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Why Waste Time?

Shane Hodge • August 4, 2021
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I wonder what would happen if interviewed 100 people as they lay taking their last breath  (a nice way of saying dying) and you asked just one question, “What would you like more of”?

What do you think would be the answer 99 out of 100? I say 99 as at least one would not get the answer out in time lol. Do you think it would be “more money”? “Success”? If it was an athlete would there be a sigh and then the words “more trophies or medals”? A film star, would they cough and then say, “another film”?

I don't think that’s what people would take a big deep breath and say. What I do think is that they would all say, “more TIME”. Yes folks, it's the only thing we have no guarantee how much we have but when the clock is ticking down on the last final moments, wow, we would do anything to have more. But, we treat it like it's an endless supply.

And when that clock is ticking? We usually do a greatest hits showreel in our heads, a bit of a, “This is Your Life”. We smile at great things, fun we had, love, ahhh so wonderful (violins in the background). But then we kick ourselves with the “If Only” moments. The time we wasted doing things that gave us no joy, added no value, created no best of the best in our newsreel of life. Think about bucket lists, don't have a sense of urgency until you have been given a use by date!

We should be waking up each day, springing out of bed and be streaming, “What will I not waste time on today?” rather than “What am I doing today, Siri?” And definitely, we should be reviewing all the things we do, that in reality, are a waste of time.

There are so many things we do in our personal lives that really are a total waste of that precious time. Seeing as we spend a majority of our time working, these blogs are supposed to be about business. Noting that around 30% of our time is spent working just in case you didn't know, maybe, we should put a little of that time in focusing on what is the best use of time rather than a waste of it.

Now, being the wise old man that I have the glorious privilege of becoming, I can think of so many ways I have seen and see people waste precious time in business. One of the biggest time wasters? Reinventing the wheel. 

Yes, instead of spending time doing fun things like finding new customers, making old ones happy, celebrating at the pub when you have a big win, you still see people day after day, burning the midnight oil, staying away from fun and business building things and wasting precious time reinventing the wheel.

Things that can be easily purchased from others, services that you can use, in our website world, the templates that will make your sites look like Picacsso designed them, widgets that will guarantee you tech guru status, SEO and Google Ads services that will make your clients smile with success that you bring to them.

Now, if you are a truly gifted person, a real Avenger that has all the talent and ability in all these areas, can walk on water, leap tall buildings in a single bound and are faster than a locomotive? Bravo, more power to you. But, if you're just like the rest of us mere mortals and gifted in one particular area of excellence? Do that and do it well, the other stuff? Why waste time, and why reinvent the wheel?

When faced with finding a design, looking at a function and wondering OMG how long will that take? Do a quick google search, find some that does that, let the butterflies escape from your wallet and save time and let them do it.

And then? Spend the time you saved on quality fun stuff like finding new customers, having a great lunch, playing golf, having a manicure, and relaxing, so you can live long and prosper.

So folks, the wheel does not always need reinventing. Time is limited, use it wisely. Remember, you can't recycle wasted time, 99 out of 100 people can't be wrong!

Hugs to all.

By Shane Hodge December 3, 2024
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By Shane Hodge November 1, 2024
Ah, the digital agency dream! The freedom to set your own hours, the thrill of building something from scratch, and the joy of staying in bed all day because your motivation decided to take a vacation. We've all been there. One moment you're ready to conquer the world, and the next, you're contemplating if you can run your business from under the covers. Fear not, fellow business warriors! Here’s a guide to reigniting that spark when your get up and go has got up and gone. 1. The Snooze Button Tango First things first, let's address the elephant in the room: the snooze button. It's tempting, isn't it? Just one more tap and you can dream a little longer about that tropical island getaway. But here's a tip: place your alarm clock across the room. This way, you'll have to physically get out of bed to turn it off. By the time you've stumbled across the room, you're halfway to being a functioning human. Plus, it's a great way to practice your morning dance moves! 2. Coffee: The Elixir of Life If motivation had a flavor, it would undoubtedly be coffee. There's something magical about that first sip that transforms you from a groggy zombie into a semi-alert human. So, brew yourself a cup of your favorite blend and let the caffeine work its wonders. If you're not a coffee person, tea or a refreshing smoothie can do the trick too. The key is to find your personal elixir that kickstarts your day. 3. Dress for Success (Even if No One Will See You) Working from home has its perks, like wearing pajamas all day. But sometimes, a lack of motivation stems from feeling too comfortable. Try dressing up as if you're heading to an important meeting. It might sound silly, but putting on your "power outfit" can boost your confidence and productivity. Plus, you never know when an impromptu video call might happen! 4. The To-Do List: Your New Best Friend When you're feeling overwhelmed, a to-do list can be your savior. Start with small, manageable tasks and gradually work your way up to the big ones. There's nothing more satisfying than crossing items off your list. It's like a mini celebration each time you do it. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, add "make a to-do list" to your list just so you can cross it off immediately. Instant success! 5. Dance Like Nobody's Watching Sometimes, all you need is a little music to lift your spirits. Create a playlist of your favorite upbeat songs and have a dance party in your living room. Not only will it boost your mood, but it's also a fun way to get some exercise. Remember, the goal is to have fun, so let loose and dance like nobody's watching (because they probably aren't). 6. Phone a Friend When motivation is low, reach out to a fellow entrepreneur or a friend who understands the struggle. A quick chat can provide a fresh perspective and remind you that you're not alone. Plus, sharing a laugh or two can work wonders for your mood. Just make sure the conversation doesn't turn into a marathon gossip session! 7. Reward Yourself Set small goals throughout the day and reward yourself when you achieve them. Whether it's a piece of chocolate, a short walk outside, or a few minutes of scrolling through your favorite social media, having something to look forward to can keep you motivated. Just be careful not to let the rewards overshadow the work! 8. Watch TheCamel.co Live Stream Replays Shameless Promotion, LOL, at least you can have a laugh rather than be miserable. In conclusion, when your get up and go has got up and gone, remember that it's perfectly normal to have off days. The key is to find what works for you and embrace the journey with a sense of humor. After all, laughter is the best motivator. So, get up, get moving, and show the world what you're made of! Hugs from TheCamel
By Shane Hodge September 27, 2024
Yes we have to pay humans (How dare they ask for money some ask) But Folks In a world where artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing, it's easy to imagine a future where robots are designing our logos, creating our advertisements, and even picking out the perfect shade of blue for our websites. But before we hand over our graphic design tools to our silicon-based friends, let's take a moment to appreciate why humans are still the reigning champions of creativity in the design world. Spoiler alert: it’s not just because we can appreciate a good cup of coffee while working! The Human Touch : More Than Just Opposable Thumbs AI might be able to churn out designs faster than you can say "Helvetica," but it lacks the human touch. There's something about the way a human designer can capture emotion, tell a story, and connect with an audience that AI just can't replicate. It's like comparing a hand-knitted sweater from grandma to a mass-produced one from a factory. Sure, they both keep you warm, but only one comes with a side of love and a hint of mothballs. Creativity : The Unpredictable Muse AI is great at following patterns and algorithms, but creativity often thrives on breaking the rules. Human designers have the ability to think outside the box, color outside the lines, and occasionally spill coffee on the canvas, creating a masterpiece by accident. AI, on the other hand, would probably just short-circuit at the sight of a coffee stain. Humor : The Secret Ingredient Let's face it, AI doesn't have a sense of humor. It might be able to generate a pun or two, but it doesn't understand the nuances of wit and sarcasm. Human designers can infuse humor into their work, making it relatable and memorable. After all, who doesn't love a good visual pun? Just imagine an AI trying to design a funny cat meme—it would probably end up with a picture of a toaster. Empathy : Designing with Heart Graphic design is not just about making things look pretty; it's about understanding the audience and designing with empathy. Humans have the ability to put themselves in others' shoes (or flip-flops, if that's your thing) and create designs that resonate on a deeper level. AI might be able to analyze data, but it can't feel the joy of a child seeing their favorite cartoon character or the nostalgia of a retro design. The Happy Accidents Some of the best designs come from happy accidents—those unexpected moments of brilliance that occur when a designer is experimenting and playing around. AI is programmed to avoid mistakes, but humans know that sometimes, a little chaos can lead to something extraordinary. It's like the time you accidentally added too much chili to your soup and discovered a new favorite dish. The Human Connection At the end of the day, design is about connecting with people. Human designers have the ability to build relationships, understand client needs, and collaborate in ways that AI simply can't. Plus, humans are much better at handling client feedback without overheating or needing a reboot. In conclusion, while AI is a fantastic tool that can assist in the design process, it lacks the creativity, empathy, and humor that make human designers truly exceptional. So, the next time you're admiring a beautifully crafted logo or a cleverly designed ad, remember to thank the human behind the screen. After all, we're the ones who can appreciate the finer things in life—like a perfectly brewed cup of coffee and a well-timed joke. Love & Hugs from TheCamel
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