What Am I Lying To Myself About?

This passage is from Nathaniel Branden’s The Art of Living Consciously.

When we evade the truth about those we deal with, for fear of disturbing the relationship, we set ourselves up for inevitable suffering. If I am honest with myself about someone’s shortcomings but choose to go on dealing with him or her because of other benefits, and therefore do not complain or express shock if the shortcomings express themselves, I am not engaged in evasion or self-deception. I am in effect taking a calculated risk based on what amounts to a cost-benefit analysis.

But if I choose not to be conscious of plainly apparent dangers 0r if I deny or rationalize my spouse’s abusiveness, pretend not to see evidence of infidelity, or, in business, if I make myself oblivious to the shortcomings of a deal because I want so much for the project to work – then I am inviting the pain and disappointment I will experience. I have forfeited the right to cry “betrayal.” I have disarmed myself, and by my cooperation I have signaled my partner that his or her behavior is acceptable and there is no need or reason to change.

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Branden’s book has impacted my life; I recommend that you buy a copy.

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Time to read ‘The Alchemist’ again…

I’ve been running two projects. I’ve enjoyed both of them for different reasons. Talk It Up TV (www.TalkItUpTV.com) has been a team effort, with about 7 individuals striving toward the same objective, FunnySaysWhat?! allowed me to be creative with my own ideas. However, Talk It Up TV has picked up in pace and FunnySaysWhat?! hasn’t gained the momentum I’ve demanded of it.

In order to expand, I’ve decided to narrow my focus for a bit. I’ll continue with Talk It Up TV, as its momentum continues to build. And I’ll focus on video production (some filming, some directing, mainly post-production work). This will allow me to be better at the basics of my craft, while earning income to improve my equipment. This narrowed focus also allows me to actually ENJOY what I’m doing.

Instead of an organized production, I’ll be working with FunnySaysWhat?! at more of a hobby-level. This will allow me to still be creative with the project, while allowing it to build momentum more organically. When it’s time to move it forward, I’ll have a headstart.

I’ve got other skills I want to introduce myself to, as well. This narrowed focus may lend some time for learning the new, too.
–DC

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Self-enterprising can be a lonely road…

Being a self-enterpriser can, at times (and for some periods more often than not), be a lonely business. At a job, there’s usually others who are along side you. As a self-propelled dude/dudette, we’re not relying on an alarm clock or a boss to tell us what to do next and when to do it. It’s great if you can find a wing-man, confidant, or other buddy to share your vision with. However, it’s a rare find.

My wife is often that “buddy” for me; yet she’s got her own visions (that I attempt to be a good “buddy” regarding). I’ve found that forming strategic bonds with others who are as passionate about their visions as I am mine can be a huge assist.

For example, Ray Pierce is A1-Passionate about videography. So much so, that he gladly elected to support my project, Funny Says What?! We can carry on about filming and production, entertainment value, and the right way to deliver the intended experience to viewers. It’s great. We both get to discuss our talents and discoveries – without boring the other (I’m skilled at lulling my wife to sleep).  I get to feel like he’s my wing-man; he thinks I’m his wing-man.  Yet we’re both the super-stars of our own visions.

However, we both have other tasks to take care of and other people in our lives. As FSW gains performers and an audience, I’ll have more and more individuals I can share with. In the meantime, I find that reading over a description of my projects often gets me back on the right track, should I veer off into a lonely stupor. Try it. And if you still need an extra boost of visionary energy, I’ll get Ray’s number to you.
–Dave C

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In the groove…

I’m staying ever-so busy working with the two shows.  I LOVE working with competent people who are also competent.  There’s one guy I work with who is much more knowledgeable about his area of the business than I am, and when I approached him about an idea, he was willing to, whatever it was, give it a try.  Turns out, he was already doing things the way I would have suggested.

Things are moving quickly.  If I’m not actively working on the projects, I’m engulfed in reading about different facets of my trade.  Online TV production isn’t the passion; it’s the vehicle that allows me to work in and express my passions (of bringing different ideas and people together, and in working with comedy).  I’m having to fast-forward my education and learn a little about the different aspects of production.   This makes things very exciting.  Along the way, I seem to meet individuals who can fill the gaps nicely.

My son (14) got into town, and it’s a blast being able to work with him, as well as explore a bit of the world of improv together.

–DAVE C

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Rolling with it…

Getting in motion and staying in motion is key. I’m meeting people who want to help with projects – I wonder if it’s easier to build “on the cheap” during times of higher unemployment?

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Self Enterprising Update

Last week was a very busy week. A beautifully fun, busy week. Monday I met with the artistic director of a local improv/comedy club and he agreed to offer up advice on an as-needed basis. I got the thumbs up to be able to use a local piano recital studio for filming (who really uses film any more? Still sounds cool to say “filming” tho). On Friday I met with a videographer who has agreed to shoot video for my projects, as well as we’ll be collaborating on some industry-specific videos. Saturday I did a photo shoot with the Talk It Up TV cast and crew where we were all on the lense-side of the camera (that was a blast); followed by our first on-location shoot (which lasted too long, but made the cheeseburgers all the more tasty afterward).

A fantastic week; one that made for sleeping most of the day on Sunday. Excited to go forward.

–DAVE C

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