Lately I’ve been feeling the freedom that comes with having a bit more unstructured time, but I’ve also seen how my productivity plateaued in direct correlation with how much more free time I had. 

Don’t get me wrong, I value unstructured time, but there’s a part of me that feels even more lost when I don’t have concrete goals I’m working toward. It got me thinking where I could be more intentional rather than random in my life on a day-to-day basis.

I hope the start of a new season hasn't been too abrupt of a shift for you. I love September, and I adore back-to-school season, but... (whispers) I think I love summer just a little bit more? I wonder: when the weather or season changes, does the commitment to savoring my life – just because – really have to all go away?

“Remember that you coming into your power is a small, radical act within your circle of control.” ~ Paco de Leon, author, illustrator, personal finance expert, and founder of The Yell Yeah Group.

Since creating The Hell Yeah Group, Paco has “dedicated her life’s work to helping folks feel less weird about money,” and through her articles and resources, she offers so much with artists in mind. Here are 3 of her resources to get started…

The situation we are in today finds working professionals and artists entrenched in two seemingly opposed realities: there is more opportunity than ever before to create visible work that can make an impact. We have direct access to a global audience. There are more outlets, there are more programs, and there are more jobs. But while there are more slots, drastic changes within the entertainment industry have put sustainable careers for professionals in serious jeopardy.

There are a lot of questions about what’s happening in the entertainment industry… a lot of them existential. But in the last few weeks, what’s given me perspective was watching The Art of Making It documentary. Here’s why…

Why would aliens come to Earth? This is a question I’ve asked and discussed many times. I’ve heard all kinds of answers. But one stands out above the rest: “Rock & Roll.” The esteemed astrophysicist who gave this answer has a point. ⁣

… what exists on Earth, and perhaps not anywhere else, is human creativity and the ways that self-expression impacts the species at large. It’s the “thing we do.” Theoretically, that is what aliens would be most in awe of: Human creativity and collaboration.⁣

If there's ONE thing I wish I knew 20 years ago when I first started in the industry... it'd be “The Emotional Cycle of Change:” a powerful model that captures the emotional rollercoaster of learning something new.

Spoiler alert: there are some high-highs and low-lows. But here's what's fascinating: the highs and lows are determined by the amount of INFORMATION you have over time. As they say, “information is power!”

Raise your hand if so-called “imposter syndrome” has a stronghold on your confidence. Why is it that we feel so intimidated and insecure? ⁣

It’s natural to feel intimidated or anxious as you’re learning. It’s a sign that you’re at the beginning of your journey and you may need more time, practice, and feedback. ⁣But let’s say you’ve done all that — you have experience and every reason to feel confident… yet those feelings persist. Why? ⁣ The answer may surprise you: IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT.⁣

The entertainment industry historically has very little financial transparency, and as a result, most folks are in the dark as to how a person can make a living in the arts. So how does an emerging artist access opportunities that will eventually lead to a livable wage, consistent work, and ultimately “making it” (a.k.a. “supporting” themselves with their art)?