Black excellence.

(Source: salaaam-imnora)

"Distance and difference are the secret tonic of creativity. When we get home, home is still the same. But something in our mind has been changed, and that changes everything."

Johan Lehrer

Food for thought:

“If we’re free from the burden of trying to be completely original, we can stop trying to make something out of nothing, and we can embrace influence instead of running away from it.” © Austin Kleon via “Steal Like An Artist”

"You can’t take the vertebrae out of your back just to fit into someone else’s ceiling."

Terrence Howard

(Source: power1051fm.com)

"Start copying what you love. Copy copy copy copy. At the end of the copy you will find your self."

Yohji Yamamoto

"Everything that needs to be said has already been said. But, since no one was listening, everything must be said again."

André Gide

marcomwright:

Mike Monteiro

F*ck you, pay me - Creative Mornings - March 2011

Wise Words.

"I am the sole author of the dictionary that defines me."

Zadie Smith

#inspirationoftheday

6 Simple Rituals To Reach Your Potential Every Day (via Fast Company)

1. Drink a glass of water when you wake up. Your body loses water while you sleep, so you’re naturally dehydrated in the morning. A glass of water when you wake helps start your day fresh. When do you drink your first glass of water each day?

2. Define your top 3. Every morning Mike asks himself, “What are the top three most important tasks that I will complete today?” He prioritizes his day accordingly and doesn’t sleep until the Top 3 are complete. What’s your “Top 3” today?

3. The 50/10 Rule. Solo-task and do more faster by working in 50/10 increments. Use a timer to work for 50 minutes on only one important task with 10 minute breaks in between. Mike spends his 10 minutes getting away from his desk, going outside, calling friends, meditating, or grabbing a glass of water. What’s your most important task for the next 50 minutes?

4. Move and sweat daily. Regular movement keeps us healthy and alert. It boosts energy and mood, and relieves stress. Most mornings you’ll find Mike in a CrossFit or a yoga class. How will you sweat today?

5. Express gratitude. Gratitude fosters happiness, which is why Mike keeps a gratitude journal. Every morning, he writes out at least five things he’s thankful for. In times of stress, he’ll pause and reflect on 10 things he’s grateful for. What are you grateful for today?

6. Reflect daily. Bring closure to your day through 10 minutes of reflection. Mike asks himself, “What went well?” and “What needs improvement?” So… what went well today? How can you do more of it?

New reading material…and i’ll be reading them in this order.

Take the pledge, make shit happen.

I, Lorenzo Diggins Jr., hereby swear to abandon all fear; to question everything: to trust in myself: to honor those before me as I excel, and to support those who follow as they ascend.  I swear that I will never accept another’s standard for success, as I set mine one measure higher.  When I am finished, no one will ever fucking look at branding, product development, and collaborations the same way again.

Make your pledge here.

more…morning inspiration.

morning inspiration.