Career counseling

I was asked to speak to a group of Nepali students on “Career counseling.” I wrote a few things down.

When you’re uncertain, you’re uncomfortable. No one likes being uncomfortable. That’s why we go to doctors to get medicine instead of taking vitamins.

In addition to telling you to take vitamins and… More...

Fight fire with water

Stop fighting and relax. Instead of trying to confront obstacles head on, look for ease. Can you infuse confrontations with love? Bring fluidity into challenging situations? Maybe you feel stuck. Sometimes desired outcomes happen as a result of less effort, not more.

When you’re feeling the heat at work or at home, weave cool and… More...

The difference between an amateur and a professional

An amateur hopes a goal will happen. The professional sets a goal then works backwards.

An amateur cuts with words. Professionals look for ways to raise their own game while lifting others alongside them.

An amateur relies on hope. The professional acts and demonstrates results.

The amateur… More...

Where’s the leak?

If find your concentration veering or feel easily distracted, your efforts are probably not fully focused. Without directing your power, the goals you have set for yourself will remain just that – goals, with no clear outcome.

It is worth tracking your thoughts and daily activities to see where your energy “leaks” are. Scheduling your routine accordingly can help you counter those moments in… More...

How to create your future

Last weekend my team and I organized the first free outdoor film festival in Pokhara, Nepal. From crowdfunding to logistical planning, we spent months outlining how the event would run. Through hard work, grit, and perseverance, we turned what was once a dream into reality: Over 400 attendees enjoyed films in three different locations throughout the city. Popcorn, prizes, and toys were distributed….

SEO fundamentals

Most small business owners have heard of SEO and know this is the secret sauce that can push your content up the list of search engines. But many do not know exactly what it entails or how to put it into practice. Here are some SEO basics:

Research

You have to know not only what your competition is doing but what your customers are searching for. If you are promoting and…

11 reasons to work for free

“Why do you work for free?”

I hear this question often, especially after having volunteered for five years in Nepal. Most creatives, freelancers, and entrepreneurs will face this very same question at some point in their careers.

Should I work for free? Should I participate in this unpaid project? Should I volunteer my time?

Working for free can come with many benefits. Here are my top nine:

1. Connections
2. Personal satisfaction
3. Appreciation
4. Experience

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Is it ready?

It might never be.

You will always find another mistake. Another word to change. A function to edit, a feature to add.

The work is knowing you’ve put the effort forth and done your due diligence.

Ship courageously.

Click publish.

Release your art into the world.

Trust the process.

What do you want more than anything?

Grit. Determination. Focus. Passion. Stubbornness. Courage. Diligence. Patience.

Your biggest dreams will require all of these and more. You will wonder whether your sacrifices are “worth it.” You will question your decisions and make mistakes. You will disappoint others. You will disappoint yourself. Your resolve will be tested, over and over again.

But if you really, truly want something? Nothing will stop you.

Check…

9 questions to help identify your audience

1. Who is your audience?
2. Where do they live?
3. How do they earn money?
4. What are their challenges?
5. What are their fears?
6. What motivates them?
7. How do they define success?
8. How do they communicate?
9. Who do they listen to?