As we wrap up 2021, fully immersed in the fog known as the week between Christmas and New Year's, I was thinking about words of wisdom to share with you. Nearing 600 episodes of Getting Work To Work, what's left to say? How can I inspire aspiring content creators? How can I encourage the hardened cynics who have been at this game longer than I have? In the spirit of episode one of this show: screw it...still do it!

It's that time of year where the topics on many people's minds are burnout and self-care. Today's guest is Dr. Sharon Grossman, a burnout and success coach who helps people create the lives they want. In this conversation, she shares how the P.E.P. Model—programming, environment, and personality—helps people find clarity as they ask themselves the question, "Who are you going to be next?" Sharon also answers a crucial question, "Is burnout inevitable or can it be avoided?" Whether you are deep in burnout or can feel it setting in, I hope you'll be able to decode your burnout so that you can find hope.

Today, I'm celebrating my 43rd trip around the sun, so I thought I'd take a moment to share a few things I've learned in my time here on planet Earth. Seven important lessons, to be exact. No matter how young or old you are, I hope that something I say helps you take a step or two toward the creative projects and ideas of your dreams. As one of the beautiful lyrics from the musical RENT proclaims, "No day but today." Let's get into it!

What is the connection between your current hydration level and how you feel? What role does sleep play in a healthy life? How can you prepare your body for a long-lasting creative career? The answers to these questions are all related and just might surprise you as they did me. Desiree Lotz is a detox specialist and nutritionist whose primary purpose is to help people get their bodies sorted out to get their attention off their issues and live their lives. In this conversation, she shares her passion and knowledge for nutrients, minerals, and health in order to fully live our lives because life is fun.

Have you ever wondered how gough of Beernuts Productions would plan and execute the perfect wedding? His latest film, A Guide to a Perfect Wedding, explores all of the ridiculous scenarios and behaviors involved, from clothes and venues to ceremonies and receptions. In this conversation, gough shares how he planned and shot the film like an actual wedding. He tells me about his favorite jokes and moments in the movie, why podcast hosts should research their guests, and how critiquing his past work helps him grow as a filmmaker.

What would you do if you knew you were burnt out and needed to reconnect to your values and rediscover the artistic vision for your life? Joanna Paola Honeyman took a year-long sabbatical from running her design agency to pursue classical painting and art. As she immersed herself in classes and honest feedback, her paintings took on new shapes and forms, leading her into a future of new possibilities. In this conversation, she shares her curiosity for the creative process, why vulnerability sucks but is essential, being open to failure, and the importance of mentors. We also talk about the ups and downs of marriage when both partners are highly creative.

Lately, I have been immersed in the creative process: exploring my own and talking to other creators about theirs. And in doing so, I've realized that I am way too comfortable and need to blow it all up. Sure, it's scary to consider the business ramifications of doing that, but what are my clients actually buying? Stale solutions with an efficient system or courageous content that willingly touches the edge of the unknown? It's in the rubble of the creative process that you can reconnect with intuition, vision, speed, and the visceral nature of creativity.

If there is a tool that I've been skeptical of because of its popularity, it's the Enneagram. Fortunately, Erin Baute is a Certified Enneagram Teacher and Trainer ready to dispel my skepticism and broaden my thinking and understanding of what the Enneagram is and is not. Erin shares her curiosity for people, infinite possibility, and a limitless approach to life in this conversation. She unpacks the Enneagram, the difference between a tool and using the tool, and how ultimately it honors who you are.

Last week, I shared five people I am thankful for, but as I listed person after person, I realized I would need additional episodes to share all the people I'm grateful for and how they've impacted my life. So, today I'm sharing five more people and how you can be inspired by their work as well. If you haven't taken the time to list out the people you are thankful for, do it. Then take a moment to let them know just how they've made your life better. December is also an excellent month to reach out to your favorite artists and content creators to show them your appreciation.

What will the discovery of new ideas and experiences look like in the future? Will you run into the unknown to find them or perhaps wait for others to shape the novel into stable and predictable interactions? These are a few questions inspired by today's conversation with Richie Lokay, the VP of Product Design and Services at Wunderkind. He brings his energy and intellectual curiosity to his team to solve visual problems and experiences at a growing scale. In this conversation, we explore the stages of invention, design rigor, the value of deadlines, perfection, and why swinging for the fences is an essential skill.