VLOG: a very normal work from home day in the life

Key Concepts

• Content Rut & Vlogging as a Solution: The creator experiences a recurring "content rut" in the fall, feeling unsure about what to post. Vlogging is adopted as a strategy to overcome this, providing structure and accountability.
• Client Coaching & Business Growth: The creator discusses a long-term coaching client whose business has significantly grown, leading to a transition from coaching to a more hands-on consultancy role.
• Productivity Tools & Tech: The video highlights the use of Flowdesk for email marketing and the acquisition of a second screen for improved productivity.
• Executive Dysfunction: The creator identifies with the concept of executive dysfunction, describing it as a resistance to or overwhelm with certain tasks, particularly administrative ones like tax preparation.
• Freelancer Magazine Column: The creator is working on a deadline for a column in Freelancer magazine, themed "The Freelancer Master Class."
• Networking & Opportunity: An unexpected invitation to an exclusive event in DC for content creators and media professionals arises from networking.
• Mistake Fare & Travel: The creator discovers and books a significantly discounted "mistake fare" for first-class flights to DC.
• "Struggle Meals" & Self-Care: The creator discusses the importance of having easy, comforting "struggle meals" (like frozen pizza) during challenging times.
• Honeybook & AI Note-Taking: The creator utilizes Honeybook for client management, specifically highlighting its AI note-taker feature for automatically transcribing and summarizing coaching calls.
• Webinar with Nina Zeta: A collaborative webinar is planned with Nina Zeta, an expert in influencer monetization and brand pitching.
• Personal Beliefs & Online Discourse: The creator addresses negative comments regarding their use of tarot, advocating for respectful dialogue and the principle of "live and let live."
• Pilates Wardrobe & Style: The creator discusses their preference for black activewear for Pilates and tries on new clothing items, seeking feedback on a color-blocked set.
• Online Business Flexibility: The creator emphasizes the flexibility of online business, allowing for income generation even during periods of low energy or "struggle bus" days.
• Halloween Costume: A hint is given about a Halloween costume, with the outfit itself being the primary motivation.

Content Rut and Vlogging Strategy

The creator begins by acknowledging a recurring "content rut" that typically occurs in the fall. This is characterized by uncertainty about what content to create and discouragement when new ideas don't perform well. To combat this, the creator has decided to embrace vlogging as a consistent content format. They find that vlogging provides a sense of accountability, preventing them from simply relaxing and making the content itself more engaging for viewers who also find it to be a form of co-working. The creator invites viewers to suggest topics or aspects of their life they'd like to see featured in future vlogs.

Client Coaching and Business Transition

A significant portion of the video details a meeting with a long-term coaching client. This client, who has been working with the creator for a couple of years, has achieved their initial goal of leaving their day job and scaling their company, now employing three people. The relationship is evolving from a traditional coaching role to a more hands-on consultancy, where the creator will be involved in training the client's team. This transition is described as "really cool and fun" for the creator, though it requires submitting a formal proposal.

Productivity and Technology Upgrades

The creator shares an exciting personal productivity upgrade: the acquisition of a second screen for their computer. After six years of running their business solely on a laptop, this addition is seen as a significant improvement. They previously tried a portable second screen called "Sidetrack," but found it too heavy and clunky. The new monitor is described as small, portable, and comes with a carrying case, making it suitable for use at their studio as well. This also prompts a realization that a decluttering of office and studio tech is needed, potentially leading to a studio sale or giveaway.

Executive Dysfunction and Administrative Tasks

A key point of discussion is the concept of "executive dysfunction," a term the creator recently learned. They relate this to their own experiences as a neurodivergent individual, particularly with anxiety. Executive dysfunction is described as a resistance to or overwhelm with certain tasks, leading to distraction and shutdown. This is exemplified by the creator's struggle to complete tax forms, despite receiving clear, step-by-step instructions from their accountant. The sheer volume of text and the perceived complexity cause their brain to "malfunction." This difficulty in completing the task is so pronounced that their printer malfunctions, preventing them from printing the necessary forms.

Freelancer Magazine Column and Deadline Pressure

Due to the printer issue and the stress it caused, the creator decides to shift focus to a more pressing deadline: their column for Freelancer magazine, which is due the same day. They express frustration with printers, exclaiming, "Abolish printers." The writing process is described as organic, without the use of AI. The creator pulls up the brief from the editor, which outlines the magazine's theme: "The Freelancer Master Class." The column will cover three topics: Tech, Art of the Soft Sell, and Choosing Topics. The strategy involves breaking these down into smaller sections with an introduction and outro, making the writing process more manageable than tackling a large, single topic.

Networking and Unexpected Opportunity

While attempting to start writing their column, the creator gets distracted by a message from an "internet friend" and admired figure. This friend informs them about a private, invite-only event in DC for podcasters, newsletter creators, and media professionals. The creator expresses immense excitement about this opportunity, viewing it as a testament to the importance of networking and investing in relationships. The event is hosted by someone they have followed and admired for years.

Mistake Fare Discovery and Travel Booking

Following the exciting event invitation, the creator decides to do a preliminary travel search for flights to DC. Despite having Spirit points, Spirit does not fly to DC. Upon checking Google Flights, they discover an incredibly low price for first-class flights on American Airlines, which is even less than the main cabin fare. They suspect it's a "mistake fare," a rare occurrence they've only heard about. They immediately book the flight, noting that a comparable Delta first-class ticket would cost significantly more ($900).

"Struggle Meals" and Friday Night Work

The creator discusses their approach to self-care during challenging periods, highlighting the importance of "struggle meals" – easy, comforting, and not necessarily healthy options. They purchased frozen meals from Whole Foods, including pizza, which they consider more affordable and potentially healthier than ordering takeout. Despite it being Friday night, they plan to continue working, having taken a short break to handle administrative tasks like organizing SD cards and answering emails. They are also preparing to book a hotel for the DC trip and send a quote to a coaching client.

Tuesday's Busy Schedule and Client Follow-up

The video transitions to a Tuesday, described as a "go time" day, contrasting with a more relaxed previous day. The creator had a one-off coaching call with a video editor from Michigan. They detail their post-call process: recording the call (using Zoom), transferring the file via WeTransfer to save Google Drive space, and utilizing Honeybook's AI note-taker. The AI feature automatically generates client background, goals, recommendations, technology suggestions, and action items, along with a full transcript. This information is made visible to the client within their Honeybook project, simplifying follow-up. The creator plans to send an email with the WeTransfer link and a link to view the notes.

Webinar with Nina Zeta and Personal Reflections

The creator is preparing for a webinar with their friend Nina Zeta, who runs Sidewalker Daily and teaches influencers how to monetize and pitch to brands. The creator expresses admiration for Nina and their collaborative relationship. They mention skipping a different mastermind group (Undeterred by D Green) due to being distracted by conversations and news of D'Angelo's passing. This leads to a reflection on the 1990s as a "best era" to grow up in, citing nostalgic cultural touchstones like Reading Rainbow and Sesame Street.

Tarot Readings and Online Discourse

The creator addresses a negative comment received on a previous vlog about their purchase of a tarot deck. The commenter threatened to unsubscribe and stated the creator was "going to hell." The creator expresses that this was a "mean thing to say" and advocates for more respectful communication. They emphasize that the power of such practices is subjective and depends on individual belief. They also draw a parallel to their personal choices of sobriety and vegetarianism, stating that they don't judge others for their differing lifestyles and expect the same in return. They reiterate their intention to perform a tarot reading for a friend later that day and offer to show their setup.

Business Dealings and Online Business Flexibility

The creator shares that a coaching client has accepted their proposal for a consultancy role, and they will be scheduling meetings and invoicing. This prompts a reflection on the flexibility of online business. Despite having a "nothing day" previously, where they felt lazy and unmotivated, they were still able to book coaching calls and sell courses. They emphasize that online business allows for earning income even when not feeling high-energy or looking presentable, calling it a "blessing" and a "struggle bus friendly" environment. They clarify that this is not to brag but to illustrate that it's possible to earn money even when "being lazy on your couch and getting the boring grunt work done."

Tarot Reading Setup and Atmosphere

The creator prepares for a tarot reading for a friend, setting up in their living room. They use a Logitech Brio camera on a tripod to capture their hands for the Zoom reading, allowing them to switch between talking to the client and showing the cards. They also adjust the lighting to create a "vibier" atmosphere, using new lamps and dimming the lights.

Pasta Sauce Quest and Mocktails

A brief update is given on the creator's search for a specific pasta sauce. They found a suitable alternative on Amazon, though it's expensive and imported from the UK. They note that it requires adding marinara sauce to achieve the desired taste and are considering attempting to make their own. They also mention enjoying mocktails, having received them for an Instagram brand deal, and plan to have one during the tarot reading to avoid coffee late in the day.

Halloween Costume and Old Navy Haul

The creator reveals they are preparing for a Halloween costume, the outfit for which they found cute, though the costume itself is "random" and doesn't hold personal significance. They then proceed with an Old Navy try-on haul, expressing a newfound appreciation for the brand as a "30-something woman" for its age-appropriate, trendy, and affordable clothing. They try on various items, including sweaters, pants, tops, dresses, and a Pilates set, providing commentary on fit, style, and personal preferences. They express particular interest in dresses with pockets and athletic dresses that are comfortable and easy to wear.

Pilates Set Feedback and Wardrobe Philosophy

The creator tries on a color-blocked Pilates set and seeks feedback from viewers. They express uncertainty about the flattering nature of the color blocking, feeling it makes them look like the "Pillsbury Doughboy." They also discuss their preference for an all-black Pilates wardrobe for its ease and versatility, contrasting it with the effort required to coordinate other colors.

Vlog Structure and Community Connection

In the conclusion, the creator acknowledges the somewhat disjointed nature of the vlog, explaining that it was filmed over several days and not in chronological order. They reiterate their commitment to vlogging as a way to overcome content uncertainty. They reflect on their long history of vlogging on YouTube since 2013. The creator expresses genuine care for their community, acknowledging that many people are currently struggling. They hope their vlogs can provide a "bright spot" in viewers' days, even if they are simply sharing mundane aspects of their life. They announce an upcoming podcast and another vlog.