Tag: #framing

Dealing with Monday Morning Work Anxiety: 3 Tips to Cope

Ah, Monday morning. The start of the workweek often brings a wave of anxiety that can be hard to shake off. But don’t worry, you’re not alone, and there are ways to manage that dreaded Monday feeling. Here are three tips to help you cope:

  1. Plan Your Week on Friday morning.
    Instead of letting Monday catch you off guard, take some time on Friday morning to plan your week. Create a to-do list, prioritize tasks, and set some achievable goals. Knowing what’s ahead can reduce uncertainty and make Monday morning feel more manageable. Plus, crossing items off your list can be incredibly satisfying!
  2. Establish a Morning Routine You Enjoy
    Make Monday mornings something to look forward to by creating a routine that you enjoy. This could be as simple as brewing your favorite coffee (I suggest www.corococoffee.com), taking a brisk walk (with a golden retriever), or spending a few minutes meditating. Having a pleasant routine can ease you into the workday and boost your mood.
  3. Break Down Tasks into Smaller Steps
    The thought of tackling a big project first thing on Monday can be overwhelming. Instead, break your tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Focus on completing one small task at a time. This approach can help prevent feelings of being overwhelmed and give you a sense of accomplishment throughout the day.

And most importantly, remember life is more than just work and work stress is temporary.

“K.I.S.S., Ryan”: How a Crusty War Photographer Taught Me the Power of Simplicity

“K.I.S.S.” It’s a philosophy that I’ve lived by for a long time, especially in the advertising world. Well, this might date me a bit, but back in college I took a photography class. Digital cameras weren’t quite a thing yet, so we were shooting on film and developing in a darkroom. I absolutely loved the class and learned so much about framing, creating a shot, and developing unique images that would jump off the photo page.

My teacher was a crusty old Vietnam vet, a former war photographer. He showed us his incredible, moving work from the Vietnam War. Above his desk, he had a sign he’d made out of old photographs that said “K.I.S.S.” I was really struggling with an assignment, so I went up to him and rambled on about all the things I was trying to do. He raised his hand in a stop motion, then pointed at the K.I.S.S. sign. At that point, I had no idea what it meant.

He asked to see my proofs for the assignment. He flipped through them in seconds, pulled one out, and grunted with a big, arthritic finger, “Ryan, that’s your shot. Look at that kid on the tricycle, giving you that cute smile… you know the moment you turn your back, he’s going to go flying down a hill, looking for a ramp to jump. The one you’re focused on is too much; you’re overthinking it. K.I.S.S., Ryan.”

I looked at the two pictures, and he was absolutely right. The simpler one was better – a night-and-day difference. I looked at him and asked, “Okay, but I still don’t know what K.I.S.S. means?”

He grinned out of the corner of his mouth. “Keep It Simple” – then took a sip of his coffee. “What’s the other ‘S’?” I asked. He just laughed and walked away.

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