Reflecting on my current state of mind...

We all change and evolve as we go through life, we have different information sources around us, different influences. Thinking about my own mindset - At this current time the things that are most influencing my outlook are; videos I watch on Youtube (The Young Turks, The Trews, Secular Talk, The Labour Leadership campaign, mostly Jeremy Corbyn ), the book I'm reading (currently: The Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire), the conversations I have (mainly with fellow dog walkers and Dara), the things I see on Instagram (I follow a wide variety of people but my favourites besides my friends are - dollyandfife, moistbuddha, michelgaubert, mydaywithleo, beigecardigan, fuckjerry, thefatjewish), work and my goals for the future. (It's ironic because most of what influences my outlook on life I have accessed via the internet, the thing I want to spend less time on is the thing that's educating me. Handy but addictive.)

At other times in my life I may have had or may have more conversations with different people to those I converse with at the moment. I may watch or have watched more TV rather than Youtube videos and on completely different subjects, the books I have read or will read cover completely different topics, so the influences on my mind and my perspective are variable but at the moment, the things that most influence my outlook:

• Youtube
  - Learning about politics, philosophy, spirituality, injustice, flaws in society, humanity...
• Books
  - Same as above and in addition, oppression
• Conversations
  - Talking about these things in conversations, and I've also been talking about history and how much society has changed and is changing (I'm thinking of a recent conversation I had with Tom and Frank who I met walking the dog, they were telling me what life was like when they were young back in the 60s and 70s)
• Instagram
  - The people I mentioned that I like best on Instagram crack me up and remind me that although things are shit and the world often lacks humanity, society is broken in ways but we sometimes just have to laugh. We mustn't take eveything too seriously as it will ruin us. We have to continue to find humour in the world. Other people I follow are inspirational in other ways.
• Work
  - My workplace pleases me and my boss inspires me as he is so successful and intellectual. I am grateful to be in this position. 
• Goals
  - I'm mentally planning our wedding, I'm thinking about finance and how long it will take for us to buy our own house. Naturally the thought of 'nesting' leads me to thinking about starting a family, popping some sprogs out...

Within that I watched Russel Brand's last ever episode of the Trews, watch here:

"I think that we've gone as far as we can with the Trews for now. And the thing that's been interesting over the course of the year is the reaction to some of the stories that we've reported on and the reaction in the press and on TV, to me.

... So it's been like an extraordinary time for all of us, there's a presidential election in America that's thrown up ludicrous characters like Donald Trump but also the potentially optimistic participation of Bernie Sanders. Is there a possibility through conventional political means to return the will of ordinary people to the seat of power it's a really big question. When I talked about revolution at the beginning of this mad journey on Jeremy Paxman, I was kind of gung-ho and stuff but I think what revolution means, well what revolution literally does mean is a change of power not using the conventional means of power. We're gonna have to come together in a different way to create the change. Now I believe that more than ever. I really believe in change, I feel really optimistic about the inevitability of change...

... I believe in the possibility of ordinary people to change their circumstances if they come together, and I believe in me and the Trews and what we've been doing. I'm gonna be learning, 'cause I know change is coming and I want to be part of that.

... I can't do it the service it requires until I go away and learn some stuff so that when we come back it will be more truthful, more inclusive than ever, 'cause the worlds going mental and more than ever ordinary people need to come together.

... I'm going away to think and to learn, because its worth it, because this is an important time because there is a possibility of change.

... So really the obligation to tell the truth as always lies with you as much as it does with me. The only real weapon we have is to be truthful with ourselves, truthful with one another and to formulate new organisations, new ways of pursuing change."

So all of that combined going through my mind is probably why I've been having the weirdest dreams. The capacity of the mind and it's ability to process information is unreal. It would be a shame to waste it on gossip and game shows. Russel Brand talks about Truth being the only weapon we have, I think the real weapon is our mind. Being truthful is something we should all live by for sure but it is our mind that we must harness and evolve. The mind is the tool which we use to channel our energy, our mind is what we use to set our goals and obtain them, our mind controls our emotions, our perceptions, our behaviour. Our mind gives us the ability to make a difference in the world through our consciousness, our minds are what makes us unique.

We should strive to share ourselves through interconnectivity, be equal and one with everyone and everything. We don't need to be rich, popular or highly educated to acquire that. We should be open minded not ignorant, continuing to learn. While it naturally scares us, change is inevitable, so let's embrace it and influence it positively.

As we learn, reflection is so important. Allowing time to process information that we take in and to consider alternative perspectives, that in itself exercises the mind and develops intelligence.

Tips on speaking - Julian Treasure

The Nature Of Consciousness (by Alan Watts)

The Trews: God

I'm quite fond of Russel Brand, I think he provides a voice on noticeable platform for people who want change, people who aren't happy with the current system.. I think he is an extremely passionate, (which can take over him at times) articulate and honest person trying to shine light on the truth, in aid of a fairer, honest society.

He does split opinion largely; his views on democracy and common people working together to create a better world must be seen as reckless to a controlling government, after all democracy means a government controlled by the people, which some people argue could lead to a mob rule. Either way, like him or don't like him, he does give some very interesting insights.

YES Frankie

Excellent little article written by Frankie Boyle on "Britain's criminally stupid attitudes to race and immigration" in light of this years General Election.



'Let’s not forget where coffee and tea come from: this mug is bitterly opposed to its own contents’

改善

 

"Kai" = Change
"Zen" = Good (for the better)
"Kaizen" = Continuous improvement

Key elements of Kaizen:

• Teamwork
• Personal discipline
• Improved morale
• Quality circles
• Suggestions for improvement

I like the way Toyota think:

"Our four core values:

• Customer first
• Respect for people
• International focus
• Continuous improvement and innovation."

"Guiding principles:

The Toyota business is guided by seven principles:

• Honour the language and spirit of the law of every nation and undertake open and fair corporate activities to be a good corporate citizen of the world
• Respect the culture and customs of every nation and contribute to economic and social development through corporate activities in the communities
• Dedicate ourselves to providing clean and safe products and to enhancing the quality of life everywhere through all our activities
• Create and develop advanced technologies and provide outstanding products and services that fulfil the needs of customers worldwide
• Foster a corporate culture that enhances individual creativity and teamwork value, while honouring mutual trust and respect between labour and management
• Pursue growth in harmony with the global community through innovative management
• Work with business partners in research and creation to achieve stable long-term growth and mutual benefits, while keeping ourselves open to new partnerships"

Visit www.toyota.com.au if you'd like to read more about the company.

Wealth & Success

"I want to be successful"

I think some people get so wrapped up in their aspirations that they forget about their present fortune. Being wealthy isn't just about earning a wage, it's about life fulfillment. I think the wealthiest people are not those who have the most money, but those who find the most happiness with what they do have. Holding on to friends and family, supporting each other and always having a willingness to learn, is what will lead to ultimate success. As long as we have our basic physiological needs, we can provide safety, love and belonging to ourselves and others, building our self-esteem. Having confidence, working to achieve goals, respecting ourselves and others - this is the formula for success. Maslow's hierarchy of needs says that the height of our needs is self-actualization - Maslow described self-actualized people as those who were fulfilled and doing all they were capable of. People who have morality, creativity, spontaneity, lack of prejudice, capability to accept facts, and problem solving abilities - these are successful people.

Advice to students

I've been asked to go back into uni, to give some advice to third years on the Fashion Management with Marketing course just getting into their Final Major Projects. I am quite flattered to have been asked, and am excited to meet the students and hopefully give some useful advice.

In preparation I have been thinking about what I learnt, pros and cons of the project, problems that occurred, recommendations and any other information that may be relevant and help with their project.

SWOT analysis of the FMP

Strengths:

• Using an idea that is entirely your own means you can tailor it around your preferences and capitalize on your abilities. 
• Design you own brief means you can go as deep into the subject as you like.
• There are so many resources available if you make the most of them. Make the most of these within the University and elsewhere.
• Expert help - your tutors, Israr and Lisa are great and always willing to help - their advice is very effective and can go a long way.
• You can tailor this project to what you actually want to end up doing as a business venture/linked with your career.
• The FMP is suitable for people with a range of skills and abilities; you choose your own output so it can be as visual/written as you like. This enables the project to be easy to understand by a wide range of viewers.

Weaknesses:

• 12 weeks isnt that long so you must be quick in deciding your topic.
• You may not have learnt the necessary skills for your preference so you'll have to use time wisely learning these things.
• Less lectures and seminars, a lot of freedom compared to previous study, so its easy to get distracted.
• If you feel like you haven't achieved a lot since previous tutorial it is easy to feel demotivated and want to not attend the next, but you must go - even if its for a chat.
• As there is so much to learn - programs, research, new ideas etc you can feel bombarded, you need clarity.
• Other peoples ideas seem better - you can take inspiration from others but focus on your own.
• Keeping up with other projects at the same time can be hard - you must use your time wisely - keep a time schedule and stick to it.
• Living with other students can sometimes mean not having very good atmosphere at home to do work - Go to the library!

Opportunities:

• Quite a lot of people in industry willing to help - send emails, talk to people - great to get feedback from industry professionals.
• You can be as creative as you like if you work hard - the resources available mean you can learn new programs to make your work better than average.
• You can use this project to bring to job interviews to show off your skills and your creative thought process and professional output.
• This project will encourage you to think commercially all the time, thinking as a consumer - what is missing in the market, is there something your friends/family talk about that they wish they had or could have etc - maybe a brand that exists that you don't think is headed in the right direction, and you have an idea you believe to be sustainable - research into it if you can pove it then perfect.
• Helpful if you know someone who works in the company, or you work there yourself, try communicating with the head office before you start your project - it will make your project so much easier if you have access to business information and can develop a good relationship where they want to help you do well.
• Try to arrange a week of work experience/store visits/visit to head office.
• Social media and digital branding now makes information and customer feedback so accessible and instant, great for research - can even communicate via facebook directly to customers - why not send emails to some of the fans on the Facebook page of your chosen company.

Threats:

• You must take note of all activity revolving around this project. Not keeping a journal will lead to you struggling with evaluation.
• Not keeping reference throughout - Harvard reference will help add on marks - it is still necessary even if you aren't producing a report.
• Just picking an idea that pops into your head with no justification, working backwards and then finding out there's no market for your idea.
• Using a range of mediums may lead to mistakes - grammatical, or not having enough ability on the program you chose to use.
• Time management - dont let it slip. Make sure you do something ever day even if its reading a few relevant articles, or speaking to customers of the brand.
• Being demotivated when you get criticism to your idea, or negative feedback - must focus on the positives and keep trying to improve. Criticism is necessary as long as it is constructive, don't let it get you down.