Wanting change but barely moving. Inspired by possibility yet overwhelmed about where to begin.
Nolensville, Tennessee
I wouldn’t trade being “multi-passionate” for anything. But when your head’s not on straight, burnout wins and progress stalls.
I don’t have it all figured out. But I finally feel pointed in the right direction — taking better steps, and working with momentum instead of against it.
“How did I get here?” I’ve asked myself that more than once.
I was stuck — not challenged at work in ways I needed. So I jumped into a new role and new company.
The mission was great. I liked the hustle. But the culture? It didn’t fit. I knew it wouldn’t last.
Layer on some shaky confidence — and, if I’m honest, moments of low self-esteem.
The last decade has brought its hits: • A divorce. • Putting down my creative tools. • Leaping into a new industry. • Reevaluating my faith. • Feeling like I didn’t know enough — about anything.
So yeah… it’s been hard.
Miami, Florida
I’m grateful for my wife, family, and friends. They stood beside me, whether they knew it or not.
I’m thankful for my doctors. And the new things I’m trying.
For the books and teachers lighting a better path forward. And slower moments to ask: “What’s one thing I could do right now?”
For walking at least 10 minutes a day. And remembering that “an object in motion stays in motion.”
Along with joining a new team with new opportunities — and a healthier culture.
New Orleans, Louisiana
The pieces are finally starting to click.
A few weeks ago, walking into a store, I found myself reflecting. And the biggest confidence boost didn’t come from anyone else.
It came from me. From my own internal voice, quietly saying:
“I loved who you were today. And I love who you’re becoming.
You were helpful. And kind. You moved things forward. You worked with your team. You stayed present.
You have experience. You have confidence. And you care.”
**3 reasons (and a bonus) why I love the new Airbnb ad creative**
First, the creative insight. It’s strong and right there in the ad: “When you share a hotel room with your kid, you also share a bedtime with your kid.” For parents that can be frustrating. This framing sets up AirBNB’s offering nicely.
Second, the creative direction is intentionally generalized. The illustrated and animated approach allows Airbnb to showcase their overall offering and not be stuck showcasing just one specific location or family in their ad.
Third, the creative testing. This is a new :30 national tv ad – but Airbnb has been using this creative direction for over a year through their organic and other channels.
Those low cost, low risk channels have likely given them confidence that this creative resonates with their target audience and it’s helping them achieve their business and brand objectives.
And now, the bonus reason
I have to be honest, I’m embarrassed that I missed this when I first watched and made a video about this ad. I was so focused on those first 3 things that I didn’t really see the message shown on screen at the end:
“Some trips are better in an Airbnb.” Super brilliant. And here’s why.
Based on what we observe in the ad, who’s the target audience? People with kids who travel and typically stay in a hotel. They likely haven’t stayed at an Airbnb property. And, they may be hesitant to give it a try.
But the genius of the line is right at the beginning: “Some trips.”
Airbnb is planting this seed of an idea: in the coming year you’ll have a trip with your kid(s). For that trip, see how much better it is in an Airbnb.
They’re not saying “All trips.” Or asking them to dump their Marriott Bonvoy rewards. But for the right trip, Airbnb might be a better option.
“Concentrate every minute… like a man on doing what’s in front of you with precise and genuine seriousness, tenderly, willingly, with justice.” — Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
This is how we make progress: Moment by moment. Drip by drip.
Begin by focusing your attention on what you’re doing and why it matters. Then, specify a desired goal and use each moment to work in that direction.
This is how we make progress: Moment by moment. Drip by drip. There’s no need to rush.
Taken together, those moments will multiply and lead to real progress. Progress towards important goals that change things for the better.
What you have is this moment. So focus your attention, create a meaningful intention, and then take deliberate action.
This is how we make progress: Moment by moment. Drip by drip.
