You want to pull an affirmation card and talk about big feelings? Okay, but, oof, oh, this is a good one.  

Repeat it with me, um, I am destined to do great things. One more time to lock in the learning, I am destined to do great things. 

Oh my goodness, where are my manners? Um, this is Justin and I’m obsessed with emotional intelligence and its power to help creative people find small but meaningful breakthroughs in personal development, career, and their craft.  And this card is a really good one. I feel like you needed the reminder that you are destined to do great things.

But also my intuition is telling me I need to level set. Sometimes we get tripped up because within our desire of doing great things, we forget that it’s the tiny actions that make a significant impact. So like you might change the trajectory of the universe simply by smiling at a stranger today, or by asking your friend how they’re really doing and genuinely listening, or by being honest with somebody about something that you’re low key afraid to say, but that they absolutely need to hear.

My point being, no pressure, but you are destined to do great things, and one of the most beautiful ways to do that is by being your most authentic self. Oh yeah, also this card is a part of the Joy Bomb’s affirmation card deck. You pull one or two every morning for a tiny dose of daily inspiration.

This is awkward, but I’m going to tell you a secret. And real talk if you’re still in your people-pleasing era this actually will be a little triggering. 

The world doesn’t want you to be yourself. 

Like the world doesn’t want you to be your most authentic, most beautiful, most interesting self. 

Because being the real version of you with those big feelings and that big heart makes you hard to control. 

And the world loves putting us into tiny little boxes with really clear labels so they can sort us appropriately. 

But this video is your permission to step out of that box. And to tap into the real you. To shine with full wattage. To wear that wacky outfit. To make that weird art. And to share your true self with the people you love the most. 

If you’re ready to start doing that personal development work and authentically showing up as the real you, I’ve got a really good video on setting intentions that you can watch on my youtube channel. 

Every once in a while, I’ll have a moment where I want to do something spontaneous and creative. Recently, I took new headshots using the front-facing camera on my iPhone and my lighting kit.

The key learning here: it’s never about the equipment you own. It’s always about using what you have to make something. Because done is better than perfect.

Here are my favorite photos from the shoot