“The Creative Act” is the #1 New York Times bestselling book by Rick Rubin. Rick is a nine-time GRAMMY-winning producer, who’s been named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by TIME Magazine and the most successful producer in any genre by Rolling Stone.

We loved that this book is less of a how-to and more of a manifesto about the creative life. This poetic book reminds us that everyone can be an artist, as it’s simply a way of seeing the world. We discussed the four stages of the creative process, why it’s important to remember that every rule is breakable, surrendering to the process, separating your ego from your work, and why you need to give yourself time and space to be creative.

It’s refreshing to remember that, regardless of our careers or jobs, we can all be artists. As Rick says, “Being an artist means to be continually asking, ‘How can it be better?’ whatever it is. It may be your art, and it may be your life.”

Mentioned in the episode:

“The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/717356/the-creative-act-by-rick-rubin/ 

Godzilla Minus One: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt23289160/ 

Amadeus: https://www.netflix.com/title/247351 

Package Free: https://packagefreeshop.com/ 

Book of the Month (Referral Link): https://www.mybotm.com/fev1maqjhf22zkt9

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Some people may roll their eyes or call it silly, but there’s a lot of useful information you can unpack from a personality test – whether you prefer zodiac signs, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), love languages, or one of the hundreds of other assessments out there. Research shows that self-aware people are happier, have better relationships, and enjoy greater job satisfaction, so this week we indulge ourselves in how personality tests can be both fun and insightful!

We talk about how these tests help with self-discovery and self-management, why clarity from these assessments can be liberating instead of limiting, and how you can use your “personality type” to design a life that best suits you – from careers to relationships.

Mentioned in the episode:

“The Personality Brokers” by Merve Emre: https://www.merveemre.com/paraliterary 

Why Do We Need Personality Tests to Tell Us Who We Are?: https://www.nbcnews.com/better/pop-culture/why-do-we-need-personality-tests-tell-us-who-we-ncna914371 

Are Personality Tests Actually Useful?: https://time.com/6959682/are-personality-tests-useful/ 

16 Personalities (MBTI): https://www.16personalities.com/ 

Enneagram Institute: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/ 

The Five Love Languages: https://5lovelanguages.com/ 

The 5 (Leadership) Voices: https://5voices.com/ 

National Institute for Play’s Play Personalities: https://www.nifplay.org/what-is-play/play-personalities/ 

Agent Nateur: https://www.agentnateur.com/ 

Andia’s Ice Cream: https://andiasicecream.com/ 

“The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/717356/the-creative-act-by-rick-rubin/ 

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We are celebrating our 50th episode this week! For this milestone episode, we’re chatting about abundance mindsets and scarcity mindsets, and how choosing abundance gives you the confidence and courage to chase what you want in this life.

Too many of us have scarcity mindsets, which are limiting beliefs and a form of self-sabotage that has us thinking small and focusing too much on what could go wrong instead of what could go right. This week, we explore inheriting certain mindsets from society or family (other immigrant kids might relate!), how representation helps us shift to seeing abundance, learning to see opportunities before risks, why you can’t expect that achieving success will change your mindset for you, and how abundance impacts our relationships, careers, and self-worth.

We also chat about why Melissa is excited for camping season and Renée’s reminder to switch out your skincare products with the change of seasons.

Mentioned in the episode:

Spring Skincare Tips Reel: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5JK4_Sr15u/ 

Shifting from a Scarcity Mindset to an Abundance Mindset: https://community.thriveglobal.com/shifting-from-a-scarcity-mindset-to-an-abundance-mindset/

Scarcity & Abundance: Two Sides of the Same Coin: https://magazine.thestriveproject.com/issue/oct-dec-2022/scarcity-abundance-two-sides-of-the-same-coin/ 

Reesa Teesa Is a Born Storyteller: https://time.com/6883150/reesa-teesa-interview-tiktok-who-tf-did-i-marry/

Horace & Friends: https://www.instagram.com/horaceandfriendss/ 

Early Bird Granola: https://earlybirdfoods.com/

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We often hear about the 3 Ss that are bad for your health – smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and stress. This week, we’re talking about stress and how to manage it so it doesn’t get in the way of chasing meaning and living our best lives.

Melissa and Renée chat about the downfalls of living in survival mode all the time, the impact of stress on creativity, proactive strategies to get better at stress management, and fighting our brains’ tendency to always choose what’s easy, convenient, and in our comfort zone. We also dive into research about “good stress” and how perception plays a bigger role in stress than we realize.

Among our stress relievers this week are cheeky keyboard and mouse nicknames and the gift that is Beyoncé’s new album, Cowboy Carter.

Mentioned in the episode:

Beyoncé Cowboy Carter: https://music.beyonce.com/

4 Ways to Spark Creativity When You’re Feeling Stressed: https://hbr.org/2021/10/4-ways-to-spark-creativity-when-youre-feeling-stressed 

“The Power of One More” by Ed Mylett: https://thepowerofonemore.com 

“The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg: https://www.charlesduhigg.com/the-power-of-habit 

How To Be Better At Stress: https://www.nytimes.com/article/how-to-deal-with-stress.html 

“How To Make Stress Your Friend” TED Talk by Kelly McGonigal: https://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_make_stress_your_friend 

“The Choice: Embrace the Possible” by Dr. Edith Eva Eger: https://dreditheger.com/the-choice/ 

Logitech LIFT FOR MAC Ergonomic Mouse: https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/mice/lift-vertical-ergonomic-mouse-mac.910-006471.html

The Good Trade’s Daily Good newsletter: https://www.thegoodtrade.com/the-daily-good/ 

“All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten” by Robert Fulghum: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/56955/all-i-really-need-to-know-i-learned-in-kindergarten-by-robert-fulghum/ 

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Email us: [email protected]

IG: @pilotingpod

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There’s a lot of talk about being intentional with friendships and taking advantage of mentors and coaches…but what about masterminds? 

This week, we discuss mastermind groups – a small group of peers meeting regularly who are committed to mutual growth, support, and knowledge sharing – and how they can be a valuable addition to your social life and success plans. We dig into why you don’t have to pay for a mastermind, the ideal size for your group, how these differ from conversations with friends, the importance of weak ties, and some ways to find your own group.

In other news, we’re also celebrating Renée’s new interest in homemade sea moss gel and exploring Melissa’s adventures with decluttering and de-influencing – and her surprise ASMR treat!

Mentioned in the episode:

What is a Mastermind Group, and How Do You Find It?: https://www.tonyrobbins.com/business/mastermind-group/ 

What Is a Mastermind and Should You Join One?: https://startupparent.com/mastermind-groups-structure-value-benefits/ 

“The Strength of Weak Ties” by Mark S. Granovetter: https://www.jstor.org/stable/2776392 

“Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success One Relationship at a Time” by Keith Ferrazzi: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/227558/never-eat-alone-expanded-and-updated-by-keith-ferrazzi-and-tahl-raz/ 

How to Start a Mastermind Group (and 8 Reasons Why You Should): https://www.austinbollinger.com/blog/how-to-start-a-mastermind-group/ 

Dan Go on the 321 Method (X): https://twitter.com/FitFounder/status/1652673727568461825 

Siete Family Foods Mexican Wedding Cookies: https://sietefoods.com/products/mexican-wedding-cookies 

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Money is emotional, from how much you have to how you spend it, but especially how much you earn. Some of us grew up hearing that discussing salary is taboo, but is that changing?

This week, we discuss pay transparency and its impact on equity and closing the wage gap, why it potentially limits rewards for high performers, and whether we should tie compensation to performance at all. We also dig into the necessary culture shift (at work and in society generally) to get comfortable being transparent about pay and how comfortable Melissa and Renée are in discussing their pay among friends.

Mentioned in the episode:

The 7 Types of Rest that Every Person Needs: https://ideas.ted.com/the-7-types-of-rest-that-every-person-needs/ 

Buffer’s Salary System: https://buffer.com/resources/salary-system/

Research: The Complicated Effects of Pay Transparency: https://hbr.org/2023/02/research-the-complicated-effects-of-pay-transparency 

Salary Transparency Street: https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/

Kindle Unlimited: https://amzn.to/3QUEk87

Magna Kusina: https://www.magnapdx.com 

Yung Pueblo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yung_pueblo/ 

Every Stylish Girl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4qaaeBOiKJ/ 

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IG: @pilotingpod

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“Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You” is the New York Times bestselling book from Dr. Ali Abdaal, the world’s most-followed productivity expert. 

For this month’s book club, we loved Ali’s take on productivity that prioritizes joy over the “grin and bear it” approaches we’re used to hearing. We dive into the eight play personalities (and why they matter for productivity), how inertia prevents us from getting started, the criteria for a good accountability partner, the three kinds of burnout, and which of the book’s “experiments” feel most easily implement-able. We also explore how Melissa gets a high from organizing files and why Renée is struggling to adjust to Daylight Savings Time.

To take Ali’s advice, “Success doesn't lead to feeling good. Feeling good leads to success.” 

We’d love to know what books we should review for upcoming book club episodes! Send us your ideas and recommendations. 

Mentioned in the episode:

“Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You” by Ali Abdaal: https://www.feelgoodproductivity.com/ 

Ali Abdaal: https://aliabdaal.com/

Notion: http://www.notion.so

ClickUp: https://clickup.com/  

Shop Velanidi: https://www.instagram.com/shopvelanidi/

M.Gemi: https://mgemi.com/ 

Balanced Les Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4V81sIR1Gf/ 

Chrissy Rutherford Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4ZEdW5o5u-/ 

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If you’ve ever struggled with getting things done, we have a not-so-new idea we’re chatting about this week that might help. ‘Monk mode’ is a productivity tool that pushes you to focus on a goal intensely by cutting out distractions over a short period of time. We discuss learning to eliminate distractions, navigating FOMO, saying no, being a good friend to someone trying to achieve a big goal, and why focus is the ultimate superpower. Melissa also confesses about the phone game taking over her life and Renée talks about why she loves the drama of a big reveal.

Mentioned in the episode:

Patricia Bright, How to Stay Focused and Disciplined to Achieve More – The Monk Mode secret (The Break): https://youtu.be/ZCzA1irzvao?si=jkeVXNHRXNmGeP6T 

‘Monk Mode’ is the ‘New’ Productivity Trend That Promises to Improve Your Attention Span: https://www.fastcompany.com/90953246/monk-mode-is-the-new-productivity-trend-that-promises-to-improve-your-attention-span 

Going Monk Mode: How To Use The Practice To Live And Work Your Best: https://freedom.to/blog/going-monk-mode-how-to-use-the-practice-to-live-and-work-your-best/ 

Erick Amezcua on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theerickamezcua/video/7341922866402692383 

Whole30: https://whole30.com/ 

Wondermind: https://www.wondermind.com/

“Selena Gomez” Smartless Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3JC3Rkl1aDGLdaomfCTU81?si=f4cc7f4f49934f73 

Cozy K on YouTube: instagram.com/cozy.games

Cozy K on Instagram: youtube.com/@CozyK

“Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You” by Ali Abdaal: https://www.feelgoodproductivity.com/ 

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Many people start their own business and side projects so they can have more freedom and control, but others find that having a partner is a better route when starting something new. This week, we’re discussing the pros and cons of being a solopreneur versus working in a partnership. 

We chat about knowing when to trade accountability for autonomy (or vice versa), creating a safe space for experimentation and criticism, the importance of clarity on roles and expectations in any partnership, and the difficult conversations you should have before going into business with a friend, spouse, or family member. 

Reminder: It’s much easier to get into a partnership than to get out of one. So even though it may be an asset to expand your creativity, productivity, and growth, make sure you’re not moving solely based on vibes. (But vibes are very important!)

Mentioned in the episode:

7 Partnership Advantages In 2024: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/partnership-advantages/ 

The Advantages and Disadvantages of a Business Partnership: https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/business/trends-and-insights/articles/what-are-the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-a-partnership/ 

“Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.” by Brené Brown: https://brenebrown.com/hubs/dare-to-lead/ 

Keys To Successful Co-Founder Relationships | Startup School, Y Combinator: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4SLDQDXdp0 

25 Best Business Partner Duos of All Time: https://www.gobankingrates.com/money/business/best-business-partner-duos-time/ 

Eadem: https://eadem.co/ 

Modern Legend: https://modern-legend.com/ 

Goodnewsletter (Referral Link): https://share.goodgoodgood.co/79ed8a90/

CNN’s Good Stuff: https://www.cnn.com/newsletters/the-good-stuff

It Takes a Village to Raise an Entrepreneur by Delina Medhin: https://www.delinamedhin.com/it-takes-a-village 

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What’s more important to you: a raise or promotion? Most of us would probably prefer to consistently receive both but different stages of our lives and careers may require us to prioritize differently. 

This week, we explore whether one does more for your growth than the other and when it makes more sense to push for a promotion over a raise – and vice versa. We’re also chatting about steering the ship of your career, getting comfortable with promoting yourself, navigating “quiet promotions” (i.e., unpaid extra work and responsibilities), and why flexible boundaries could be strategic and helpful in the long run – within reason of course!

Reminder: Whether you personally care more about a raise or a promotion, you don’t get what you don’t ask for. So don’t be afraid to speak up!

Mentioned in the episode:

The Financial Diet: https://thefinancialdiet.com 

An Open Letter From A Very Hard Year: https://ckarchive.com/b/4zuvheh5vk2ngf6ovveola3d7pv77 

Gimme Some Oven Egg Roll Soup: https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/egg-roll-soup/ 

Brianna Wiest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/ChlQNsrNo4X/ 

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Email us: [email protected]

IG: @pilotingpod

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