Our world is an endless barrage of media- podcasts, social media, magazines, books, music- you name it.
Media in itself isn’t vapid, but some messages certainly lack substance. These messages vie for our attention, and we can quickly squander our valuable time away.
I seriously consider the potential virtual and mental clutter before subscribing to an email newsletter or following a new social channel. Because of this practice, I likely miss sales and deals. But, did I really need that daily sense of urgency to buy something I don’t even need?
Before subscribing, I consider the added value a form of media and its message will provide.
Although we are well into January, I want share a compilation of meaningful media that added value to 2016.
The Minimalists Podcast
Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus preach about cutting out physical and mental clutter. By eliminating the unnecessary, we have more bandwidth to experience meaningful and valuable things – relationships, experiences, passions, etc.
Yes, using another form of media while on the quest to eliminate media is somewhat ironic.
I’d start with “Declutter,” but my favorite episodes discuss passions and relationships.
Brené Brown’s Books
Stop whatever you are doing right now and pick up of a copy of Brené Brown’s books. It doesn’t matter which one, they will all rock your world.
While reading “Daring Greatly,” and “Rising Strong” I found myself cheering, crying and laughing out loud.
Brown became famous through her TED Talk “The power of vulnerability.” Today, the talk has been viewed more than 27 million times.
Brown urges us to lean-in and wrestle with our insecurities, failures and vulnerability. She implores us to face our stories or our stories will own us.
The Alchemist
I like to balance my non-fiction reads with fiction, and 2016’s favorite was “The Alchemist.” The author’s crystal clear imagery helped spark my creativity.
As the main character seeks to discover his “Personal Legend,” I encountered powerful life lessons.
It is impossible to pick a favorite quote, but a front runner is:
“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.”
Seth Godin’s Daily Email
I first learned about Seth Godin in an undergraduate marketing class, but only recently did I subscribe to his daily email.
His emails carry a central theme – it’s not about what you can get from the world, but what can you give.
I look forward to reading his thought provoking message every morning. He asks his subscribers to challenge the status quo – not for the sake of controversy, but for the sake of creating something great for humanity.
Marie Forleo’s Weekly Email
Marie Forleo is a strong woman who is unapologetically weird. Her weekly email arrives every Tuesday morning. Topics range from goal setting and healthy living to how to run your own business.
Her tag line – “The world needs that special gift that only you have.”
I hesitate to fill my inbox, but her notification doesn’t give me heartburn. It pushes me to keep trying harder.
Spin Sucks
On the professional side, I read the Spin Sucks blog daily. Its mission is to change the negative perception of the PR industry. As a PR professional, this is a mission I wholeheartedly support and work towards.
The posts provide actionable insights and usually add valuable tasks to my to-do list.
Meaningful Media
There seems to be a theme here – personal growth and connection.
And really, this is what I strive towards. I want to grow at the individual level so I can better connect with and serve my family , community and employer.
I’d love to hear about different media that adds value to your life.
Dang it! I HAVE to read Brene Brown. She is on my nightstand. Must. Do. It. And totally adding The Alchemist to my list. I didn’t read that last year.
You really DO! Let me know what you think of both.