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131 - Scarcity Mindset

The Graffiti Machine

Release Date: 08/02/2024

148: Energy Theft show art 148: Energy Theft

The Graffiti Machine

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about energy management—specifically, what feeds our energy and what drains it. How many times have you had a bad interaction with someone, only to stew over it for hours, days, or even longer? Social media makes this even worse. One negative post can trigger a response, leading to a back-and-forth spiral that eats up time and energy. But here’s the question: How much energy is being wasted in those moments? And more importantly—how could that energy be used to build something better? If this resonates, take a hard look at the people, habits, and...

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147: What's it going to take? show art 147: What's it going to take?

The Graffiti Machine

I read the quote ‘What’s it going to take?’ in the book Market Outrageously. It was talking about actually looking deep at a goal and trying to get to the bottom of what it would take to accomplish. Even seemingly impossible goals are worth trying to break down. In my life and business, I have goals that are overwhelming to think about. When I read this part of the book, I was inspired to actually dig into it much further. Things start seeming much more achievable once you start breaking it down into smaller chunks. Ask yourself this question about a goal you have, then sit down and try...

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146: This Is Where Most People Quit show art 146: This Is Where Most People Quit

The Graffiti Machine

I heard Alex Hormozi say this, and it stuck with me. When things get hard, most people give up. The idea of consistently getting better in all areas of life is not the norm in society. And in some ways, that’s fine—if you’re happy with where you’re at. But the way I see it, most people aren’t happy with staying the same. We want something more for our lives, but pushing ourselves into discomfort is hard. The truth is, doing the hard things is what’s required to make our lives better. Where in your life do you feel like quitting—but know you need to keep pushing?

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145: The Mental Weight of Procrastination show art 145: The Mental Weight of Procrastination

The Graffiti Machine

We all have those small tasks we avoid—paperwork piling up, a cluttered office, or something simple that feels like a hassle. For me, those things build up in my mind and start to weigh on me. But when I finally take care of them, there’s always a sense of relief. Research shows that unfinished tasks, or "open loops," take up mental space and increase stress. The more we avoid them, the more they quietly drain our energy. Tackling them right away frees up that mental clutter and makes life feel lighter. Stop waiting. Do it now. It’s worth it.

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144: The Craftsman Mindset – A Better Way to Work show art 144: The Craftsman Mindset – A Better Way to Work

The Graffiti Machine

In this episode, we explore the Craftsman Mindset from Cal Newport's So Good They Can't Ignore You. This idea flips the script on "following your passion" and emphasizes mastering skills as the key to meaningful work. I share a powerful dream that confirmed my dedication to my path, reflect on the challenges of entrepreneurship, and discuss how honing skills—like marketing and leadership—has brought meaning to my work. We also touch on examples like Steve Jobs and finding fulfillment in any job through mastery. If you’re questioning your path or looking for more purpose in your work,...

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114: 10 Years of Machine show art 114: 10 Years of Machine

The Graffiti Machine

January of 2025 marks 10 years of the current version of Machine—I say current only because I started Machine in 2002 as a motion graphics business then transitioned into what we have now in 2015. It’s been quite a ride so far, but it still feels like we haven’t even started yet. In 2015, it was mainly a one man show. I lived in the back of the shop with my four dogs. No heat, air, hot water, kitchen, shower, or any of the creature comforts we’re used to. I cooked on a hot plate and showered at the YMCA. I was all in on the vision, but it wasn’t a clear vision at all. I just wanted...

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143 - The Rebuild show art 143 - The Rebuild

The Graffiti Machine

With the new year and new goals, I thought about the habits that changed my life for the better and put them together as a program. It’s 8 weeks of the following daily habits: • 10 Minutes of Meditation • 10 Pages of Reading • 30 Minutes of Exercise • Stick to a Diet • Do the Power List This episode goes into some detail as to why these habits, but most should be pretty obvious. If you want to read more about it, you can visit the website below. If you do the program, please let me know how it went!

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142 - Generate Momentum show art 142 - Generate Momentum

The Graffiti Machine

When I'm having trouble creating, I use this technique and it works every time. Just start. Sometimes you’ll have to force yourself to do it—make anything without worry, just to get moving forward. The longer you go, the more momentum you build. Every now and then, you’ll discover something that feeds the fire. Keep exploring, keep making. Eventually, it’ll feel like it’s flowing on its own. From there, all you have to do is maintain it.

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141 - The Law of Rhythm show art 141 - The Law of Rhythm

The Graffiti Machine

The law of rhythm reveals that life’s cycles—whether good or bad—are part of a natural, repeating flow. With this perspective, we can find comfort in the lows, knowing they’ll rise, and prepare in the highs, knowing they’ll shift. It’s a tool for staying steady, patient, and focused through every phase.

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140 - It'll Never Be Easier show art 140 - It'll Never Be Easier

The Graffiti Machine

Think it was easier when you were younger? Yeah, maybe. But here’s the shift: it’s never going to be easier than it is right now. Whether you’re 20, 51, or somewhere in between, today is your best shot to make a move. In this episode, I dig into a perspective that hit me recently and has kept me motivated—whatever it is you’re aiming for, don’t wait around. Start building those habits, set the foundation, and don’t let the moment slip. It’s only getting tougher from here, so jump on it.

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More Episodes
If hearing about other people's wins makes us feel bad about our own position, it could be a sign of a scarcity mindset. There seems to be something in us that, when we see others winning, we feel like it may take away from us.
 
This mindset may be a remnant from early human days when resources were harder to come by. Nowadays, there's enough to go around, and someone else's win doesn't mean we're going to lose.
 
Additionally, hating on someone for winning might put the energy out there that we don't like winning. Even if it's directed at someone else, it may be hindering our progress. What's the answer? It's tough to say, but I've been making a conscious effort to keep an eye on this.
 
You can also check out this podcast on YouTube here:
https://www.youtube.com/@busmsk