Imposter syndrome is a feeling that many of us have experienced at some point in our lives. It’s that nagging voice in the back of your head that tells you you’re not good enough, smart enough, or talented enough to be where you are. It’s the fear that you’ll be found out as a fraud, even if you’ve worked hard to get where you are. But fear not, for there are ways to combat those pesky thoughts and feelings and regain your confidence.
The first step in combating imposter syndrome is to recognize it for what it is: a feeling, not a fact. Just because you feel like an imposter doesn’t mean you are one. Remember, you were hired for a reason, or earned that degree, or achieved that success for a reason. You have the skills, knowledge, and experience to be where you are.
Next, talk to someone about your it. It could be a trusted friend, family member, or a professional. Sharing your feelings with someone can help you gain perspective and realize that you’re not alone. You might even find that the person you’re talking to has experienced imposter syndrome themselves, and can offer some helpful advice.
Another way to combat imposter syndrome is to keep a record of your achievements. Write down the things you’re proud of, no matter how small they may seem. When you’re feeling down, take a look at this record and remind yourself of all the great things you’ve accomplished.
It’s also important to remember that it’s okay to make mistakes. Everyone makes them, even the most successful people. Instead of beating yourself up over a mistake, use it as a learning opportunity. What can you do differently next time? How can you turn this mistake into a positive experience?
Finally, try to shift your focus from yourself to others. When you’re feeling like an imposter, it’s easy to get wrapped up in your own thoughts and feelings. Instead, focus on how you can help others. By sharing your knowledge, skills, and experience with others, you can not only help them, but also gain a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
In conclusion, imposter syndrome is a common feeling that can hold us back from achieving our full potential. But by recognizing it for what it is, talking to someone, keeping a record of your achievements, accepting mistakes, and shifting your focus to others, you can combat imposter syndrome and regain your confidence. Remember, you are not alone, and you are worthy of all the success and achievements you’ve earned. Now go out there and show the world what you’re made of!
Can we blame Elon? Because Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is introducing a new subscription service called “Meta Verified” which offers users a blue verification badge, increased visibility, prioritized customer support and more. The feature is rolling out in Australia and New Zealand this week, costing $11.99 per month on web and $14.99 per month on mobile.
To sign up, users must meet minimum activity requirements, be at least 18 years old, and submit a government ID that matches the name and photo on their Facebook or Instagram accounts. While the service has been compared to Elon Musk‘s $8 per month Twitter Blue, Meta says it won’t make any changes to accounts that have been verified using the company’s previous requirements, such as notability and authenticity.
Users who sign up will also receive exclusive stickers for Stories and Reels and 100 free stars per month, the digital currency used to tip creators on Facebook. However, businesses cannot apply for a Meta Verified badge, and users cannot change their profile name, username, birthday or profile photo without going through the verification process again.
We’ve all heard the adage “winners never quit and quitters never win.” But if not giving up was always the right answer, life would be so much simpler. In reality, there are times when quitting is the best course of action, and it’s essential to know when that is.
To help shed some light on this paradox, we asked some of the most successful people in their fields how they approach the question of when to keep going and when to throw in the towel. One of the most common threads in their responses was the importance of self-awareness. Successful people often know when they’re no longer invested in a project or when it’s not aligned with their goals. In these cases, quitting and moving on to something more fulfilling can lead to greater success in the long run.
Another key factor is being willing to pivot. Many successful people have found success by quitting one thing and redirecting their focus to something more promising. It’s not about giving up but rather recognizing the opportunity to shift gears and pursue a different path. Persistence is also crucial, but it must be balanced with an understanding of when to cut your losses. For example, it may be worth persevering through a challenging project, but if the returns are unlikely to outweigh the investment, it may be time to move on.
It’s also important to consider your values and priorities. If continuing with a particular project is compromising your values or taking time away from what’s truly important to you, it may be time to reassess and make a change. Finally, successful people often have a support network of family, friends, and mentors who can provide valuable insights and perspectives. Talking through your decisions with trusted others can help you gain clarity and make the best choice for you.
In conclusion, quitting and moving on can sometimes lead to greater success, but it’s essential to approach the decision thoughtfully and with a clear understanding of your goals, values, and priorities. By doing so, you’ll be better equipped to make choices that lead you to the success you deserve.
It’s been nearly seven years since Rihanna last graced the live music stage, but the global pop icon is back with a bang. With her highly anticipated performance at the Super Bowl halftime show, the Barbados-born singer is set to light up the biggest stage in the world.
When I first got the call to do the show, I was like ‘Are you sure?’ I was three months postpartum and wasn’t sure if I should be making major decisions like this,” Rihanna confessed during an Apple Music press conference ahead of the big show. “But as scary as it was, being a mom has given me this sense that I can take on the world and do anything. It’s important for me to do this year and it’s important for my son to see that.”
Creating a setlist for the 13-minute performance has been the biggest challenge for Rihanna, who has a career that spans eight albums and 17 years.
We’re on our 39th version of the setlist right now,” Rihanna revealed. “Every little change counts, but there are some songs we have to lose because of the time constraint. That’s going to be okay.”
Rihanna’s Caribbean roots will be a significant part of the halftime show, representing her home country of Barbados and Black women everywhere. Fans have been eagerly waiting for Rihanna’s next move in music, and the singer teased, “Musically, I’m feeling open to exploring, discovering, creating things that are new, things that are different, things that are off, weird. It might not ever make sense to my fans… I want to have fun with music.”
Don’t miss the chance to witness Rihanna’s electrifying return to the live music stage during the Super Bowl halftime show, airing Sunday, Feb. 12 on Fox.
The new king of social media is looking for cash and it seems he’s found a way to get it. Elon Musk‘s Twitter is asking businesses to pay a hefty $1,000 per month, plus an additional $50 per affiliated sub-account, to keep their gold check-mark verification badges. This new pricing falls under Twitter’s new service, Twitter Blue for Business, which was introduced in December and allows businesses to distinguish themselves and link affiliated individuals, businesses, and even movie characters with a small badge next to their profile picture.
However, this move doesn’t come as a surprise. After acquiring Twitter for $44 billion, Musk accumulated $12.5 billion in debt and is looking to increase subscription revenue to meet these obligations. This new pricing strategy also follows Twitter’s announcement last month of partnerships with brand-safety analytics vendors to attract back marketers who have been hesitant to spend on the platform since Musk’s chaotic takeover.
Twitter is reportedly emailing businesses offering gold check mark verification for $1000 PER MONTH!
Twitter Blue for Business customers will eventually be the only ones with verified status as Twitter plans to discontinue all legacy verified check-marks within the next few months. Musk has previously stated that the way in which these check-marks were given out was “corrupt and nonsensical”.
Twitter Blue for individuals, which includes a blue check-mark, costs $8 per month purchased on the web and $11 per month through Apple’s iOS. To prevent impersonators from flooding the platform, Twitter relaunched the program in December with new safeguards.
On a related note, Musk recently announced that Twitter will start sharing ad revenue with creators for ads that appear in their reply threads starting February 3rd, but provided no additional details on how the program will work or how much users can expect to be paid. The split in revenue will only be with creators who subscribe to Twitter Blue.
Aside from being the CEO of Twitter, Musk is also the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. On Friday, a federal jury found him not liable for Tesla investor losses over tweets he made in 2018, which led to a lawsuit by the SEC. Following the verdict, Musk tweeted, “Thank goodness, the wisdom of the people has prevailed! I am deeply appreciative of the jury’s unanimous finding of innocence in the Tesla 420 take-private case.”
Amidst the endless cacophony of digital streaming services, Spotify stands tall as a veritable colossus, with a staggering 205 million paying users and a grip on the audio market that shows no signs of loosening. Yet, despite this dominance, the Swedish-born behemoth has struggled to find financial stability, with a string of losses and controversies weighing heavy on its shoulders. But there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon – one that may just change the tune of Spotify’s narrative. The company is banking on podcasts.
Amidst a landscape littered with layoffs and cutbacks, Spotify’s CEO, Daniel Ek, has come out in defense of the company’s podcasting business, citing its contributions to the platform’s retention of paying customers. The latest earnings report was a surprising turnaround, with Ek presenting podcasts as the driving force behind a 14% increase in advertising revenue. The podcasting world has been a turbulent one for Spotify, with the departure of key executives and the recent Joe Rogan controversy. However, Ek and his team are optimistic, predicting profitability in podcasting to improve by 2023.
Spotify’s push into podcasts is a calculated move to diversify its audio offerings and reduce its dependence on music licensing, which faces stiff competition from the likes of Amazon, Apple, and Google‘s YouTube. As Arielle Nissenblatt, founder of EarBuds Podcast Collective, notes,
“Spotify is already so many people’s first choice for music, and if podcasting is positioned correctly within the app, it can turn many non-podcast listeners into loyal podcast listeners.”
The company’s shares rose by 12% following the latest earnings report, which outperformed analysts’ expectations, and there is a sense of newfound optimism on Wall Street. However, this optimism is tempered by the recent announcement of 600 layoffs, representing 6% of the company’s global workforce, and the departure of Dawn Ostroff, the “key architect of Spotify’s podcast strategy”.
Despite its struggles, Spotify remains a key player in the world of celebrity-driven podcasts, with multi-million dollar deals with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Joe Rogan, and Nasir Jones. However, not all these deals have proven successful, with Archetypes, the podcast produced by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, struggling to reach its full potential.
As the world of digital streaming continues to evolve, Spotify is gambling on the power of podcasts to steer the company towards financial stability and profitability. Whether this bet will pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the future of audio streaming is as uncertain as ever.
As the demands in the creative industry continue to escalate, many actors, artists, writers, etc. find themselves struggling with stress and anxiety. From tight deadlines and high-stakes projects to the pressures of self-promotion and the need to constantly innovate, the creative life can be both rewarding and overwhelming.
But despite the many challenges they face, creatives have a unique set of skills and talents that can help them navigate the emotional landscape and find peace in the midst of chaos. Here are a few strategies for managing stress and anxiety, straight from the minds of some of the most successful and resilient creatives in the industry.
Embrace Mindfulness and Self-Care
Mindfulness and self-care are key to managing stress and anxiety,” says bestselling author J.K. Rowling. “Whether it’s taking a walk in nature, meditating, or simply taking time to disconnect from the world and focus on your breathing, finding ways to quiet your mind and care for your body can help you stay centered and calm.”
Set Boundaries and Prioritize Self-Preservation
The biggest sources of stress and anxiety in the creative industry is the pressure to be constantly producing,” says award-winning playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda. “It’s important to set boundaries and prioritize self-preservation, even if it means saying no to a project or taking a break from social media.”
Connect with Others and Build a Supportive Community
One of the most powerful ways to manage stress and anxiety is to connect with others and build a supportive community,” says filmmaker Ava DuVernay. “Surround yourself with people who understand what you’re going through and can offer encouragement and support. Collaborate with others on projects, attend workshops and retreats, and engage in meaningful conversations with other creatives.”
Find Joy in the Process and Let Go of Perfectionism
Perfectionism is one of the biggest contributors to stress and anxiety in the creative industry,” says graphic novelist Art Spiegelman. “It’s important to find joy in the process, to let go of perfectionism, and to remember that the journey is just as important as the destination.”
Keep Perspective and Stay Grounded in Your Values and Vision
In the midst of stress and anxiety, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s truly important,” says poet and activist Claudia Rankine. “Keep perspective, stay grounded in your values and vision, and remember why you do what you do. Use your art to bring joy and inspiration to others, and focus on the impact you want to make in the world.”
Stress and anxiety are a natural part of the creative journey, but they don’t have to define it. By embracing mindfulness, setting boundaries, connecting with others, finding joy in the process, and staying grounded in your values, creatives can overcome stress and anxiety and continue to thrive in their careers and lives.
In a private gathering, new DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran unveiled their highly anticipated initial slate of projects, giving audiences a glimpse into the visionary approach to DC storytelling that is to come.
Dubbed Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters this first wave of 10 projects (with more to come, according to Gunn) will introduce fans to a completely unified universe, breaking away from the fragmented past of separate film series and isolated universes.
“For the first time ever, everything DC-related – film, television, live-action, animation, gaming – is centralized under one creative vision,” explains Safran. Gunn adds, “From our first project forward, everything will be unified.” The duo takes the reins, bringing stability and coherence to a universe that had previously been fragmented and loosely controlled.
Their initial slate of projects includes major reboots, fresh new perspectives, and familiar faces. As they lead DC into a new era, Gunn and Safran promise a cohesive and connected universe, starting with a brand-new “Superman” movie. Get ready, DC fans, for an electrifying journey ahead, here are the 10 projects:
Creature Commandos – TV Series
DC Comics
Bringing the Unusual to Life! James Gunn’s first project in the new era of DC Studios will be the animated TV series Creature Commandos. Based on the comic property of the same name, this series brings together vampires, werewolves, and zombies in a thrilling new adventure. Already in production, Gunn reveals that this is just the beginning of a fully integrated and connected DC universe.
“Animation will lead into live-action and back into animation again,” says Gunn. He notes that any animated project has the potential to be brought to life on the big screen, and vice versa. Confirmed characters include fan-favorite Weasel from The Suicide Squad, played by Sean Gunn.
James Gunn has written all seven episodes of the series himself, ensuring a consistent and cohesive story. As the first project in this unified DCU, Creature Commandos sets the stage for a thrilling journey ahead.
Waller – TV Series
Warner Bros.
Viola Davis is staying in the DC Universe as the actress reprises her role as Amanda Waller in the new TV series focused on her character. Gunn explains that this is a multiverse and some characters will have different actors, while others will remain the same, such as with Davis as Waller and leading Team Peacemaker.
This series will fit “in between” the first and second seasons of Peacemaker, as Gunn has been busy writing Creature Commandos and Superman. Season 2 of Peacemaker will be delayed, but fans can look forward to the exciting new adventures of Amanda Waller.
Chrystal Henry (Watchmen) and Jeremy Carver (Doom Patrol) are writing the series.
Superman Legacy – Movie
DC Comics
The DCU next big move is Superman Legacy. As the launching point of the new DC era, this film will delve into the struggle of the Man of Steel to reconcile his Kryptonian roots with his human upbringing.
Superman Legacy is not a retelling of his origin, but a showcase of his unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and the American way. With a target release date of July 11, 2025, this is expected to set a new standard in superhero storytelling. Written by James Gunn, there is hope that he may also direct the film.
Safran described it as the true beginning of the DCU and praised the script as a testament to the power of kindness in a world that has forgotten its value.
Lanterns – TV Series
DC Comics
Green Lantern is finally making its long-awaited return to the screen with the highly-anticipated TV series Lanterns. Inspired by the popular HBO series True Detective, the series will follow the journey of two of the most beloved characters from the Lantern Corp., Hal Jordan and John Stewart, as they unravel a mysterious case with terrestrial roots. This series will play a crucial role in shaping the larger narrative that the production team is crafting for the DCU’s future film and TV projects.
Safran reveals that the new Lantern series will replace the previously planned “space opera” TV show that was headed by Greg Berlanti and starring Finn Wittrock and Jeremy Irvine. This new series promises to be a game-changer, elevating the DCU to even greater heights.
The Authority – Movie
DC Comics
A movie inspired by the comic book series The Authority is set to join the DC Universe, incorporating characters from Wildstorm imprint.
Gunn elaborates that the DCU is not limited to a tale of heroes and villains and that there will be a spectrum of characters ranging from anti-heroes to morally ambiguous ones like The Authority, who believe in taking matters into their own hands to fix the world.
Paradise Lost – TV Series
Warner Bros.
Welcome to the alluring world of Themiscyra. The series Paradise Lost will explore the political intrigue of an all-female society. Yes the future of Wonder Woman 3 remains uncertain, and mostly likely canceled, we’ll get our Amazonian fix by turning our attention to the exotic island of Themiscyra.
Set before the birth of Diana (Wonder Woman), this series delves into the intricacies of an all-female society, exploring the beauty and darkness behind their origin. In the vein of Game of Thrones, Paradise Lost promises to be a tale of political maneuvering and power struggles amongst the women of Themiscyra.
“What’s the origin of an island of all women?” Gunn asks. “What are the beautiful truths and the ugly truths behind all of that, and what’s the scheming like between the different power players in that society?”
While Diana will not make an appearance in the series, Paradise Lost promises to offer a captivating look into the birthplace of one of DC’s most iconic characters.
The Brave and the Bold – Movie
DC Comics
The Caped Crusader is back, but this time he’s got company. The Brave and the Bold, feature-length film is inspired by Grant Morrison‘s run on Batman, will bring the DCU’s dynamic duo of Batman and Robin to the forefront in a tale of father and son.
According to Gunn, the film will introduce audiences to Bruce Wayne as the DCU’s Batman, as well as his son Damian Wayne, a young assassin with a dark past. Despite having been kept a secret from Batman for the first decade of his life, their relationship will be the focal point of this new iteration of the classic duo.
This Batman will exist separate from Robert Pattinson‘s iteration in the upcoming Matt Reeves films, which will be categorized as Elseworlds outside of this continuity. Are you ready for a fresh take on the Dark Knight and his pint-sized partner?
Booster Gold – TV Series
DC Comics
At long last, the comic book hero Booster Gold will finally grace the screen in a stunning new adaptation. The series is set to deliver a thrilling take on the beloved character.
“Booster Gold is the tale of a loser from the future who harnesses the power of advanced technology to travel back in time and present himself as a superhero,” says Safran, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the film’s central theme. “It’s the superhero equivalent of Imposter Syndrome,” adds Gunn, further emphasizing the unique and thought-provoking nature of the project.
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow – Movie
DC Comics
Supergirl is set to soar onto the big screen and re-imagined for a new generation. Based on Tom King‘s acclaimed comic book series, this film will introduce a radically different version of the character than what audiences may be familiar with.
As Gunn explains, “In our DC Universe, we explore the fundamental difference between Superman, who was raised on Earth by loving parents from infancy, and Supergirl, who spent her first 14 years on a Kryptonian colony witnessing the brutal death and destruction of those around her.”
With the film expected to follow King’s comics, viewers can expect a captivating space-bound journey featuring Supergirl, a loyal dog, and a young girl on a mission for revenge. This Supergirl will be a fresh departure from the beloved TV series.
Swamp Thing – Movie
Warner Bros.
The DCU is set to delve into the murky depths of the swamp with a Swamp Thing film. The Gunn-Safran duo emphasized the diversity of tone within the interconnected universe, each film reflecting the unique vision of its filmmakers.
“Expect a departure from the norm as we delve into the dark origins of Swamp Thing,” Safran revealed. “Each film in the DCU offers a distinct tonal experience, making for an exciting mash-up of diverse perspectives in the future.”
While the character was previously brought to life in a 2019 live-action TV series that was unfortunately short-lived, this latest adaptation promises to uncover the mystery at the heart of the swamp.
In the world of digital media, email newsletters have emerged as a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs and businesses alike. The recent sale of Morning Brew to Insider Inc. for a reported $75 million has put a spotlight on this growing market. But what does it take to launch and grow a successful newsletter business? We turn to Dru Riley, founder of Trends.vc, for insight into his journey and tips for success in the newsletter space.
A former software engineer, Riley left his comfortable job in 2017 to take a chance on himself. With $250,000 saved, he embarked on a journey to explore new ideas and start his own business. However, after two and a half years, Riley found himself running low on funds. That’s when he began working on a business idea that would eventually become Trends.vc.
Launched in 2020, Trends.vc quickly gained traction among entrepreneurs looking for insights on new markets and ideas. Today, the newsletter boasts over 50,000 subscribers and over 1,000 paid members. But Riley’s journey was not without challenges. In the beginning, he struggled with monetizing his business, despite its growing popularity. Eventually, he found success by offering free reports and charging for deeper insights.
Product Hunt also played a crucial role in Trends.vc’s growth. By leveraging the platform, Riley was able to increase his subscriber count from 6,000 to 25,000. However, he cautions that success on Product Hunt requires careful planning and a strategic approach.
So what’s the secret to building a successful newsletter business? For Riley, it’s all about highlighting others and putting them in the spotlight. By doing so, you can boost your brand and create meaningful relationships with your subscribers. With a combination of hard work, strategic thinking, and a little bit of luck, anyone can launch and grow a successful newsletter business, just like Riley did with Trends.vc.
The music industry is constantly evolving, and with the rise of web3 and NFTs (non-fungible tokens), artists now have new opportunities to monetize their work and connect with fans.
Web3, also known as decentralized web, is a new way of using the internet where data is stored on a network of decentralized servers rather than a centralized server. This allows for more transparency and control for users. In the music industry, this means that artists can directly connect with their fans and monetize their work through decentralized platforms such as Musicoin, Ujo Music, and Choon.
NFTs, on the other hand, are unique digital assets that are stored on a blockchain. These assets can take the form of anything from music tracks to artwork and even tweets. In the music industry, NFTs can be used to create limited edition digital collectibles such as exclusive tracks, videos, and even live concert experiences.
One example of an artist using NFTs to monetize their work is Grimes, who sold a collection of NFTs for over $6 million in March 2021. The collection included digital artwork, music videos, and even a virtual reality concert experience. This not only provided a new revenue stream for the artist, but also gave fans a unique and exclusive experience.
Another example is Kings of Leon, the band sold their album When You See Yourself as an NFT, which included exclusive artwork, videos, and even a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the album. This not only provided fans with an exclusive experience, but also helped the band to monetize their work in a new way.
Using web3 and NFTs also allows artists to maintain control over their work and the distribution of their content, which is a common issue in traditional music industry. By embracing web3 and NFTs, artists can not only monetize their work in new ways, but also connect with fans in a more meaningful way. This new technology opens up new possibilities for the music industry and could change the way we consume and enjoy music in the future.
However, it’s important to note that this is a new and emerging technology, and it’s important for artists to do their research and work with experts in the field to fully understand the potential and the risks involved. It’s also important to keep in mind that not all music-related NFTs may be worth investing in, and it’s always important to make a well-informed decision.
