We become what we're good at.

 Or at the very least what we like a lot or what is easy to us. Though, there are some times we take the more challenging route to something new and/or unexpected.

Considering myself as an example I am inclined to see the chain somewhat clearly. My career is that of a professional visual observer(Director of Photography)... which requires my enjoyment of visual framing, my interest in empathetically estimating the things others will enjoy, my love of storytelling, and my enjoyed intensity as it relates to time and pacing. There are smaller factors involved(team work, novelty of the ever-changing scenery, intensity of focus, etc) but everything contributes and I can hardly think of any examples to the contrary. So... what's my point really? Is this a good or a bad thing?

Maybe the basic point is that people are largely guided by what they like and they become what is easiest to become. Not in a condescending way but I think that means most people basically like all the most popular things and sort of become fairly average in most ways that are the easiest things to access because of general ubiquity and support. This essentially means, if my logic is correct, that the non-average(above and below) folks become such because they truly enjoy those things which themselves are not common.

I think the exception to all of this are those who either like, or are incredibly competent at, self-discipline and consistency. Those people become whatever they want to become. They are the heroes by choice. Maybe they deserve an entire blog post all on their own.

What am I good at?

 Because this seems like the first place I should exert some of my creative energy for the vlogs/blogs I am endeavoring to make. I am still needing to get better at talking on camera so aiming at the low hanging fruit of topics just seems like the right idea. Not sure why I didn't think of it right away. So... what are these things?

I think I am pretty good at examining ideas. I make a concerted effort to see all the way to the edges in every direction possible and often try to synthesize potential ramifications of how the idea might be implemented in real life. I think this enables quality interrogation to thoroughly examine the how's and why's that are important to best understand a given thing. Along with this interrogation is the real intent to explore the correct and honest behavior involved regardless of my predisposed perspective beforehand. I am not always willing or capable to fully conform to new information but I definitely do a good job of recognizing truth where it exists regardless.

Well, I'll just leave it here for now. I had at least one more topic I thought of to potentially address here but I am now thinking that one topic per entry seems more feasible and is also less confusing in the afterglow.

Attempt at a thought or two.

 I've recently started vlogging and despite my normal ability to wax philosophical extemporaneously most of the time I seem to lack that swagger when the camera kicks on. So now I am making an attempt to generate ideas through the practice of blogging once again. I seem to have a bit more access to the thinking part of my brain when I do this. Maybe it's just because I've practiced it?

Additionally, I have started writing some thoughts down in the notes app in my phone to aid in this process as well. Today the two things I wrote down will be my main topics to address here.

Is groupthink bad? Or, when is groupthink bad? I realize it can be a beneficial thing from time to time. But is it more frequently the case that it is something one would consider bad? I had the thought today that it might be specifically anti-progressive. Not the political version of progressive specifically but I think it could be applied to that as well. Basically... when staying within the lines of groupthink does innovation become stifled? Or is there the possibility of greater exploration of the nuanced and repetitive? Does it enable a greater form of refinement and polish? I don't really know. I just think it bears some time in reflection and analysis.

Today I discovered that I somehow missed clipping one of my fingernails a few days ago. I am not sure I have ever done that before and it was quite a weird discovery! That means I missed it while clipping the other nails AND I missed it every day since then... have I become that less observant about myself? Very strange. Such is life.

Wondering Where the Creativity Comes From

 Since sometimes there just isn't a lot going on in my mind.

Sometimes you just start writing and a new idea or two just pops into existence. It's like the act of doing generates more for you to do. But that isn't always the case. I wouldn't call it writer's block, especially since I don't really recall ever having had that before, but I might call it a lull in the creative motions of life.

Maybe I write just to press forward. Flex a muscle that needs flexing. Doing when there isn't enough doing. Maybe start to build a bit of momentum in any direction that isn't static.

Reminders of Reminders

 Because I do want to speak to the future... but I seem to be reluctant to do it in any other form beyond writing... and art.

I would like to do video captured content. Something that better displays what and who I am now. I don't know if it will be for my posterity, since I don't know if I will ever be so lucky, but I do think it could be for others nonetheless. Friends... other family... strangers, even. I would like to leave a mark on the future world in some way. A positive mark would be nice.

So I better make a better plan to do it. I won't conveniently stumble into doing it so a plan is the only way. Set up the camera... keep it simple... no need for an elaborate script or anything. Just start talking and make it happen!

Creating in Small Chunks

 There is an inverse correlation derived from in the value of a great short story. Not to say that all short stories possess this quality but when it is done right it becomes so much bigger in a somewhat counterintuitive way.

The focus is more acute. The ideas are more simply displayed. The feelings are less muddled. The sharper the edge, the more potent the sword.

And... I think it all comes down to moments and attention span. We remember best the things the affect us the most, and most quickly. And when it takes less work to summarize and distill the main points and ideas we more easily project the value found therein to others... and our future selves.

The Beautiful Art of Life

 Is a motivating and inspiring and often under-appreciated thing.

Music changes my life. It makes me feel in certain ways, usually aligned with the vibe of its expressions and sometimes mixed with the nostalgia of shared moments of the past. Like a timeless sonic thread woven through the threads of my soul.

I am also quite impressed by the medium of movies/television... though, who isn't? The combined visual/auditory/storytelling/acting mediums can sink so deeply into my mind and heart sometimes. When the craft is so harmonious and personal and expressive... I am not in my place but, rather, someplace else entirely. Assisted daydreaming, I suppose.

I am glad I get to participate in the creation of art. It is an enjoyable activity despite the challenges and imperfections in my renderings. Doing is fulfilling in its own way.