Tag: Are you a CREATOR or are you a CONSUMER?

  • Creativity and using your imagination

    Creativity and using your imagination

    Creativity, for me, simply, is making something out of nothing. Once there was just nothing, then a thought came along, then a melody came, then words on a paper, then sentences. I believe that we have been created to create, made in the image of our creator, we are creators.

    When it comes to creativity and imagination, worldbuilding is all about tapping into the endless possibilities of your own mind. You see, when you have a desire or dream, you’re presented with a choice. You can either choose to take the creative route and work on expanding your imagination, or you can take the default reality route and just stuff that dream back down inside of you. The first option is exciting because it allows you to bring your dream to life, but the second option can lead to internal chaos and a lack of congruence between your inner and outer worlds. It’s important to remember that our imagination is a powerful tool that we can use to create the life we want, but it takes work and commitment to develop it.

    What does it mean to take the road less traveled

    The first option I mentioned is taking the “creative route” or “the road less travelled” and working on expanding your imagination. This means actively using your imagination to bring your dream or desire to life. It could involve brainstorming different ideas, visualizing different scenarios, or even experimenting with different ways to achieve your goal.

    Road less travelled

    The phrase “the road less traveled” is often used to describe a path or choice that is not commonly chosen by others, and this is where it gets tricky, there is often a reason this road is less travelled, there a fewer travellers on this road and fewer people have made maps of this road. I think the analogies here are endless. In the context of the creative process of an artist, it can refer to taking a unique or unconventional approach to their work. It means to break free from the common or typical ways of creating and to explore new and uncharted territories.

    An artist who takes the road less traveled may choose to work with unusual materials, explore new styles or techniques, or create work that challenges the status quo. It could also mean to not following the trends or being influenced by what is currently popular, instead choosing to create work that is true to their own vision and style.

    Choosing the road less traveled can be a risky and challenging path, but it can also lead to more rewarding and meaningful work. It allows an artist to stand out from the crowd and to create something that is truly original and authentic.

    It’s important to note that “the road less travelled” is not always about being completely different but rather about having a unique perspective, and taking a different approach, which may be a combination of different elements. It’s about not being afraid to experiment and to push the boundaries of what is considered “normal” or “acceptable” in the art world.

    One way to expand your imagination is by exposing yourself to new experiences, art, and cultures. This can help you think outside of your usual ways of thinking and come up with new and creative ideas.

    Another way is to practice brainstorming and mind-mapping techniques, which can help you generate a wide range of ideas and possibilities. These techniques are designed to help you think more freely and come up with new and unique solutions to problems.

    You can also engage in activities that require imagination like writing, drawing, painting, sculpting, and building models. These activities can help you develop your creative skills and give you a greater sense of control over your imagination.

    Ultimately, taking the creative route requires dedication and willingness to take risks. It’s about being open to new possibilities and not being afraid to think outside of the box. But remember, it’s not just about having a good idea, it’s about taking the idea and turning it into something real.

    What’s the other option?

    The second option I mentioned is taking the “default reality route” and just stuffing your dream or desire back down inside of you. This means not actively working on bringing your dream to life, and instead settling for the status quo.

    When you take the default reality route, you may find yourself feeling unfulfilled and uninspired. Your dream or desire may continue to linger in the back of your mind, causing internal chaos and a lack of congruence between your inner and outer worlds.

    You may feel like you’re stuck in a rut, and that you don’t have the time, resources, or ability to make your dream a reality. You may also feel like you’re not good enough, or that your dream is too unrealistic. So, you may choose to push your dream or desire to the back of your mind and just focus on the daily tasks and responsibilities.

    Additionally, taking the default reality route may also mean that you’re not taking any steps to improve your current situation, you’re just accepting things as they are. This can lead to a lack of motivation and a sense of stagnation in your life.

    It’s important to remember that when we settle for the default reality, we are missing the opportunity to create something new and unique, and to bring our desires and dreams to life. It’s important to be mindful of our thoughts and feelings, and to make a conscious effort to work on our dreams and desires, even if it means going against the norm and taking risks.

    Where to from here…

    In conclusion, creativity and imagination are powerful tools that we can use to create the life we want. By using our imagination and taking the creative route, we can bring our desires and dreams to life and live a more fulfilling and authentic life. We are created to create, and when we tap into our imagination, we can create things that are truly original and authentic. However, it’s important to remember that taking the creative route requires dedication, willingness to take risks and to develop our imagination. We must be open to new possibilities and not be afraid to think outside of the box. Embracing our creativity and imagination is not just about having good ideas, it’s about taking the ideas and turning them into reality. It’s about following the road less traveled and creating something unique and meaningful. Let’s not be afraid to use our imagination, and to create as we have been created to create.

  • How to start a Local Church Media Team

    How to start a Local Church Media Team

    Even though we are aware of the significant impact social media can have on church growth, it can be challenging to find the time to keep up a strong social presence for your ministry (especially since you probably already have a long list of other tasks on your to-do list). How are these other churches managing to do this? Budget conversations aside, it all really comes down to ONE THING.


    Simply put: teamwork. How does the saying go? Team work makes the dream work?


    Putting together, organizing, and managing a team can be the solution to your problems! You are probably surrounded by a lot of eager workers, from teenagers who are more adept at Instagram and TikTok than you are to seniors who have finally mastered Facebook.


    Here are 5 suggestions for creating the ideal social media team:

    1. Simplify the process

    It could be challenging to recruit volunteers if your standard start-to-finish process for creating content, publishing it, and tracking engagement involves 14 different editing suites and tools, apps, and platforms. Making things simple for them will ultimately make things simple for you.

    Use a scheduling tool that enables a volunteer to publish to three social media accounts simultaneously, such as Hootsuite, Planoly or Later. Create as many posts as you can at once rather than one at a time, if at all possible. Without compromising brand integrity, simplifying the procedure can prevent a lot of misunderstandings between you and your volunteers.

    2. Start with the people you already have

    If you work for a large church and don’t know everyone, it is crucial to build your team around people you can trust. You are essentially giving this team control over certain facets of your church’s brand, which is a major responsibility. Making a cold appeal for volunteers can make it challenging to distinguish between wise decision-making and passionate but irresponsible engagement.

    Team work makes the dream work

    It’s much better to start with 2 or 3 people who you already respect and who you know have the best interests of the church at heart. You will be able to communicate effectively and have faith in their commitment as a result. By enlisting unidentified individuals, you run the risk of a volunteer shirking their duties without warning.

    3. Gather around A Table together (with food and coffee obviously)

    Get your (social) media team together in one place as frequently as you can. The camera guys, the designers, the video and switchers, you name it. Start small. Get them in a room and eat some good food. You may get to know each other by sharing meals and playing games, which will ultimately result in improved teamwork. Ask someone to invite a friend who has a camera, or someone who has got the hand of the latest TikTok trend and be open to learning a few things in that world. We really do have teenagers who can do more with their phones these days than entire media teams at some agencies.

    Work together and brainstorm ideas on a regular basis to let everyone’s own brilliance emerge. Make sure everyone feels important and that their views are taken into consideration as the leader. By reading articles together or watching videos, you can both learn more about best practices and current trends and raise your skill level. As a group, discuss areas that could use improvement and work through issues.

    The most crucial thing is to assign duties for the future week or month. It is your duty as the leader to make your expectations clear so that everyone knows what they are responsible for.

    4. Start really really small, NO, smaller.

    Make assignments simple for your team to complete, at least at first. Start with something simple because you probably aren’t working with highly skilled marketing experts.

    Example: I’ve actually done this

    Ask your photographer to get 5 images on Sunday. That’s all 5. 1 of the volunteers, one at kids church, one of the worship, one of the preacher and one in the coffee shop afterwards. That’s all. Edit them. Use them, and go from there.

    Give positive feedback when they finish a task. If necessary, correct the person. By communicating this way, they will learn your expectations and standards and enhance their communication abilities.

    5. Be brave, call out and ask for skilled professionals to help

    There’s a good chance that you don’t even realize how many creative people are present in your auditorium (or online broadcast) on any given Sunday. Find qualified experts or brilliant amateurs in your community of faith by using social media, announcement opportunities, and networking. Visual artists, photographers, and graphic designers can significantly improve a company’s social media presence. Find a local Digital Expert and ask for some of their rime to come sit with a few volunteers and inspire them. Ask, and you shall receive.


    When will you discover these artistic geniuses? Don’t consider them to be routine. Give them creative flexibility, distribute the work, and maintain open lines of communication. Dream with them. Give them space to create. This is a new world, a digital space that makes sense to some people, they just get it. Trust them and build with them. Believe me, it’ll be worth it. The very last thing you want to do is exploit volunteers and give them the impression that their value is solely in their service. Make them part of the team, the photographers and the musicians and the coffee shop crew and the kids church team. All together.

    Let’s stay in touch

    Grace and peace

    Dean

  • The Content Creation Process Made easy

    The Content Creation Process Made easy

    If you’re reading this, chances are you’re someone who is interested in creating content – whether it be for a blog, social media, or any other platform. And if you’re like me, you may have found the process of coming up with ideas, organizing them, and then actually putting them into words or pictures or video or music, to be a bit overwhelming at times, especially when there is a deadline at hand. New Years. Christmas. Easter and everyone in-between.

    But fear not, my friend, because I am here to tell you that the content creation process doesn’t have to be so daunting. In fact, it can be downright enjoyable (yes, you read that right). ENJOYABLE!

    Over the years, I have learned a thing or two about how to make the process of creating content more manageable, and I am excited to share those tips with you today.

    First and foremost, it’s important to remember that the content creation process is just that – a process. It’s not something that happens overnight and it’s not something that you should try to rush through. Instead, try to embrace the journey and enjoy the ride.

    Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of creating content? Maybe you’re not sure where to start or what steps to take. If so, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with the content creation process, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

    In this blog post, I’m going to break down the content creation process into three simple steps. By following these steps, you’ll be able to easily plan, create, and publish your content with confidence.

    So, if you’re ready to streamline your content creation process and start creating amazing content, keep reading. I’ll guide you through each step and provide tips and tricks along the way.

    What are the 3 steps of the Content Creation Process?

    • Creative
    • Content
    • Communications Platforms
    The Content Creation process by Dean Cothill

    On the one hand this is a chronological process but its also so important to look back and keep the flow going…

    1. The Creative

    So whether it’s a new ad campaign or sermon series, or new ideation project of any kind, this is where the magic happens.

    In the creative space, there are no rules. Yes you heard me, no rules. No dream is too big, no idea is too crazy. This is creation in it purest form. Dream. Go Big. Get food and coffee for everyone. Get your favourite snacks and get the team in a beautiful place and come up with every idea under the sun.

    Put it all on the wall. Every idea. Every single one.

    The beauty of the creative process lies in its unpredictable nature. It is a journey of self-discovery, filled with twists and turns, highs and lows. It is a process that requires us to let go of our need for control and surrender to the unknown. It is in this surrender that we are able to tap into our true potential and create something truly beautiful and authentic. The creative process is a dance between the conscious and unconscious mind, a collaboration between the logical and the intuitive. It is a process that allows us to connect with our deepest desires and bring them to life. It is a journey that teaches us to trust ourselves and our vision, and to have faith in the unknown. In short, the creative process is a breathtaking, wondrous adventure that has the power to transform us and the world around us.

    2. The Content

    • Graphics
    • Photos
    • Videos
    • Graphic Design
    • Interior Design
    • Copy

    Here is where the method meets the madness. In the Creation Narrative in the book of Genesis we see that The Spirit hovers over the water and brings order to the chaos, the earth is formless and void. We can all the ideas in the world but if they aren’t ordered and structured, they will just remain ideas.

    So you and your team have a CREATIVE LIST now, you then choose and grab the best ones that line up with what you guys wanna do, now the question is, how do you communicate those ideas to the world? Video maybe? Some still images? Blog posts? Each creative idea must find a “vessel”.

    3. The Communications Platforms

    Here quite simply, videos go to particular places (Social media platforms). Words go to particular places. Graphics also go somewhere else. If the team has decided that video is the medium that will be used, here are some questions then. As a team you guys have settled on which social media platforms you guys wanna and need to be on. You can read more here.

    • How long is the video?
    • Do we make one long video and break it down into smaller shorter content pieces? Can we :screen grab” images from the video?
    • Can we use the audio from the video for other platforms?
    • Will we shoot is 16×9 or rather look at specifics for short form video platforms?
    • Do we then take that video and grab still from it for social media posts?
    • How does the video then define the narrative for our copy and blogposts?
    • What goes on YouTube and what goes on IG or TikTok?
    • From the copy and voice overs we have created, how many tweets can we get?

    All these questions inform our content creation funnel…

    Content Creation Funnel by Dean Cothill

    Here as we go down the funnel, the prices of content “become smaller” and the platforms for the communication process also changes. Audio goes here and video goes there, still go there and copy goes here. Here we will use various forms and make sure they work well together on that specific platform, like your blog or website. The “look and feel” of the video can be used for stage and interior design layouts. All the pieces of the puzzle slowly start to fit together.

    So you have actually only created “1 piece of content”, a 3 minute video, but it informs everything else about the project and actually makes our lives much easier down the road.

    In a nutshell – a content creation funnel is the creation and circulation of helpful content – blogs, social media posts, videos, newsletters – to current and prospective visitors and guests! (See image 1)

    Other tips include to keep a running list of ideas. This could be a physical notebook, a document on your computer, or even just a list on your phone. Whenever an idea pops into your head, jot it down. This way, when it comes time to actually sit down and create content, you’ll have a wealth of ideas to choose from.

    Finally, don’t be afraid to get brave and have fun with the process. Content creation should be an expression of your thoughts, ideas, and personality. Don’t worry about perfection or trying to please “everyone” – just focus on creating something that is authentic and true to you and your team.

    So there you have it – a few tips to help make the content creation process a little easier and a lot more enjoyable. I hope they inspire you to embrace your creativity and start creating the content you’ve always dreamed of. Happy creating!

    Much love

    Dean

  • How to keep your content evolving… (Story is king…)

    How to keep your content evolving… (Story is king…)

    You have a story.

    You have a story. Your story is made up of your authentic personality and the life experiences that shape you into who you are today. It’s who you’ve been, what you’ve done, and how those experiences have affected your outlook on life – who you are as an individual. This is what makes you unique. And it’s what gives you the opportunity to connect with others on a deeper level. Your story also has a plotline – meaning that it has a beginning, middle and end. You start out as an underdog and work your way up; maybe there’s a particular event or period of time that changed the course of your life for good. But you have a story, and it’s yours and as you read, you’ll realise, ITS SO SACRED. Don’t let anyone ever stop you from telling your story, ever.

    The story of Joseph, Genesis 41

    You might be familiar with the story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and sent to work in Egypt. His dream was that one day he would rise to become the second most powerful person in Egypt. And this dream came true! Joseph was able to make his dreams a reality because he planned for them, strategized how they would come true, and put policies in place to ensure their success. This is how you make your goals happen too.

    If you have a goal or objective that isn’t being reached as quickly as you’d like it to be—whether it’s making more money or getting fit—consider what steps must happen before achieving that goal? These are things like:

    • Planning out a timeline
    • Building relationships with key players
    • Getting clear on what success looks like (for example: number of sales made per month)

    How Joseph’s story can help you today

    Joseph’s story is the story of a man who was in prison, but he was not broken. He learned to use his time in prison to create a vision for the future and to begin changing things around him. Joseph inspired others by telling them about his dreams, which eventually became their reality as well.

    It is the story of a man who was able to use his creativity to bring about change in himself and others around him.

    Step 1. Your content must evolve – from theory to practive, from dream to the plan

    You must evolve your content from theory to practise.

    Your creativity must also evolve from a dream to a plan.

    Dreams grow as plants grow. The bigger the plant gets the bigger the pot will eventually need to be. Make sure your dreams have big pots. Plan for big pots, and dream for even bigger fields and plots.

    Once you dream it, you have to make it happen. Your creativity must evolve from a dream into a plan.

    This is the next step in taking your content strategy from good to great:

    • Dream BIG about what you want your social media presence to look like and feel like. What kind of content do you want to share? On what platforms? With whom? Etc.
    • Create a plan for how you’re going to achieve that vision. That could mean creating new graphics, videos or other assets; setting up processes for scheduling posts; hiring writers and designers; learning how-to’s on new software tools like Gif Maker (a free tool provided by Facebook) – whatever it takes! Do what you gotta do. Design what you gotta design. Like these windows. Just do it.

    Step 2 like Joseph, put a policy in place that connects your content and creativity with your genuine leadership purpose.

    • You know what you stand for, but do others? What’s the message of your organization? How do you want to be seen in the world? Without having an existential crisis, lol, WHO ARE YOU?

    There’s that beautiful moment where PO gets asked, WHO ARE YOU?

    Kai:
    Who are you?

    Po:
    I’ve been asking myself that question. Am I the son of a panda? The son of a goose? A student? A teacher? I’m all of those things. [Po’s chi forms the shape of a dragon around him] I am the Dragon Warrior! Get it? You see the giant dragon?

    • To answer these questions, define what’s important to you (or business) and create a mission statement or vision statement that communicates it. Also make sure all your friends and family (and employees) understand how their work fits into this plan. They’ll be more committed when they understand how their contributions contribute value to the overall outcome—and so will customers and partners!

    Step 3. You are ready to lead creatively and authentically, leading with a relational heart.

    Leading with your story is the most authentic way to lead in a world of digital distraction. Your story is real and true—not manufactured or curated. Your lived experience and absolutely who you are. TAKE A DEEP BREATHE HERE.

    You will need to ask yourself some tough questions: What are my values? What do I believe in? Why am I here? How do I want people to feel when they interact with me? When you know what matters most to you, then you can begin sharing it through words, images and videos that reflect who you really are even as they attract like-minded peers who resonate with your authenticity.

    Leading with purpose is another important element for becoming an influencer. There’s no point in being creative if there’s no clear reason for doing so beyond ‘because.’ Think about the purpose behind everything that makes sense for your brand or organization before jumping into content creation mode: Why does this matter? Who cares about this issue (or cause)? How will this help someone else?”

    Authentic and creative leaders lead with THEIR stories, not other people’s

    Authentic and creative leaders lead with their stories.

    Relational leaders lead with their stories.

    Story is king (and queen).

    I want to highlight. “Our stories are sacred” is a phrase that highlights the idea that our personal stories, experiences, and histories are valuable and important. It suggests that our stories are not only meaningful to us as individuals, but also hold a deeper significance and value.

    As individuals, our stories are incredibly valuable and important. They are the foundation of our identity, the source of our strength and resilience, and the way we connect with others. Our stories are the threads that weave together the tapestry of our lives, giving shape and meaning to our experiences.

    When we share our stories with others, we open ourselves up to vulnerability and connection. We invite others to see us for who we truly are and to witness the struggles and triumphs that have shaped us. This can be a deeply transformative and healing experience, as it allows us to feel seen, heard, and understood.

    Let us remember that our stories are sacred and hold them close and cherish them. And let us also have the courage to share them with others, knowing that in doing so, we are honoring ourselves and the human experience that we all share.

    So, how do you lead creatively and authentically as a leader? It’s simple. You tell your story – the story that motivates you to action. Then, you connect this story with the creativity needed to build a plan for your organization that is aligned with your true leadership purpose. The result is an innovative strategy that reflects your values (and those of those around you).

    Please mail me, dean@deancothill.co.za and I would love to chat and share stories…

    Grace and peace

    Dean

  • Are you a CREATOR or are you a CONSUMER?

    Are you a CREATOR or are you a CONSUMER?

    The Lord spoke, “Let there be light,” and there was light. He spoke again, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters,” and that was done. He spoke again, “Let the earth bring forth grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind and fruit-trees bearing fruit with seed in them on the earth.” And it was so done. Again he said: “Let there be lights in heaven to divide day from night; let them also serve as signs to mark seasons, days and years.” And it was so done… So God created man in his own image…

    • Light is a symbol of knowledge
    • Light is a symbol of truth
    • Light is a symbol of understanding
    • Light is a symbol of wisdom
    • Light is a symbol of guidance
    • Light is a symbol of hope

    In the beginning was the Word.

    In the beginning was the Word. The word is important. The word is the beginning of all things, and it is God’s way to communicate and connect with us. But he has given his Word in more than one form:

    • He spoke it as Jesus Christ, so we would have a perfect example of how to behave (the life we should be living now that we are saved). Jesus said in Matthew 5:17-18 “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.” He fulfilled them by showing his love for us through His death on our behalf and then rising again! So now we have a new standard for living – even though it may seem impossible at times! Christ was right there, in the beginning. Let US make mankind in OUR image.
    • He gave us the Bible which records His words (and those who wrote them down too!) Everything you need for your life here on earth is contained within this collection of books – whether it be wisdom or hope or direction…you will find what you need here if you read carefully enough!

    Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness,

    Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals…and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

    Genesis 1:26-28

    So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

    When you read this passage, you can feel a sense of wonder at what kind of being God is. What is it like to be like Him? What does it mean that He has made us in His likeness? These are questions we don’t have answers to because they are beyond our comprehension as humans with limited capacity for thought and imagination. However, there is one thing we do know: that by creating us as creators ourselves (something no other creature on earth can claim), God has given us dominion over all creation and given us purpose: to build up His kingdom here on earth until it reflects His own glory forever—a job that will never be done!

    Man is a CREATOR.

    When God created man in His image, He made us CREATORS.

    This means that you have the power of creation inside of you. You are not a spectator, listener, or mere “follower”; rather you are called by God to be a communicator and doer; an innovator and creator.

    So story time with Dean and Gale (Watch Frozen 2, you’ll get it)

    Bezalel is a figure mentioned in the book of Exodus, in the Old Testament of the Bible. According to the text, Bezalel was a skilled craftsman who was chosen by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that the Israelites used during their time in the wilderness.

    According to the story, God spoke to Moses and commanded him to appoint Bezalel and his assistant, Oholiab, to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle. God also said that He would fill Bezalel with the Holy Spirit, giving him the skills and abilities needed to complete the task.

    Exodus 31 describes Bezalel as “filled with the Spirit of God, the RUACH ELOHIM, the SAME Spirit that was at the beginning of Creation, the same words, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills.” He is described as a master craftsman, skilled in a variety of trades including goldsmithing, metalworking, and woodworking. In addition to his technical skills, Bezalel is also described as a “designer” who is able to create intricate and beautiful artwork for the Tabernacle. Any designers out there? Feel that flutter in your stomach? That warmth on your shoulders?

    The role of Bezalel in the construction of the Tabernacle is seen as significant in the Bible, as the Tabernacle was a central place of worship for the Israelites and was meant to be a physical manifestation of God’s presence among them. Bezalel’s skills and abilities, given to him by the Holy Spirit, were crucial in the creation of this important structure.

    There are several themes in the story of Bezalel that are worth considering. One is the idea that God can use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary tasks. Bezalel was not a prophet or a leader in the Israelite community; he was simply a skilled craftsman who was chosen by God to fulfill an important role. This message can be inspiring to those who may feel that they are not particularly special or gifted, as it suggests that anyone can be used by God for a significant purpose.

    • Designers
    • Interior designers
    • Graphics
    • Art
    • Paint
    • Fashion
    • Accountants
    • Architects
    • Story tellers

    Another theme is the importance of artistic expression in the worship of God. The Tabernacle was not just a functional structure, but also a place of beauty and wonder. The attention to detail and the craftsmanship that went into its construction show the value that the Israelites placed on aesthetics and the arts.

    Bezalel is an important figure in the book of Exodus, known for his skills as a craftsman and designer, and the role he played in the construction of the Tabernacle and that GOD has placed that same SPIRIT (RUACH ELOHIM) in each of us. A creative energy, a CREATOR energy. His story highlights the idea that God can use anyone to accomplish His purposes, and the value of artistic expression in the worship of God.

    So then lemme ask you this, are you a Creator or are you a Consumer?

    Are you a creator or are you a consumer?

    A creator is someone who creates things. Creators are leaders, innovators, the ones who make things happen, the ones who change the world. They’re not followers; they’re the people leading their field of work and creating something new—whether it’s an invention, service or business model. They’re also those who contribute to society in meaningful ways that make others’ lives better: teachers and mentors; doctors and nurses; artists, writers and musicians; athletes and coaches—the list goes on!

    Consumers can be creators too! The difference between being a consumer vs being a creator often comes down to mindset: if you think about yourself as someone who creates rather than just consumes then you’ll automatically start acting differently towards your goals (which leads to success). Do you just sit and read tweets or are you brave enough to tweet? Do youngest mindlessly scroll IG, or are you brave enough to throw your hat in the ring? Do you just google google google, or are you adding to the conversation? Are you just blogging from your basement or do you have some skin in the game?

    If you were to ask yourself, “Am I a Creator or am I a Consumer?”, what would you say? If you are honest with yourself, and really think about it, I think the answer should become pretty obvious, pretty quickly…

    Let’s keep in tuouch

    Grace and peace

    Dean