Modern Wisdom #3: Scaffold Your Way To Self-Efficacy

The Time I Recorded My Very First Newsletter Video

Today’s post isn’t a typical post. It’s a video. A video I was very nervous to make— and I’m still uncertain about the result. But I’m glad I did it.

Here are some things I’ve already learned about video:

• It’s important to strike a balance between practiced and unpracticed. This was my third full take, and I think if I’d done another, it would’ve seemed too forced. I had to practice enough to know what I wanted to say, but also allow for some spontaneity so that you’d know I was being genuine.

Strangely, I actually did draw on some old skills for that. When I speak in front of an audience at concerts, I usually write down talking points and run through them once or twice, but I know I can’t script myself completely or I’ll come off like cardboard. This felt similar.

• It’s really hard to find a good camera angle. That was half my recording session! (Or maybe that’s just true if you’re 43.)

• Videos take a long time to upload. But… I guess I can do other things while they do?

• Getting it in one take is HARD. It’s not like a written newsletter, with an instant backspace key! That means it’ll never be perfect, especially if you adhere to the “practiced vs. unpracticed” balance. At some point, I just had to let go and hope for the best.

I’m still not sure how I feel about this whole thing, but I’m glad I tried it. What do you think? And what’s your version of making a video?

Election Section

It’s election season, and I’ve put a lot of thought into how I’m going to show Good Character as a U. S. citizen this month. From the research I’ve done, the people who need my money are not the ones at the top of the ticket; therefore, I’m donating to down-ballot candidates, especially House candidates who are in very tight races. (Control of the House is so important!) Specifically, I donated to Mondaire Jones and Pat Ryan, who are in my local area.

To help the presidential campaign, I’m going to be writing postcards to voters in swing states. Postcards are great for me as a time-strapped working mom, because I can write them anywhere, anytime, and not have to worry about replies. If you’d like to help, try the organization I’m working with, Postcards for Voters.

Here’s to us, taking the bigger perspective and living the bigger life.

I’ll be back next week with more Good Character!

All my best,

Leanne