Matthew Encina, Mod Musings founder and Creative Director, joins Ash Thorp to discuss the pursuit of expression, stoicism, mechanical keyboards, finding mentors, saying no, becoming a better decision maker, dealing with criticism, appreciation for Apple, taking the leap into freelance work, and the joy of cooking as a creative outlet.
By acknowledging that we cannot control external factors, we can focus on how we interpret events and react to them, empowering us to shape our own reality and maintain control over our lives.
Seeking mentors and role models who have achieved similar goals can provide inspiration and guidance, challenging us to adopt a mindset that if they can achieve something, so can we.
Combining business and creativity allows for the creation of content or products that have a genuine connection and value, fostering mutually beneficial relationships and delivering valuable content to the audience.
Finding the right priorities and boundaries is essential for balancing personal and professional pursuits, recognizing the importance of personal relationships and aligning professional pursuits with personal values and goals.
Practicing empathy, staying true to oneself, and avoiding compromises that compromise authenticity and creative vision are key to personal growth and communication, emphasizing the value of empathy in fostering mutual understanding and diffusing conflict.
Deep dives
Importance of controlling how we interpret and react to events
It is important to pause and reflect on our emotions and perspectives when faced with challenging events. By acknowledging that we cannot control external factors, we can focus on how we interpret those events and react to them, which empowers us to shape our own reality and maintain control over our lives.
The value of seeking mentors and role models
Seeking mentors and role models who have achieved similar goals or accomplishments can provide inspiration and guidance. By witnessing the success and growth of others, we can challenge ourselves and adopt a mindset that if they can achieve something, so can we. It's important to find mentors who are willing to share their knowledge and experiences and who align with our own values and aspirations.
The symbiotic relationship between business and creativity
Combining business and creativity can be a seamless and beneficial partnership. Finding alignments between our passions and the business world allows for the creation of content or products that have a genuine connection and value. By seeking partnerships and sponsorships that align with our brand and values, we can create a mutually beneficial relationship where both parties benefit and the audience receives valuable content.
Balancing personal and professional pursuits
Balancing personal and professional pursuits can be challenging, but finding the right priorities and boundaries is essential. Recognizing the importance of personal relationships and allowing time for introspection can lead to personal growth and fulfillment. It's important to be mindful of our own needs and ensure that our professional pursuits align with our personal values and goals.
The Power of Empathy and Grace
One of the main ideas discussed in this podcast is the importance of empathy and grace. The speaker shares their experience of practicing empathy by taking the perspective of opposing viewpoints and understanding that truth is subjective. They also emphasize the need to respond to negativity or criticism with questions instead of defensiveness, in order to foster mutual understanding and diffuse conflict. The speaker's personal anecdote of undergoing a leadership program that taught empathetic decision-making further reinforces the value of empathy in personal growth and communication.
Importance of Authenticity and Avoiding Compromises
Another key point raised in this podcast is the significance of staying true to oneself and avoiding compromises that compromise authenticity and creative vision. The speaker shares their experience of rejecting a book publishing deal that sought to mold their work into something that didn't align with their original intention. They highlight the importance of listening to one's instincts and prioritizing personal happiness over external pressures or expectations. The speaker emphasizes the need to retain intellectual property rights and make creative decisions based on one's own vision and values.
Focus on Curiosity, Overcoming Friction, and Building a Unique Brand
The podcast also delves into the importance of staying curious, overcoming friction, and building a unique brand. The speaker discusses their approach to content creation, emphasizing the value of curiosity-driven consumption and creation rather than simply growing an audience for the sake of growth. They highlight the need to navigate through creative challenges and friction, relying on personal interests and passions to guide decision-making. The speaker's intention to build a separate creative studio/persona called mod musings reflects their aspiration to become a versatile designer known for their unique approach and problem-solving abilities across various industries.
Building a Personal Brand as a Content Creator
The podcast episode discusses the journey of a content creator, emphasizing the challenges and responsibilities of building a personal brand. The speaker highlights the importance of creating content and the dedication required to succeed in platforms like YouTube. They acknowledge that while platforms like Instagram and Twitter can be useful tools, they also have limitations and can be temporary. The speaker also explores the idea of branching out and exploring other ventures beyond YouTube, such as industrial design. They share their personal experience of how their passion for digital design led them to collaborations in the industrial design space.
Taking the Leap into Freelancing and Prioritizing Health
The episode delves into the speaker's decision to become a freelancer and the considerations involved. They discuss the importance of having financial security before making the leap, mentioning the advice they received from their accountant. The speaker emphasizes the need to invest in oneself and take calculated risks. They share their routine, including early morning wake-ups, focusing on work in the first half of the day, and dedicating the second half to working at their studio. The speaker also talks about the significance of maintaining physical health, intermittent fasting, and engaging in activities like cooking and working out.
Mod Musings founder and Creative Director Matthew Encina joins Ash Thorp for a super-duper-packed episode! The multi-award-winning and immensely talented Matthew shares his joy and journey of being a Maker and Designer, as well as his transition to working for himself, the meaning of success, life on youtube, and why it is important to shape the things around you in order to focus on things you love. Look out for deep dives into the pursuit of expression, stoicism, mechanical keyboards, books, and much more!
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