PIXL Designs

“This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change.”

Barack Obama uttered this words on Nov. 4, 2008. While I’m not a huge fan of either side of government, I was a huge fan of Obama’s focus on volunteerism social action. And I think this focus gave hope to many Americans.

My wife and I served yesterday at the Second Harvest Food Bank in Nashville as part of the “Give a day, Get a day” Walt Disney challenge. While there was some extra incentive, it didn’t matter because what we did was worth it, prize or no prize.

Helping others. Volunteering. Belonging to a cause. Each of these areas speaks to my generation. And I believe they help you keep a grounded approach to business and life. My encouragement to everyone is if you have not taken some time to volunteer in your community, then do so as soon as possible. You will not only bless others, you will be blessed yourself.

1. Don’t believe in yourself.
2. Don’t seek accountability in life.
3. Slip into depression often and stay there.
4. Don’t pursue an active lifestyle.
5. Don’t stay true to who you are.
6. Don’t make goals or plans of action.
7. Don’t strategize.
8. Don’t be creative and unique.
9. Don’t take risks.
10. Don’t help anyone else along the way.

So I accepted the challenge a couple of months ago to run the Country Music Half-marathon.

But since then I have had trouble keeping up with the regular running schedule because of shin splints

When you accept a challenge and find it difficult to complete, it can become discouraging. But isn’t this the art of the challenge? If it was easy, it would no longer be a challenge. Oddly enough I am having to remind myself this. But as a former athlete it is hard.

I’m not in high school anymore despite the fact my mind wants my body to react in the ways it used to

I am finding the biggest struggle is against myself. I know what to do, how to do it. I can even push through the physical pain. But there is such an internal war going on and it is wearing me out.

Until I run. Then I am on top of the world again.

And such is life. Whether competing in a race. Running your own business. Leading a church or organization. We are often prepared for the challenges against other things, but rarely are we ready for the biggest obstacle – ourself!

Here is our second edition of Awkward Fridays. We are consistently showcasing some of the things in life that may have seemed like a good idea at first, but ended up being… awkward. Enjoy.

Does this even need a caption?

I am going to deviate a little bit, but not really. Hillsong Church in Australia is an amazing influence for worship music around the world. But this past year their passion for creativity has, in my opinion, gone through the roof. This video is actually about their 2010 vision. I chose it as a part of Creativity Week because of the amazing production work. I hope you’ll take a moment and watch it while appreciating the way the music and video blend together to form a perfectly orchestrated piece of art.

Here is an amazing example of creativity and originality found through stop motion art:

Today we are featuring what I consider to be one of the greatest projects ever on YouTube. In 2006, MadV released a video asking people what it meant to be human. He compiled their responses into his One World video. This was one of the first times we saw a completely original idea go viral.

This week we’ll be giving some glances at projects that inspire us or that we think are amazingly creative. Here’s the first—a seatbelt commercial (watch it all the way through for the full effect):

Can you say awkward? There are so many moments in life that make you feel uncomfortable, awkward. The beauty of awkwardness is it affects everyone at some point or another. So I am therefore deeming Fridays as “Awkward Fridays.” Our goal will be to veer off from giving design and business advice and instead focus on awkwardness.

So! Um.. yeah. Well. Okay.

That was awkard…

Hopefully you have been following along this week and have found why it is so important to keep life in balance. It’s been a tough road personally as I shared yesterday, but I am thankful for learning my lessons early on in life.

So what now? Just evaluate your life and rock it out as best as you can. Be creative. Be original. Do your best. But along the way, don’t lose yourself. Be all who you were created to be and always be true to those you love the most.

I’m out of wisdom for the week! Peaceout from PIXL! Here’s a great music video for your enjoyment by Yours Truly.