The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” – Pablo Picasso
Be sure to click the link above to connect with me on LinkedIn
About:
Robert Warren, an optimistic go-getter, works as a digital marketer at Azpen Innovations. Graduate of the University of North Texas, with a B.A. in Photojournalism, Theatre, and minor in Social Sciences. His personality is ENFJ-A. (16personalities.com) He scores 3.58 on a 5 point scale on Grit, then the maximum 5 of 5 on ambition, astronomically Sagittarius, and the Water Rooster in Chinese Zodiac (travelchinaguide.com). He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Digital Marketing at Full Sail University. Writing 50+ published articles, traveling as a photographer to New Zealand, Alaska, Caribbean, and Canada he goes into every task with an eager open mind. Shooting 5,500+ guests on cruise ships, weddings, portraits, events, and more, he brings both photography and writing techniques into his marketing roles. Former member of the American Marketing Association, Professional Photographers of America, International Thespian Society, and more, he isn't afraid to get involved and make things happen. Also member of the music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha.
Robert`s Intention Statement
As I move into the my 12-month Mastery Journey I plan to reflect very deeply on: grit, SMART goals, my inner self, creative being, vision board, memory with images, and that goal of being in marketing management that got me into the masters program in the first place. I plan to try to really educate myself, aim for A’s in my classes and try to learn as much as I can while I am paying for college. My goal is to feel like a master in the subject I am studying by the time I am done with the program and to get the job I am fighting for. 👊
WELCOME IN.
ENJOY THE MOTIVATION.
“Persistence and resilience only come from having been given the chance to work through difficult problems.” – Gever Tulley
“Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.” – Theophrastus
"NEVER GIVE UP. NEVER GIVE IN,"- ET
etthehiphoppreacher. (2015, October 19). TGIM | THE TRUTH BEHIND MSU’s WIN OVER MICHIGAN [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNSuKPkvP9A
This is an inspiring video! It is a true reminder to never give up and NEVER GIVE IN! The energy in this video is contagious and shows how we can keep going no matter what the obstacles are! Don`t just think, owh it`s Monday... "THANK GOD IT`S MONDAY" (ET) and you`re still around to live another day of your life!!!
CHASE YOUR DREAMS LIKE A LION. DON`T BE AFRAID TO ROAR.
Raul Lopez Jr. (2017, March 29). Heal the Boy and the Man will Appear. Tony Robbins. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjwf9IIxUNY
This video is finding that voice inside you and letting it out! It is a true example of finding that passion and becoming the person YOU WANT TO BE! I love this video because it shows the energy inside you just waiting to be released! You just have to find your inner voice and don`t be afraid to let it out!
EVEN A SMALL CUP OF COFFEE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. DONT JUST SERVE COFFEE. SERVE HAPPINESS.
Goalcast. (2019, May 17). The Simple Secret to happiness | Ryan estis inspirational Video | Goalcast [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxrNCRhxgho
What a cup of happiness!!! This video shows how the smallest moments in life can make the biggest impact. It`s a impact that can truly influence people. We cannot always choose our situations but we can choose how we deal with them. This video is inspirational and really establishes the impact even a single cup of coffee can make!!!
Mastery Journal Timeline
SMART GOALS LIFE TIMELINE
Overarching Career Goal (Long Term Goal): My career goal is to lead a team in social media management, through creatives, paid and organic strategies, driving engagement, making meaningful conversations, and driving purpose to an audience. I am seeking to find my place in a successful salary long-term career in the digital marketing field where I can bring value, create a difference and make meaningful data-driven measurable results for a company, or agency. I am not looking for just a job. I am looking for a career. One of the keys to achieving this is staying motivated. According to the 2022 academic study “How and when goal-oriented self-regulation improves college students' well-being: A weekly diary study,” by Wang, Yang, and Li, “Results showed that the indirect effect of goal-oriented self-regulation behaviors on psychological well-being through academic performance is stronger when college students are more optimistic and gain more social support.” (Wang, Yang, Li, 2022)
Goal to accomplish upon graduation: When I graduate Full Sail University my goal is to be strongly connected with my peers and instructors, be well rounded in digital marketing, from organic to paid, have a portfolio to show, understand the concepts confidently and be able to have a career lined up for the start of my future. I am seeking a salary position in an agency when I can learn more, have strong contributions, growth opportunities, offer knowledge exchanges with my peers, and be a part of a company I enjoy working for. My goal is to land this career in either the paid or organic sector but upon graduation have this lined up.
Deconstructed Steps to accomplish these goals:
-MONTH 1: By the end of the first class, I put together a brainstorming framework with some analysis of the digital marketing field. At the end of this class, I want to make sure to get this put on my mastery journal, along with my research essay that showcases Gary Vaynerchuk, a true inspiration to the field. Having these two items on my mastery journal can inspire me and push me in the right direction. I also created two dream boards as part of one of my goals for this class and I want to make sure to take images of these then put them on my mastery journal as well for continued reflections
-EVERY MONTH: At the end of every class I take throughout the semesters I want to try to connect individually with each of my professors on LinkedIn, along with connect with several of my peers on LinkedIn.
-MONTH 2: By my the end of my second class I am planning to have a portfolio that showcases the elements of social media that I can offer clients when working for a company.
-MONTH 3: By the end of my third class I want to see if there is any opportunities with some of Full Sail’s social media, and become more familiar with Career Development on Full Sail One.
-MONTH 6: By my halfway point, at the start of Month 6, I want to make sure that I deeply understand the agencies that are near me that I might be able to work for, along with this I want to have put together a list of the agencies that I may be considering upon graduation.
-MONTH 7: At the start of Month 7: I may want to start putting in some applications for internships (based on length, pay and bio) and agencies. Such places can include Sabre, (Southlake,) Hearts & Science, (Dallas,) PMG (Dallas,) Dropbox (Remote,) and more.
-MONTH 8: At the start of Month 8: I want to try to follow up on some of these internships and if I do not hear back, apply for some more then reach out to them. I will continue to do this through Month 9.
-MONTH 9: On Month 9 I want to make sure that I understand paid social media marketing deeply.
-MONTH 10: At the start of Month 10: Re-evaluate my resume, portfolio, mastery journal, and internship opportunities
-MONTH 11: Month 11 from the get-go: re-access my situation, relook at my internship situation and complete any tasks that need to be done to secure that or a job in the field
-MONTH 12: Month 12: Reflect on Robert Greene`s book Mastery. (Greene, 2013) Look for a career in the field.
-GRADUATION: Fly to Florida to walk the stage. Secure the job. Next steps.
-POST GRAD: By one year after graduating I want to aim to move to Southlake, Texas. This would be ideal is a center point from Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton, Frisco and Arlington. This would make it much easier to aim for jobs in many different cities and provide a nice atmosphere of living. Within two years of graduating have my dream career. Make sure to thank whoever helped me get there, write thank you notes and send to them. (Either digitally or through the mail.)
Smart Goals Reminder:
SMART, MEASURABLE, ACHIEVABLE, RELEVANT, TIMEBOUND
Citations:
Wang, H., Yang, J., & Li, P. (2022). How and when goal-oriented self-regulation improves college students’ well-being: A weekly diary study. Current Psychology, 41(11), 7532–7543. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-020-01288-w. Referenced from EBSCO HOST.
Greene, Robert. Mastery. Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
“The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something.” – Randy Pausch
IF YOU HAD JUST A SMALL TIME LEFT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, HOW WOULD YOU MAKE IT?
Carnegie Mellon University. (2007, December 20). Randy Pausch Last lecture: Achieving your Childhood Dreams [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo
This video has many interesting points. It talks about: the pursuit of childhood dreams, leadership skills, roles of parents, mentors, perseverance, determination, gratitude and making a meaningful life. There are tons of things to love about this video. The way Paush used grit to push for the things he wanted really inspired me. If he couldn`t do something one way he would find another. He belived brick walls were there for a reason---to show us what we really want and are willing to fight for. Now that is inspiring.
YOU DON`T HAVE TO HAVE YOUR WHOLE LIFE FIGURED OUT BY 35, EXPERIMENT AND FIND YOURSELF.
Goalcast. (2019a, January 11). One Universal Lesson from a Famous Failure | Jay Shetty | Goalcast [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/wsp3hsaofYQ?si=PmvpQWMY8XVctRU-
"If you`re passionate about something go and become the BEST at it." -Jay Shetty
This video is amazing because of his push to encourage you to pursue your passions no matter your age. He reminds us that it is never too late and you can always come back to find your place. This is amazing knowing there isn`t a timelimit except the ones that we create ourselves. It is not just about the body, it is about the mind.
"History is paved with success stories not from the smartest or richest or even best looking people but the ones who gave it their all". -Gary Vaynerchuk
"It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop." – Confucius
“A hero is someone who, in spite of weakness, doubt, or not always knowing the answers, goes ahead and overcomes anyway.” – Christopher Reeve
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do." – Steve Jobs
“A protagonist is defined by the struggles they overcome.” – Aristotle
“If you’re going to try, go all the way. Otherwise, don’t even start.”- Mateusz M.
Mateusz M. (2016). The Mind - Motivational Video [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved January 16, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1PSbDmV8Gw
Push yourself to be your best self everyday.
This is a great video becuase it reminds us to go ALL THE WAY. This pushes us to the limits we didn`t know we could go. It shows the grit, perserverance and determination. It is truly inspiring. I love this video as it shows no matter what never give up and go all the way.
Team Fearless. (2017c, January 31). Best Version of Yourself - motivational video [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkDBImBAmN0
Time cannot be taken for granted. This is a great demonstrator of that. This video really connects with me. It`s not about not having time. It is about how we use our time. It is about the value of focus, grit and perseverance. Love this video.
Don`t be afraid to think outside the box.
Rene Brokop. (2013, April 21). Best marketing strategy ever! Steve Jobs Think different / Crazy ones speech (with real subtitles) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keCwRdbwNQY
Who you are + what you are about = such a big difference. Especially for a company. This video is inspiring as I go into the Full Sail University Digital Marketing M.S. because it shows the importace of value statements. The value you offer as a company and your understanding of people really does make a difference. Who better to learn from than Mr. Jobs? Definitely worth the watch.
Hustle Grid. (2024, October 30). IT’S NOT OVER UNTIL I WIN - Powerful Motivational video [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnC8qFKM9II
This video is super inspring as it shows that the end is never there until you come up on top. The value of pushing, grinding, grit and determination really does give inspiration. What you can do is limitless as long as you believe with the lions heart. You got this! Remember that.
Inspirational Post 2: Books That Inspire Me
Above you will find a collection of the books I have found inspirational over the course of my life. These books really can help anyone at any point of their lives as they help you to develop your best self. There is just something about each of these books individually that has resonated with me. I really do recommend checking them out. The quick basis of these is Stella Adler the Art of Acting (Kissel, 2017) helps you see the details in your life. Crazy Love (Chan, 2008) will teach you how to be more appreciative of your life. The Power of Habit (Duhigg, 2012/2014) will teach you how to create good habits and replace old ones. Then Soul Pancake (Wilson, 2010) will help you find things that connect to your inner child and soul.
Going into the teachings of Stella Adler, The Art of Acting (Kissel, 2017) is really an inspiring book that can help with any career field as it digs into seeing the authentic self. It really digs into the subtle details of character analysis, setting the stage, and connecting your inner emotions to your work. This is always a top recommendation from me to others as it is really an inspiring read. What inspires me is seeing deeper than what people normally see. This is looking through a window, and only seeing outside to some, but to others they notice the handprint on the window. Seeing subtle details in such a big world is hard but when you take the time to do so it really adds so much value to life itself. This is so inspiring to think about seeing with such detail in life.
Crazy Love (Chan, 2008) is a religious book that connects to me as it also covers seeing the details. It talks about a love so deep that everything is created with such fine details. What love are we missing? This book really digs into that and is super inspirational to live an unconditional love for others. What is even better is there is a website that goes along with the chapters. You can check that out by clicking here. What inspires me with this is thinking about love and how we can spread this abundance of unconditional love to others.
The Power of Habit (Duhigg, 2021) is a book that digs into everything habits. This book really makes you realize the best way to change a habit is to replace it, not to try to get rid of it. Using this idea he further explains the importance of replacing bad habits with good habits. This is a very compelling read and he really digs deep in this book. I would encourage anyone to read it. What inspires me here is thinking about the habits I have as I really resonate with the idea of constantly looking to replace any bad habits with good habits to be my best self.
Soul Pancake (Wilson, 2010) is a book that explores 180 of life's big questions such as, can men and women really be just friends? This book compiles lots of interesting soul searching ideas to make you reflect. This book connected to me when Rain Wilson came to my school, The University of North Texas and did a speech over it. He talked about finding himself and the struggles he faced in doing so. This is a book meant to inspire and I love that. I am inspired by this book because I got to see Wilson talk, talk about how his life changes, then create this to help others. I would definitely recommend this book.
Citations:
Adler, S., & Kissel, H. (2001). Stella Adler: The art of acting. Applause.
Chan, F. (2008). Crazy love: Overwhelmed by a relentless God. David C. Cook.
Duhigg, C. (2021). The Power of Habit. Memories of Ages Press.
Wilson, R. (2010). SoulPancake : chew on life’s big questions. Hyperion.
"In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity." – Albert Einstein
"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." – Walt Disney
"The purpose of our lives is to be happy." – Dalai Lama
Thank you for visiting.
Owh, and yes, 2025 is the year I started my Masters of Science in Digital Marketing at Full Sail University. Thank you for visiting. Hope this Mastery Journal has inspire you.