100 Decibels

Tag: decision making

  • What is a creative outlet? (And how do I leverage it to make an impact?)

    I asked Chat GPT this question and this is the response I received:

    A creative outlet is a means of expressing oneself and channeling creativity. It can be any activity or medium that allows individuals to explore their imagination, emotions, and ideas. Examples of creative outlets include painting, writing, playing an instrument, dancing, crafting, and photography. Engaging in a creative outlet can bring joy, fulfillment, and a sense of personal expression. It can also serve as a way to relieve stress and explore new possibilities.

    It’s pretty accurate in what I do. I love what I do because it is an outlet where I can manifest my creativity. With the ability to connect and converse with people sparks my creativity whether they’re roadblocks, barriers, or conflicts. Like diamonds, they are a result of being under pressure. Creativity is like that under some kind of restriction and results into something beautiful out of it.

    As a Deaf person, the problem isn’t me being Deaf or even Deafness itself. It’s the systemic barriers being imposed. In my case, I’m referring to audism. It’s always been there long before it even had a name. Like death, it’s inevitable. So, we just need to learn to manage it with tools and resources with a community. It’s a team effort and requires a community to make it through.

    However, it’s deeper than that. It’s all from within. Our drive, perseverance and more importantly, our mindset. What drives our mindset though is finding and understanding our why. By focusing on audism, we’re just simply banging ourselves against a wall. Like I mentioned, death is inevitable. So, what do families do in preparation for death? They get life insurance, critical illness, wills, estates and a funeral plan.

    With audism, we create inclusion and access by raising awareness about Deaf Culture, teach ASL, provide ASL interpreting services, and so on. There are many ways Deaf people and allies with entrepreneurial spirits pushing through to create solutions getting over the hurdle.

    This goes back to what I love I’m doing. Creating stories, creating solutions that matter and creating impact. My creative outlet is an opportunity to transform Deaf lives and the community through meaningful conversations.

  • Here are 7 Strategies for Overcoming Fear and Anxiety

    Here are some strategies for overcoming fear and anxiety:

    1. Identify the source of your fear: The first step to overcoming fear and anxiety is to identify the source of your fear. Ask yourself why you are feeling anxious or fearful and what triggers these feelings.
    2. Challenge negative thoughts: Negative thoughts can fuel fear and anxiety. Challenge these thoughts by asking yourself if they are based on facts or assumptions. Consider more positive or realistic alternatives.
    3. Practice relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation. They can help reduce anxiety and calm your mind.
    4. Exposure therapy: Exposure therapy is a technique used by mental health professionals. They help people confront their fears in a safe and controlled environment. It involves gradual exposure to the object or situation that triggers their fear. Dueing the process, they learn to manage your anxiety.
    5. Seek professional help: If your anxiety or fear is affecting your daily life or is too difficult to manage on your own, consider seeking professional help from a mental health professional. They can help you develop coping strategies and provide support.
    6. Stay active: Regular exercise and physical activity can help reduce anxiety and improve mood.
    7. Develop a support network: Develop a support network of friends and family members. They can offer emotional support and encouragement.

    In summary, to overcome fear and anxiety, you can identify the source of your fear, challenge negative thoughts, practice relaxation techniques, consider exposure therapy, seek professional help, stay active, and develop a support network.

  • You are focusing on the wrong thing. Read this.

    When I paid off my 6-figure student loans (and my spouse’s) 4 years ago, I started to shift my focus.

    One of my focuses is not playing status games.

    Some of the things that are no longer my priority are:

    • looking to change the world.
    • looking to build the next big thing.
    • looking to pursue a title.
    • looking for more projects, people, etc.

    I used to think of wanting to get the highest valuation (i.e. profit) but that changed…

    Where I am in life now with a growing family, I shift my focus to:

    • spend time with my wife and toddlers.
    • fly out to visit my family and in-laws anytime.
    • work on projects that will have an impact.
    • have meaningful conversations.

    When you list out priorities in your life, it can change the course of action. Then, you start to take a different path with intentionality.

    What are you doing now? Living someone else’s life? Or living your own?

    When you’re ready to start living a life on your own terms, you can start with something affordable by taking the 7 Day Shift now.

    Learn more about the 7 Day Shift.

  • Why is setting goals important?

    Setting goals is important for several reasons:

    1. Provides direction and focus: Goals provide direction and focus by helping you identify what you want to achieve. Also, it helps to know what actions to take to reach your desired outcome.
    2. Increases motivation: Goals provide a source of motivation by creating a clear target to aim for. When you have a clear goal in mind, you are more likely to work harder and stay committed to achieving it.
    3. Helps measure progress: Goals provide a way to measure progress by creating a benchmark. This is helpful to track your achievements.
    4. Builds confidence and self-esteem:  When you see you are capable of achieving what you set out to do, this builds confidence and self-esteem.
    5. Encourages growth and learning: You develop new skills and knowledge by pushing yourself outside of your comfort. Setting these goals encourages growth and learning.
    6. Provides a sense of purpose: Goals give you something to strive for. It creates a sense of accomplishment when you reach your target.
    7. Enhances decision-making: Goals provide a clear framework to evaluate your options and choices aligned with your desired outcome.

    In summary, setting goals is important because it provides direction, increases motivation, measures progress, builds confidence and self-esteem, encourages growth and learning, provides a sense of purpose, and enhances decision-making.

    What else would you add to the above and why?