Blog Layout

Circle

Words of Wisdom from TheCamel

dots
laptop
Circle

We Gotta Change the Song in 2024

Shane Hodge • January 16, 2024
two people toasting with champagne glasses with confetti falling in the background

Happy New Year, fireworks, champagne corks popping, people hugging, joy, smiles all round wow for a few minutes before midnight and a few minutes after it's a pretty special moment must admit. If you have had a miserable year, it's a feeling of, “Glad that one's gone, let's make this one huge” and if it's been a great year? Well it's a smile and a grin thinking of another year of making hay whilst the sun still shines.


Bad habits are banished, promises made ah yes folks “auld lang syne” might be a good song to sing but then sorry to spoil the mood LOL, we get a few days in and boom reality sets in. Those habits you promised to throw away, the weight you said you would lose, the exercise you would begin just to name a few of those before and after midnight moments, well they didn't happen, but hello its early days right, there is still hope.


Yes, young Jedi’s It's early days yet, so good or bad business, deals won or lost still too soon to call, so breathe easy. 


But let me remind you all of a very important point at this early stage of the new year, a time when 2024 is a mere toddler still dressed in nappies and yet to be toilet trained. Take yourself back just before the stroke of midnight before all that fun and frivolity and ask yourself a question, how many times did you hear the statement, “Can you believe how fast this year went” I lost count, and If I threw in the amount of times I asked myself the same question? It was a LOT.


So, not to be the Patron Saint of Disappointment, but even though the year has been the same in length of time since Adam fell for the apple trick, its traveling faster each time you look at Eves Watch (apple joke lol) If things don't get on the right track from the moment your out of the starting blocks of 2024, if you don't have a plan of action, set some goals, a rich relative or a good lawyer to bail you out, quicker than you can say auld lang syne? You will humming the words to Liquor Store Blues, “One Shot for my pain, one shot for my sorrow” Thank you Bruno Mars.


So my first bit of good old shared wisdom for 2024? “People Don't Plan to Fail, They Fail to Plan” Love that quote, have you ever wondered who wrote it? Well folks thanks to good old Wikipedia. It was written by John James Beckley who was an American political campaign manager and the first Librarian of the United States Congress, from 1802 to 1807. 


Good old John was a pretty smart bloke and his quote is a goodie, so in 2024 it's a good thing to start changing your theme song, and rip into some new motivating, inspiring, toe tapping lyrics to lift your game and winning percentage.


To help you on your way and being the generous man I am, let me share with you a few points you should consider. So grab your trusty pen and paper if your Old school, or iPad if you're not, and follow me down the yellow brick road to fame and fortune.


First make a plan to rise and shine early each day, set that alarm to ringy dingy at 5am and roll your tired and weary bones out and scream lezzzzzzzzgoooo.


But don't go straight to work, plan to use this early opener for some “you” time, spend an hour on exercise, walking, reading the bible, listening to some new motivational stuff like speeches from me LOL. Use the time to grow, spiritually, mentally, use the time to settle its YOU time and you need it.


Now, from this moment the normal thing is to encourage you to set goals for your business, sales goals, performance goals, human goals and yes 1000% you need to do that, but I class it as you know that you don't need me to advise yet again one more time.


The song I’m encouraging you to sing, the tune to hum in 2024 is all about you, your family as I have learnt one thing that if I'm right and second if my family is right, my business is right.

 

So, start the day early and well, add in some notes to the song for dinner with family and no phones, sing with the wife or husband, harmonize with the kids over the playground not with the TV, make sure that every day there is a plan, a goal to live life and love with those close to you (Just like the carpenters song) 


You do that? And I guarantee that by the end of 2024 the song you will sing? “The Time of My Life” and Dirty Dancing was a great Movie and your life can be the best it's ever been.


Go Get 'em.


Love and Hugs from TheCamel!

By Shane Hodge December 3, 2024
This is a subtitle for your new post
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
VIEW MORE
Share by: