviews, solo commentary, panel discussions, or a mix of different formats?
  3. Episode Length: Determine the ideal duration for your episodes. This can vary depending on your content and audience preferences but typically ranges from 20 minutes to an hour.
  4. Release Schedule: Establish a consistent publishing schedule. Will you release episodes weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly?
  5. Visual Style: Consider the visual elements you want to incorporate, such as on-screen graphics, lower thirds, or b-roll footage.
  6. Branding: Develop a cohesive brand identity for your podcast, including logos, color schemes, and intro/outro music.

Essential Equipment for Video Podcasting

To create a high-quality video podcast, you’ll need to invest in essential equipment. While it’s possible to start with crucial gear and upgrade over time, having the right tools from the beginning can significantly improve your podcast’s production value.

Camera

Your camera choice will significantly impact the visual quality of your video podcast. Options include:

  1. DSLR or Mirrorless Camera: Offers excellent video quality and interchangeable lenses for versatility.
  2. Webcam: A budget-friendly option for beginners, with some high-end models providing good quality.
  3. Smartphone: Modern smartphones can capture high-quality video and are a great starting point for new podcasters.

Microphone

Clear audio is crucial for any podcast. Consider these microphone options:

  1. USB Microphone: Easy to use and connect directly to your computer.
  2. XLR Microphone: Provides professional-grade audio quality but requires an audio interface.
  3. Lavalier Microphone: Ideal for on-the-go recording or when you want to minimize visible equipment.

Lighting

Proper lighting can significantly enhance the visual appeal of your video podcast:

  1. Ring Light: Provides even, flattering lighting for single-person setups.
  2. Softbox Lights: Offer diffused lighting for a professional look.
  3. LED Panel Lights: Versatile and adjustable for various lighting scenarios.

Additional Equipment

  1. Tripod: Ensures stable camera positioning.
  2. Audio Interface: Required for XLR microphones to connect to your computer.
  3. Headphones: Essential for monitoring audio during recording.
  4. Green Screen: Allows for custom backgrounds and virtual sets.

Setting Up Your Recording Space

Creating an optimal recording environment is crucial for producing high-quality video podcasts.

Key Considerations:

  1. Sound Treatment: Use acoustic panels, carpets, or curtains to absorb sound and minimize echo and background noise.
  2. Background: Choose a visually appealing background that aligns with your podcast’s theme. This could be a bookshelf, a branded backdrop, or a green screen for virtual backgrounds.
  3. Lighting Setup: Position your lights to eliminate shadows and create a well-lit, professional-looking set.
  4. Camera Placement: Set your camera at eye level or slightly above for the most flattering angle.
  5. Cable Management: Keep cables organized and out of sight to maintain a clean, professional look.

Recording Your Video Podcast

With your equipment and recording space prepared, it’s time to start recording your video podcast.

Recording Software Options:

  1. OBS Studio: A free, open-source recording and live-streaming software.
  2. Ecamm Live: A powerful, user-friendly option for Mac users.
  3. Riverside.FM: A web-based platform that records high-quality audio and video tracks separately.
  4. Zoom: Familiar to many and useful for remote interviews, though audio quality may be lower than dedicated podcast recording software.

Tips for Successful Recording:

  1. Conduct a test recording to check audio levels, video quality, and framing.
  2. Use a clapboard or verbal cue at the beginning of each segment to help sync audio and video during editing.
  3. Record backup audio using a separate device as a precaution against technical issues.
  4. Maintain eye contact with the camera to engage your audience.
  5. Be mindful of your body language and facial expressions throughout the recording.

Editing Your Video Podcast

Post-production is where you’ll refine your raw footage into a polished, engaging video podcast episode.

Video Editing Software Options:

  1. Adobe Premiere Pro: Professional-grade software with many features.
  2. Final Cut Pro X: A popular choice for Mac users, offering powerful editing capabilities.
  3. DaVinci Resolve: A free option with professional-level color grading tools.
  4. iMovie: A user-friendly, free option for Mac users new to video editing.

Editing Process:

  1. Import Footage: Bring video and audio files into your editing software.
  2. Sync Audio and Video: If recording separately, align your high-quality audio with the video footage.
  3. Cut and Arrange Clips: Remove unwanted sections and arrange your content in the desired order.
  4. Add B-roll and Graphics: Incorporate additional footage, images, or graphics to enhance your content.
  5. Apply Color Correction: Adjust the color and exposure of your footage for a consistent, professional look.
  6. Add Intro and Outro: Include your podcast’s branded introduction and conclusion.
  7. Insert Lower Thirds and Titles: Add name tags, episode titles, and relevant on-screen text.
  8. Refine Audio: Adjust audio levels, remove background noise, and add music or sound effects as needed.
  9. Export: Render your final video in the appropriate format and quality for your chosen distribution platforms.

Choosing a Hosting Platform

To make your video podcast available to your audience, you’ll need to choose a hosting platform that can handle both audio and video content.

Popular Hosting Options:

  1. Libsyn: Offers podcast hosting with video support and distribution to major podcast directories.
  2. Podbean: Provides unlimited video podcast hosting with customizable websites.
  3. Buzzsprout: User-friendly platform with video hosting capabilities and detailed analytics.
  4. Transistor: Offers professional podcast hosting with support for video podcasts.

When selecting a hosting platform, consider storage capacity, bandwidth limits, analytics features, and pricing factors.

Distributing Your Video Podcast

You’ll want to distribute your video podcast across multiple platforms to reach the broadest possible audience.

Key Distribution Channels:

  1. YouTube: The largest video-sharing platform, ideal for growing your audience.
  2. Apple Podcasts: A central podcast directory that now supports video podcasts.
  3. Spotify: Increasingly popular for podcast consumption, with video podcast capabilities.
  4. Facebook: Allows for native video uploads and live streaming.
  5. Instagram: Share clips or full episodes through IGTV.
  6. LinkedIn is a professional network with video-sharing capabilities.

Ensure you optimize your content for each platform, as requirements and best practices may vary.

Promoting Your Video Podcast

Creating great content is only half the battle; you must promote your video podcast to attract and retain listeners and viewers.

Promotion Strategies:

  1. Social Media Marketing: Share clips, behind-the-scenes content, and full episodes across your social channels.
  2. Collaborate with Other Creators: Partner with other podcasters or content creators in your niche for cross-promotion.
  3. Engage with Your Community: Respond to comments, create discussion threads, and encourage audience participation.
  4. Email Marketing: Build an email list to notify subscribers about new episodes and exclusive content.
  5. SEO Optimization: Use relevant keywords in your episode titles, descriptions, and show notes to improve discoverability.
  6. Paid Advertising: Use platforms like Google Ads or social media advertising to reach new audiences.
  7. Attend Industry Events: Network with other podcasters and promote your show at conferences and meetups.

Monetizing Your Video Podcast

As your video podcast grows, you may want to explore monetization options to support your efforts.

Monetization Methods:

  1. Sponsorships and Advertising: Partner with brands for sponsored content or ad placements.
  2. Patreon or Membership Programs: Offer exclusive content or perks to paying subscribers.
  3. Merchandise: Create and sell branded products related to your podcast.
  4. Live Events: Host virtual or in-person events for your audience.
  5. Consulting or Coaching: Leverage your expertise to offer services related to your podcast topic.
  6. Affiliate Marketing: Promote products or services and earn commissions on sales.

Best Practices and Tips for Success

To maximize the success of your video podcast, keep these best practices in mind:

  1. Consistency is Key: Maintain a regular publishing schedule to build audience expectations and loyalty.
  2. Focus on Quality: Improve your content, audio, and video quality.
  3. Engage with Your Audience: Encourage feedback, answer questions, and build a community around your podcast.
  4. Stay Informed: Keep up with industry trends and new podcasting and video production technologies.
  5. Repurpose Content: Create blog posts, social media content, and shorter video clips from your full episodes.
  6. Analyze and Adapt: Regularly review your analytics to understand what’s working and adjust your strategy accordingly.
  7. Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through and build genuine connections with your audience.
  8. Continual Learning: Improve your public speaking, interviewing, and video production skills.

By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to launch and grow a successful video podcast. Building an audience takes time and persistence, so stay committed to creating valuable content and engaging with your community. With dedication and creativity, your video podcast can become a powerful platform for sharing your message and connecting with listeners and viewers worldwide.

How to Become a Social Media Influencer: A Comprehensive Guide

In today’s digital age, becoming a social media influencer has become an attractive career path for many. Influencer marketing has become a billion-dollar industry with the potential to reach millions of followers, collaborate with brands, and monetize your online presence. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to build influence and establish yourself as a successful social media personality.

1. Define Your Niche and Target Audience

Choosing Your Focus Area

The first step in becoming a social media influencer is identifying your niche. This should be an area where you have expertise, passion, or unique insights. Popular niches include:

– Fashion and beauty

– Fitness and health

– Travel

– Food and cooking

– Technology

– Gaming

– Lifestyle

– Personal development

– Business and entrepreneurship

Focusing on a specific niche can establish you as an authority in that field and attract a dedicated audience interested in your content.

Understanding Your Target Audience

Once you’ve chosen your niche, research your target audience. Consider:

– Demographics (age, gender, location)

– Interests and preferences

– Pain points and challenges

– Social media habits

Understanding your audience will help you create content that resonates with them and builds a loyal following.

2. Choose Your Primary Social Media Platforms

Different platforms cater to various audiences and content types. Select the platforms that best align with your niche and target audience:

Instagram

Best for: Visual content, lifestyle, fashion, travel, and food

Key features: Photos, Stories, Reels, IGTV

TikTok

Best for: Short-form video content, trends, and challenges

Key features: 15-60 second videos, duets, filters

YouTube

Best for: Long-form video content, tutorials, vlogs

Key features: Video uploads, live streaming, community posts

Twitter

Best for: News, opinions, quick updates

Key features: Short text posts, threads, polls

Facebook

Best for: Community building, longer text posts, events

Key features: Groups, Pages, Live video

LinkedIn

Best for: Professional networking, B2B content

Key features: Articles, networking, job postings

While it’s tempting to be active on all platforms, focus on mastering one or two initially. As you grow, you can expand to other platforms.

3. Create High-Quality, Engaging Content

Content is king in the world of social media influencing. To stand out, you must consistently produce high-quality, engaging content that provides value to your audience.

Types of Content

– Photos and graphics

– Short-form videos (Reels, TikToks)

– Long-form videos (YouTube, IGTV)

– Live streams

– Text posts and captions

– Stories and ephemeral content

– Podcasts

Content Creation Tips

– Invest in good equipment (camera, microphone, lighting)

– Learn basic editing skills

– Stay up-to-date with platform trends and features

– Be authentic and showcase your personality

– Tell stories that resonate with your audience

– Provide value through education, entertainment, or inspiration

– Maintain a consistent posting schedule

4. Optimize Your Social Media Profiles

Your profile is often the first impression potential followers have of you. Optimize it to attract and retain followers:

– Choose a memorable username

– Use a high-quality profile picture

– Write a compelling bio that clearly states your niche and what followers can expect

– Include relevant keywords for discoverability

– Add a call-to-action (e.g., “Follow for daily fitness tips”)

– Link to your other social media accounts or website

5. Engage With Your Audience and Build a community

Engagement is crucial for growing your influence. Interact with your followers to build a loyal community:

– Respond to comments and direct messages promptly

– Ask questions and encourage discussions

– Create polls and interactive content

– Host Q&A sessions or AMAs (Ask Me Anything)

– Collaborate with other creators in your niche

– Show appreciation for your followers’ support

6. Understand Social Media Algorithms

Each platform has an algorithm that determines content visibility. While algorithms change frequently, some general principles apply:

– Consistency: Post regularly to maintain engagement

– Timeliness: Share content when your audience is most active

– Engagement: Higher engagement rates boost visibility

– Relevance: Create content that aligns with current trends

– Native content: Utilize platform-specific features (e.g., Reels for Instagram)

Stay informed about algorithm updates and adjust your strategy accordingly.

7. Utilize Hashtags and SEO Techniques

Hashtags and SEO can significantly increase your content’s discoverability:

Hashtag Strategies

– Research popular and relevant hashtags in your niche

– Use a mix of broad and niche-specific hashtags

– Create branded hashtags for your content

– Participate in trending hashtag challenges

SEO for Social Media

– Include relevant keywords in your profile, captions, and content

– Optimize your content for voice search (use natural language)

– Create descriptive alt text for images

– Use geotags when relevant

8. Collaborate With Other Influencers and Brands

Collaborations can expose you to new audiences and create exciting content:

Influencer Collaborations

– Participate in challenges or trends together

– Create joint content (e.g., guest appearances in videos)

– Cross-promote each other’s content

– Join influencer networks or groups

Brand Collaborations

– Start with micro-influencer opportunities

– Reach out to brands that align with your values and niche

– Create a media kit showcasing your statistics and audience demographics

– Be professional and deliver on your commitments

9. Monetize Your Influence

As your following grows, explore various monetization strategies:

– Sponsored posts and brand partnerships

– Affiliate marketing

– Creating and selling digital products (e.g., e-books, courses)

– Merchandise

– Patreon or subscription-based content

– Speaking engagements and appearances

– Consulting or coaching services

Remember to disclose sponsored content and partnerships to maintain trust with your audience.

10. Analyze and Adapt Your Strategy

Regularly review your performance and adjust your strategy:

– Use platform analytics tools to track engagement, reach, and growth

– Survey your audience to understand their preferences

– Stay informed about industry trends and platform updates

– Experiment with different content types and posting times

– Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)

11. Maintain Authenticity and Ethical Standards

As your influence grows, it’s crucial to maintain authenticity and adhere to ethical standards:

– Stay true to your values and brand

– Be transparent about sponsored content and partnerships

– Respect your audience’s privacy and data

– Use your platform responsibly and consider your impact

– Address mistakes or controversies honestly and promptly

12. Expand Your Presence Beyond Social Media

To solidify your influence and create additional revenue streams:

– Create a personal website or blog

– Start an email newsletter

– Write a book or ebook

– Launch a podcast

– Offer online courses or workshops

– Attend industry events and conferences

13. Stay Informed and Continue Learning

The social media landscape is constantly evolving. Stay ahead by:

– Following industry news and trends

– Attending workshops and webinars

– Learning new skills (e.g., video editing, photography)

– Networking with other influencers and industry professionals

– Experimenting with emerging platforms and technologies

14. Manage Your Time and Avoid Burnout

Being a social media influencer can be demanding. Implement strategies to manage your time and maintain work-life balance:

– Create a content calendar and schedule posts in advance

– Set boundaries for work hours and personal time

– Delegate tasks when possible (e.g., hire an assistant or editor)

– Take regular breaks from social media

– Prioritize self-care and mental health

15. Plan for Long-Term Success

Think beyond short-term gains and plan for sustainable success:

– Diversify your income streams

– Build a personal brand that can evolve with changing trends

– Invest in your skills and education

– Save and manage your finances wisely

– Consider forming a business entity for legal and tax purposes

Becoming a successful social media influencer requires dedication, creativity, and strategic planning. Creating valuable content, engaging with your audience, and staying authentic can build a loyal following and turn your passion into a thriving career. Remember that success doesn’t happen overnight – be patient, persistent, and always open to learning and adapting.

As you embark on your journey to become a social media influencer, remember that the landscape is constantly changing. Stay flexible, embrace new technologies and trends, and always prioritize providing value to your audience. With hard work and the right strategy, you can build a robust online presence and make a meaningful impact in your chosen niche.

What Addiction Promises

What addiction promises. Your life in chaos is just the foundation.

Below is my Podcast about addiction and the longterm wreckage it causes. Good news for anyone suffering there is a way out of the horror. You can find peace and renewed hope.

addiction, alcoholism, party lifestyle

 

Give a listen: https://anchor.fm/robert-bruton

 

 

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Plan B Hell NO

This is a quick look at the first chapter of my book, Plan B Hell NO. Of all my books I love this one for many reasons.

Shatter your Plan B and give way to success! 

Chapter 1

Learning the Difference

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”—Nelson Mandela

We are going to cover some perspectives that if you lean the difference between these ideologies, you will learn the first steps in unwavering faith.

You must change your mindset of lack in this first set of ideas that cause doubt. We don’t have the right resources. Learn when thinking of what you can do, say to yourself, “we just burned the boats now what?”

What to learn before you throw plan-b out:

  • Activity vs. Productivity acquire the difference!
  • Resources vs. Resourcefulness.
  • Failure, delays, obstacles, on the other side, is your success.
  • Unwavering faith!
  • Visualize, see yourself already having achieved your goal.
  • Gratitude is grateful where you are now and thankful for what is coming.

Learn to master these few things, and you will rocket ship your success.

First set: Resources vs. Resourcefulness

Where most folks fail in endeavors is their belief of a lack of resources. “I don’t have this; I don’t have that.” Ultimately, nothing begins, or they don’t finish what they started because they sold themselves on the fact “I don’t have.”

Here is what is lacking. Resourcefulness! It’s not a lack of resources; it’s a lack of ingenuity that causes you to fail. Some of the most beautiful photography does not get shot from a $10,000 camera but a $100 point-and-shoot or a smartphone. It’s not the gear; it’s the eye of the photographer. Take a look at what some of the top YouTube channels shoot with; most will tell you they started with a phone or a point-and-shoot.

We are learning to plan and execute with precision. Meaning, we learn to organize yourself for production. Days are about the output from hour-to-hour. We’re going to get into this later in the book.

So how do we learn to be resourceful?

  1. The most obvious is research. Learn everything there is to know about what you want to begin. Your knowledge needs to be you are the news organization’s first call when they need a professional opinion. The what you do does not matter, the knowledge base you have is unmatched.
  2. Learn to make do with what you have temporarily. If you need a tool to perform your job but do not own one, can you rent, borrow, a joint venture with someone who does. For example, I am a photographer, when I need a camera Lens, I rent it. If offered a job that requires a lens that might cost me tens of thousands of dollars to purchase, I rent it!
  3. I currently have a full-time job. I don’t have time. Can you get up an hour early? Give one hour a day every day, and at the end of the year, you’ve invested 365 hours to your new endeavor. If you’re more inclined to succeed get up at 4:00 AM. You would be in good company, Bill Gates is up, Dewayne “The Rock” Johnson is up, and so is Warren Buffet.
  4. Can you swap for things? If someone has something, you need to see if they’re willing to accept another form of payment from you. It’s a long shot, but long shots win at the track every day! You dare to ask for what you need.
  5. Bend the rules of any situation. BEND NOT BREAK. Bend rules to accomplish. We never bend the rules to destruct or harm. Ever! Think outside the normal.
  6. Learn to play several hands. Double down when you can. Never rely on one solution when others may work as well.
  7. Communicate with potential clients, vendors, or angel help. Learn to voice yourself to get what you need. You will be amazed at how many good-hearted people are out there if you present yourself well.

When you think about resourcefulness, think about people who have defied all odds to achieve.  We’ve all heard of or seen Escape from Alcatraz. Arguably a prison that should be escape-proof but turned out not to be.

We’ve all heard stories of cancer recovery; you’ll never walk again, obstacles placed before folks that didn’t listen. They defied the odds and overcame incredible adversity. Where there is a will, there is a way. Pardon the cliché, but it’s true.

Resourceful people also have patience. Where many fail is, they get frustrated because change is not immediate. Resources may be moving around with the help of the Universe to align themselves with you.

I told this story in a Podcast. Think about patience this way. Say you want a job, not just any job but your dream job. You pray about it, visualize it and know you can do it. You start losing faith, so much so eventually you give up. What you did not see was that your dream job that could have been yours currently occupied by someone that had you waited just a bit longer would have been available because that person retired. God was going to steer you to this job after a deserving person was able to retire with a bang. They earned that for years of service.

God was letting someone retire with the fanfare they richly earned, and he was going to put you in it because you stayed in faith, you made it. You got frustrated and moved on. How stupid do you think you would feel if you had this knowledge after you lost the opportunity?

Opportunity can come quickly, or slowly. If your faith stays true to the course, you’re on, when the knock-on opportunities door comes it will be more than we ever imagined. Imagine the wisdom you might have received from the person exiting your dream job. What did you miss because you could not be patient?

At this point, some of you may be saying, “but I’m not that clever.” Everyone can be clever. Here are some ways you can learn to quiet your mind. When you do this, it’s incredible how much your thoughts will begin to serve you instead of stress you.

  • Meditation is fantastic, and anyone can do it. What this practice allows you to do is to slow your mind down. Declutters your head so you can organize your thoughts and be receptive to receive new ideas.

If you want to learn to be more resourceful, learn to meditate so your mind can clear a pathway to new thoughts.

If life is not set too well right now, meditation can help you find peace. Living in your mind will cause us to live in fear, pain, and anxiety. Our thoughts wander off into the abyss of negativity.

Meditate to get in touch with your soul. When we live from the soul, all things are possible. During meditation practice aligning with God, the divine source will release your energy. Bring into our lives joy, happiness, and oneness with the universe where real peace can live.

Connecting with Devine Energy:

As part of healthy meditation practice, we can cleanse our bodies of toxic, life-draining anxiety. We can see what our deepest desires for health, family, relationships, all in our minds. When you believe in your soul, that’s when things begin to materialize.

It’s a simple process. Find some meditative music. Use headphones if possible. You can find lots of meditation music on YouTube®. Find a relaxing position; I like to lay down on my bed flat. Breathe deeply in through the nose and out through the mouth. Deep cleansing breaths relax!

As you begin your meditation, don’t worry if your mind moves in thought. It will take some time for you to get to a point in your meditation practice that you can control your thoughts. It’s ok.

Begin to connect with God, ask him to come into your life, and only pray to him. Release your cares to him. Then show him through your mind, see yourself receiving blessings, see yourself in the state that you want to be. Visualize in your mind, your deepest desires and then tell God how grateful you are.

There is a reason it is called a meditation practice. It will take a bit of time for the mind to clear trash thoughts. It’s ok. Continue this practice daily. Several times a day if you have the time. For sure, before bedtime.

Connecting to Devine source will open your life to wonderous new blessings and peace.

If you want to be resourceful, learn to open your mind, declutter your head so you can find new ways to achieve your goals.

Second set: Activity vs. Productivity

Massive in changing anything about your life. So many people tell me they don’t have time. They can’t fit another thing in their day. My short answer, “you don’t know how to manage your time.” I usually get a lot of expletives shouted at me. Hear me out before you hit the refund button.

You will need to indulge me in an activity. First, get two pages of a daily calendar that starts and ends with your work times. You need a daily view that breaks up the day hour-by-hour. Then what I want you to do is HONESTLY write down what you do for two days literally by the hour.

Yes, you can do it, and yes, it’s a pain in the ass. How bad do you want to change?

Chronicle your day, I mean from bathroom breaks to screwing around on social media. Chin-wagging with friends, talking on the phone, you get the idea. Be honest; this is not a test but will be an ah-ha moment. “Holy crap, I waste a lot of time.”

We can find you somewhere close to 20 hours per week. I promise you will be amazed.

So, this is what activity will look like now let’s talk about what productivity looks like — time-sensitive projects, client fires, things that are typically out of your control but do take time. Of course, we must adjust for issues as they arise. The point to all this is once we get distracted, we immediately get back on task.

What a day looks like filled with production:

  1. Set times that you can do routine daily tasks. For example, email. Can you make two times a day for email? Morning and afternoon. Daily try and identify how much time you spend on email. Most emails can wait for a time.
  2. Give each function of your day a set time to start and complete. Never leave a task incomplete for the day if you can finish.
  3. Learn to keep distractions to a minimum. Let friends and family know that if possible, call you at designated times.
  4. Social media is a killer of time. It boils down to is looking at what your sister-in-law cooked for dinner or is a success your passion? Also, keeping up with friends during the day, why waste productive time? Social media eats time with NO benefit to your success.
  5. You have 24 hours in a day, you need 6 hours of sleep, leaving you 18 hours! Now tell me you don’t have time! Get organized with time. Time is a friend or foe.

Invest time for yourself. Imagine after a year of one hour a day; now, you have 365 hours invested in your freedom. Knowledge is freedom.

Change your perspective about sacrifice. If you feel you must sacrifice anything, you’re in the wrong mode. If you think you must surrender to realize a dream you have. Ask yourself why?

What you put into a thing, for example; getting up earlier to begin your day. Some would say this is a sacrifice. NO!

Anything you do to further your life is an investment, not a sacrifice. Learn to invest in your success. Everything you do that facilitates your life experience is an investment that yields a net result.

It’s not a bloody sacrifice to have a happy life. You don’t have to give up anything to have a happy life. You gave up an hour of sleep to further your life and that somehow realistically is a sacrifice?

Look at actions you’re engaged in that you feel is a sacrifice. Then HONESTLY ask yourself why you feel that way. My guess is you’re not adequately managing your time. Don’t get pissed. We all suck at managing time. Activity vs. Productivity!

Visualize what you want. Not just about material things.

  • Happy
  • Relationship
  • Body
  • Mind
  • Soul
  • Work
  • Home

See where we’re galloping off to here? It’s an all-encompassing visualization of our life. See the life you want to have. We do this in our mind’s eye.

The best time I have found to do this is during my meditation practice. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Have a place where you can quiet your mind without interruption.
  2. I find it easier to de-clutter my mind with soft meditation music or outdoor sounds like crickets, ocean, rain, this type of sounds are soothing.
  3. Begin to see with eyes closed focus your mind on what you desire to see change. See yourself happy, in a happy relationship, new job, new body, focus until you smile. Stay in that state-of-mind for as long as you’re comfortable.
  4. Do this practice at least once per day.
  5. When you begin to believe it, the Universe will start to manifest your dreams.
  6. Have patience and gratitude. Lock in your faith!

Gratitude for where you are, what you have today lets the Universe know you’re available to receive blessings. Demonstrate your true faithfulness in this life. Then learn to be grateful for what is coming, what you can’t see but desire to be a part of your life.

Be happy where you are and for what is coming, and miracles will abound.

Focus on Gratitude every day. Take moments out of your day to thank God for what you have and what you cannot see. Give praise for the life you have.

Click Here to Check out the Entire Book available at Amazon

book, ebook, read

Can You Find Silence

We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature – trees, flowers, grass grows in silence; see the stars, the moon, and the sun, how they move in silence… We need silence to be able to touch souls.”–Mother Thresa 

For the longest time at the beginning of my faith. The silence was not comfortable to achieve. What we mean by silence is the wheels that are spinning in our heads. Relaxing on any level is a challenge.

Finding silence will have peaceful results in your life. Learning to not freak out over daily challenges, not letting the traffic jam ruin your day. What is your joy worth?

Think about that question for a moment. What is your joy worth?

Is losing your joy worth:

  • Traffic Jam?
  • A line at the Grocery?
  • Poor Service?
  • Someone else having a bad day, spills over on you?
  • Financial Issues? (always remember temporary)

You see the point here. We all become susceptible to losing our joy for reasons that are either out of our control, brief, or only not worth the aggravation we bring upon ourselves.

It’s too easy getting caught up in silliness that steals our joy. Seriously, getting pissed because someone cuts us off at the exit. It could be that God moved you from harm’s way. Life happens for a reason. Instead of flipping the poor soul off that cut you off, maybe the purpose was to save you. Unbeknownst to any of the folks involved!

You never know what turn life throws at you that is actually saving your fanny. It may not look like it at the time.

How does standing in line at the grocery because they’re short-staffed. How about listening to an uplifting Podcast while waiting? Or you can be grumpy and ruin your day. What you choose is a choice.

Make the most out of time. Caught in traffic, let us say. Crank up some music that gets your heart pumping. Again listen to a good podcast. Choose to do something fun instead of being grumpy. Life is a choice of happy or sad.

self improvement, self help, happy

Learning to allow life to just roll of our shoulders. Don’t hold on to the lousy luggage. Let that luggage get lost at the airport. Hanging onto negativity begets negativity. Letting someone steal your joy over something stupid, well, you do the math.

My joy is no longer for sale to jerks, grumpy bosses, lousy service, or the like. Don’t let someone else miserable day ruin yours!

So how do we find silence? 

  1. Meditation, learn to sit in quiet reflection. I use rain and ocean sounds using headphones. Close your eyes and breathe through your nose, out of the mouth. Silence phone!!!
  2. Prayer. Find times to pray. Let God know what you need. Just have a good conversation. 

These two simple acts can change your life. We find answers in the silence. Allow God to flow through you when you’re quiet. This is where you hear God speak to you!

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