LOOK AT MY TIE! MADE YOU LOOK!

 

Distractions are like weeds in a garden—if left unattended, they choke the life out of your most important goals. In today’s hyperconnected world, distractions come in many seductive forms: social media notifications, endless scrolling, unnecessary emails, and even our own thoughts. The first step in staving off these distractions is recognizing what triggers them. Is it boredom, stress, or the fear of missing out? Once you identify the root, you can begin to implement intentional barriers—like turning off phone notifications, setting specific “tech-free” hours, or creating a focused workspace that signals it's time for business.

Feeding your focus requires more than just eliminating distractions; it’s about creating an environment and mindset that actively support deep work. This might involve starting your day with a clear plan, prioritizing your top three tasks, and tackling them in uninterrupted sprints. Techniques like the Pomodoro method or time blocking can be effective tools. Equally important is aligning your tasks with your larger purpose. When you're working on something that truly matters to you, focus becomes less of a chore and more of a natural flow state.

Ultimately, it’s a matter of choice and commitment. You can choose to be the master of your time or let distractions rule your day. Feeding your focus is like feeding a fire—it grows with the right fuel. That fuel can be your goals, your family, your passions, or the legacy you want to leave behind. The more you feed it, the stronger it burns, pushing away distractions like shadows at sunrise.

Three things you can do to overcome distractions and feed your focus:

1. Create a distraction-free zone — Silence your phone, close unnecessary tabs, and clear your physical space to support focused work.
   
   

2. Schedule deep focus sessions — Use techniques like Pomodoro (25 minutes focused, 5-minute break) to train your mind to stay on track.
   
   

Review your "why" daily — Remind yourself each morning of your bigger purpose or goal. This keeps your focus sharp and distractions less tempting.

 

Watch the Counterparts Show July 18th 2023 at 7pm Central to learn about the SAG-AFTRA and the WGA Strike and how you can help. Even if you're not in the entertainment industry, you can help! Please tune in!

www.counterpartsshow.com

The 2023 SAG-AFTRA Strike: A Fight for Equity and Modernization.

The entertainment industry has always been a realm of glitz and glamour, where our favorite stars come to life on screens big and small. However, behind the scenes, the reality for many actors, voice actors, and media professionals is not always as glamorous as it appears. In 2023, the SAG-AFTRA strike emerged as a resounding call for change, demanding fair compensation, improved working conditions, and industry-wide reforms.

At the heart of the strike was the need for equitable compensation in the face of a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The rise of streaming platforms and digital content consumption has transformed the way we engage with entertainment. Yet, as the industry has shifted, traditional compensation models have struggled to keep pace. SAG-AFTRA members recognized the disparity and fought to ensure their valuable work in the digital realm was adequately recognized and compensated.

Residuals became a major point of contention during the strike. With the growing dominance of streaming services and video-on-demand platforms, the distribution of revenue generated from these platforms needed to be reevaluated. SAG-AFTRA pushed for improved residuals, aiming to secure fair compensation for their work in the ever-expanding digital arena.

Another critical aspect of the strike was the focus on health and safety. The grueling hours and demanding schedules endured by industry professionals took a toll on their well-being. The strike highlighted the importance of work-life balance and the need for better rest periods, aiming to create safer and more sustainable working conditions for all.

The 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike was more than just a fight for individual gains. It served as a catalyst for industry-wide reforms. The demands raised by SAG-AFTRA members shed light on the need for modernization, ensuring that the entertainment industry adapts to the evolving dynamics of content creation and consumption. It sparked conversations about fair treatment, diversity and inclusion, and the equitable distribution of opportunities.

Ultimately, the strike served as a powerful reminder that the entertainment industry thrives because of the hard work and dedication of its professionals. It highlighted the collective strength of SAG-AFTRA members and their unwavering determination to bring about meaningful change. By standing together, they sent a clear message: the industry must evolve, adapt, and prioritize the fair treatment and compensation of its talented workforce.

As negotiations continue and the entertainment industry charts its future, it is crucial for all stakeholders to listen, engage, and work toward a more equitable and sustainable industry. The 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike will be remembered as a pivotal moment that challenged the status quo and paved the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all those involved in the world of entertainment.

Nashville, Tennessee is known for its rich music culture, and there are plenty of venues that offer a great combination of BBQ and live music.  One of the best in the city is Papa Turney's.

Papa Turney's is located at 3937 Bell Road Hermitage TN 37076.  The restaurant features a menu of classic southern BBQ dishes, including pulled pork, brisket, and ribs, that are sure to satisfy any appetite. 

It has great live music performances from local acts as well as traveling musicians, which include blues, country, and rock and roll. They have a great jam session on Saturday night so bring your instrument, get some great food, and jam with some of the friendliest people in Nashville. Whether you're a die-hard blues fan or just looking for a fun night out, Papa Turney's is sure to deliver.

What sets Papa Turney's apart from other BBQ and live music venues is the atmosphere. The restaurant has a traditional, down-home feel that makes it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The venue has indoor and outdoor seating, so visitors can enjoy the music and food in both comfort and style. The perfect spot for a date night, birthday party, or any occasion you can think of. The owner Michael is the perfect host and truly cares about everyone having a great time.

Overall, In my opinion, Papa Turney's is the best BBQ and live music venue in Nashville. The combination of great food, drinks, and music, along with the friendly atmosphere, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Nashville's music and BBQ culture.

Visit: https://www.facebook.com/PapaTurneys

The Responsibility of an Artist

Artists have a unique responsibility in society as they have the ability to inspire, challenge, and shape cultural norms through their work.

One responsibility of an artist is to create work that is true to their own vision and perspective. This means being true to oneself and not succumbing to external pressures to conform or create work that is popular or profitable, but not authentic.

Another responsibility of an artist is to push boundaries and challenge societal norms through their work. This can include tackling difficult and controversial subject matter and pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms and mediums.

Artists also have a responsibility to use their platform and influence to raise awareness about important social and political issues. They can use their art as a form of activism and raise awareness about issues such as poverty, inequality, and social justice.

Additionally, artists have a responsibility to give back to their communities and to support other artists. This can include mentoring young artists, participating in community art projects, and supporting small independent galleries and art spaces.

In summary, artists have a unique responsibility to be true to their own vision, to challenge societal norms, and to use their platform to raise awareness about important issues to give back to their communities and support other artists.  

Listen to Charles Andrew Payne talk about the responsibility of an artist and more!

LINK:  https://youtu.be/78G63QhJ_mA

They are Starving for your Potential

 Remember you become a serious threat to those who can't bring you down to their level. They secretly hate you for it but they might hang around you in the hopes that they can slow you down from winning. Some don't even know they're doing it. They just can't imagine winning at the levels you're striving for. It's not real to them so it shouldn't be real to you. They will try to make you think it's not real. It's a sad fact that negative people don't know their negative. They blame others for everything bad in their lives and take no responsibility for any of it. Do NOT allow one ounce of your potential and drive to be stolen by someone with very low or no potential or drive. JHS

Let me Clarify...

I would like to clarify a little about who I am and what do I do. I’m a creative person. Always have been. I started in music as a kid playing guitar and then in bands and recording music. I still play and love it. My active years of playing a lot were 1987 to 2007. In 2008 I became interested in acting shooting numerous films listed on IMDB. I love acting, writing and directing.

Today, I have a media/video company called JAF Project that I started with Frank Rocco Maglio earlier this year and we moved into our office in April. There we create videos for businesses, individual personalities, original narrative films, and music videos. We also provide social media consulting and content development for clients. Our main goal at JAF is to help people by teaching them how to help themselves using the power of video and social media.

In 2016 I got my real estate license and I’m working at Costanza Realtors in Bayonne. I like it there and I’m planning to do bigger things in real estate in the years to come.

Basically, I enjoy posting positive videos, writing articles about life, hosting a podcast, selling real estate and sharing my journey with those that care in the hopes that someone will benefit from the content.

The reason I’m posting this here is for those that are too close-minded to see that life can be an expansion of creativity and be different at every turn. It's not being unsure of what direction you’re going simply because your passions are many. Being creative to me makes life worth living. Living a life that’s creative matters to this planet and it should be supported. Especially by loved ones that might not fully understand it because they are the ones that can easily destroy the purpose of an artist.

Please support your local artists and make them feel like they matter. Giving them anything less is a slow death to emptiness for the artist and the unaware souls. Thank you for reading. John Henry Soto 🎥📷🎸🎹🎶🎵🎼🎨

Kick-Ass Successful Actions

The core of my upcoming book are these 10 actions for success that I wrote in 2013.  I was coming out of two of the roughest years of my life and I thought to myself, what are the basic components I use in my life that I've always followed that bring me happiness?  Then I tried to find out, what are the components of my life that when I violate them, my survival goes down and it brings me misery?   After asking myself these 2 questions, I started coming up different items which eventually ended up being this list.  I'm sure more can be added but these work just fine for me and I feel they cover every important aspect of life.  Of course, I'm not perfect.  I try to follow these!  I don't always succeed but having them has made a big difference in my life and has brought me comfort.  I would like to share them here with you now.

My 10 Successful Actions.

1. If you're unhappy with your current situation, change it. Something can be done about it.

2. Don't hate anyone for being successful even if the work isn't your cup of tea.

3. Surround yourself with people that will motivate and inspire you and always motivate and inspire others. Those that don't find value in what you're doing don't matter so don't pay any attention to them. They will go away eventually when they realize they can't win.

4. Don't be afraid to promote your work and do it often. If you believe in what you're doing, that will communicate to others. Remember, this is Show Business so showing your business is part of the game. Can you name that famous person that never promoted anything? Me neither.

5. If you're having problems or feel stuck, ask someone you trust for some
help or advice. But never ask someone to give you work because you have a
relationship with them. And always make yourself available to help
someone.

6. Take time every day to do some personal enhancement. It can be a new
course, read a book on your art or life, a seminar. Learn something new
every day.

7. Find a solid platform for life that works for you and that you're willing to die
for. It can be a religion, a faith, belief or a philosophy of life that gives you
tools to improve your conditions and help you reach your goals.

8. Be true and honest with your partner. Get them on your side and helping you
achieve your success. At the same time help reach their goals too. You
should never have to convince a partner or anyone to help you succeed.

9. Use your time wisely. We have 168 hours in one week. After we sleep, eat
and commute we are left with anywhere between 50 and 70 hours. With
that time you need to spend time with family and work on your goals. It's
plenty of time. If you're working more hours or you feel it's not enough
time, then please refer back to # 1 on this list.

10.Take care of yourself. Eat foods that will give you energy and take good
quality supplements if needed. You need to be able to control the body at
will and make it do things. Sometimes you might be tired and want to veg
out as some say but the only goal a vegetable has is to be cut up in a salad
then devoured. Don't be devoured! Move!

Chasing Butterflies with Someone Else's Net.

How many epiphanies can one man have before finally getting comfortable with not giving a shit about epiphanies?  Well, apparently a lot!  I for one have had more AH HA moments than I can count but it's always lead me to the next AH HA moment.  But I guess that's part of living a life of purpose and always having to readjust your big boy pants and keep moving.  Purpose!  I'm not really sure how someone goes through life without purpose but believe me, it happens.  I know this to be a fact because it seems to keep happening to me!  I'm not saying I don't have a purpose but I seem to get sidetracked by someone else's purpose and when I've finally had enough, I get the AH HA moment which has become quite famous in my home.  I run around the house yelling, "AH HA!!  I GOT IT!!" My wife just looks at me now and says, "You said that before and I always agree with you so why don't you just keep doing that!"

Well, last week I had another one!  Ok Ok!!  I'm sorry but this time it's different!  I swear!  This time I'm remembering it clearly and documenting it here in this blog so the world can read it and call me out on it next time I try to bring to fruition someone else's dreams.  Now don't get me wrong, I want to help others find their way but not at the expense of my happiness or the risk of losing opportunities.  Those lost opportunities are also people I could've helped and didn't because I was chasing butterflies with someone else's net.

This is my advice.  Wake up in the morning and think about the one thing you would want to do that day.  Now don't get cute and say sleep or coffee.  Really think about it and find out what's the one thing that you would love to do more than anything else.  When you find what it is, write it down on a piece of paper and stare at it.  Really look at it.  What will you feel?  Are you in pain by it or happy because it's what you're getting ready to spend your day doing?  It's at this moment when you will either make the biggest decision in your life or just put it aside and make excuses because you have bills to pay.  The hard fact is that most people won't even write it down.  The thought alone is painful enough.  All I can say is that you're heading towards a life of pain and struggle if you don't at least take a look at it.  You don't have to radically change your life (although it might be a good idea) but you can start making a plan to move towards your goal and passion.  Save the piece of paper and work on it.  Find people who do what you want to do and ask them for help.  You'd be surprised how many are willing to help.  I know I would be flattered if I were asked to help someone find a life living and working in their passion.  I hope the best for all of you.  JHS

Two IMPORTANT Items to apply on your Journey...

If you’re about to venture on an exciting trip, like the one I’m currently on, but you’re terrified, well, join the club! But also remember that it’s not you that’s afraid. It’s the idea that others will know you're afraid and might try to discourage you. This sometimes comes as a playful dig to you by someone that loves you but it still creates the same effect. It creates doubt which leads to fear. Just know that the fear is exterior to you as a spiritual being so that means it’s not part of you. Someone else created that fear and you accepted it as your own. It’s created somewhere else. If you eat some nasty fast food and get a stomach ache then that’s you because you allowed it to enter your body. You have control to NOT let fear enter your body or your mind in this case. Here are two simple tools that I follow every single day. The first thing that I apply is that I’m organized with my daily goals and I keep moving forward no matter what enters my space or like Dory sings in Finding Nemo, Just keep swimming Just keep swimming. If you’re moving forward at all times then someone who's trying to prevent you from succeeding will just have to either move over or you can run them over and they’ll become roadkill and then you can look in your rearview mirror and giggle. Yes, I intended that to be rather cruel and dramatic because it is and you shouldn’t put up with anyone trying to prevent your happiness. Family members and close friends tend to be the biggest culprits in this area. Look for it, stay organize and keep moving! The second thing I apply is to stay focus on your daily goals. You should have at least one item that you want to accomplish every single day towards a goal. That’s right. 7 days a week 365 days a year. It can be as simple as emailing someone with an idea or just studying a book, article or film for an hour. It’s not impossible to do and once you start you’ll be amazed at how much time you have to spend with your true friends and supportive family.  This is not always easy but necessary if you want to have the kind of life that YOU control. Your job as a living breathing spiritual being is to find solutions to problems and not make excuses. You will always have problems but how you confront them will judge how well you do in life. People who make excuses for a living never reach their full potential of ability or happiness and that is tragic. A person’s happiness can be measured by how far they can see into the future and then reach for it. Just standing idle staring at it will not get you there. So move!  Thank you for your time.  JHS
www.johnhenrysoto.com

I Grew up in the Ghetto and I don't use it as an Excuse to not Produce....

I know that's a long title but like I said I have no excuses to NOT produce so I produced a nice long title for you.  You're welcome.  So why am I writing about growing up in the South Bronx during one of the darkest days of that community?  70s 80s and 90s.  Well, because it goes hand in hand with just about anyone who's looking for excuses to not have to work hard to produce and just "Take it easy."  In my case, I could have used the excuse of growing up poor and in a violent neighborhood or not getting a good education etc... and you what, people around me would have supported that viewpoint and never push me to reach for more.  Shame on them!  Accountability was lost when I was growing up.  We just weren't expected to live long enough to achieve anything so they tried to make us feel better by excusing our laziness and lack of effort and candy coat their excuses by calling it "support".  That's so messed up.  So today, when someone throws a line out at me like, "Don't work so hard." or "Take it easy." it drives me a little batty because I remember what it took to get out of the South Bronx and extinguish the ghetto mentality that was instilled by a scared community.  And the sacrifices.  A lot of sacrifices.  Now, don't get me wrong, There's a big part of the South Bronx in my heart and I have a lot of love and admiration for the neighborhood.  I just refuse to use that experience as an excuse to not try to reach for the stars. Ok, maybe that's a little corny but it's heartfelt and really the main reason why I don't let anyone get away with making excuses that sound super lame.  I hear it all the time and I make sure I comment on it because I feel it's my responsibility to help them see what I've worked so hard to see.  And that is, the control you have on your future is based on the actions you decide to take today and not the hand you were dealt.  Take a really close and honest look at the actions you take towards your future.  Are they exactly what you should be doing?  If things don't work out are you using a million excuses to justify those actions?  And lastly, can you see movement towards your goals or are you sitting in your excuses.  You need to seriously look at that.  I want you to have a chance.  A chance to create exactly what you want.  You deserve it and you can do it.  Thank you for your time.  JHS
www.johnhenrysoto.com

The Admiration of it All...

To find happiness, you must admire living.  That means all of it.  The bad and the worst not to mention the so messed up that you want to kick kittens.  (Don't kick kittens)  It's so easy to walk around and love life when things are great.  Admiration of the struggle can feel just as good as loving everything because your lover is loving you lovely.  The present moment is where people fall behind.  They forget that life is based on a series of moments back to back to back and so on.  It never stops.  Not even after you're dead.  A dead corpse is decaying one moment to the next and who knows how long that process goes on a molecular level.  So the key is to always be in this moment and that moment that's about to arrive.  If you're walking into your office, then walk into it as if it's the first time.  Admire that moment.  This is not easy and most of you will roll your eyes when you read this but just admire that you read this, admire the moment and admire your sarcastic rolling eyes.  Because that moment existed whether you were aware of it or not. It happened.  And you know what, I admired the moment you rolled your eyes.  Thank you.  JHS
The photo is a mold of my hand holding my wife's hand.  
www.johnhenrysoto.com 

I'm Walking here!!! I'm F#$%ing walking here!!!

The moment when you have to explain to someone what you're working on and how it will lead to money is the single most depressing moment to me.  Not because I don't have a clear view of what I'm striving for but because the person asking, 9 out of 10 times are so blind to who I am and what I stand for that it's depressing.  Especially, family and close friends.  Well, here's the punchline.  It doesn't matter.  The bottom line is that if your work is so amazing, then it will speak for itself.  The only time you need to explain yourself is when you're not creating content that's clear enough or creating the impact and earning you a living.  But why explain anything anyway?  Fuck them!  Some will never get it!  It's all the person's viewpoint and the ability to perceive what's happening in the environment and not everyone has this ability.  One person's viewpoint might linger in an endless stream of not knowing and unfortunately, there's no saving them but the other guy might fully duplicate and perceive the intention simply by walking into your space.  No words needed.  It's not even fair to go into an explanation for some because they might hurt their cerebrum and who knows what kind of damage you can do. 

But, this journey is confusing for those that are not on it and that's totally fine.  Keep trucking and if someone asks you to explain why you're doing this or what are you doing, just yell, "I'm Walking Here!!  I'm F#$%ing Walking Here!!"  then just walk away.  It will make a great story for them and you'll save valuable time to use to grow your business. JHS 

www.johnhenrysoto.com