NFL side hustles are among the most important in sports, as football is a dangerous game where any day could be a player’s last. Due to this fact, it is not just paramount that NFL players have a side job, but that they are able to continue making money from it once they step away from the field.

When it comes to chasing a bag, longevity lives the longest. In our world, everyone has dreams of grandeur. It takes an unlimited supply of energy, endurance, work ethic, and timeliness to make it into those top tax brackets.

And athletes need to keep this in mind, as their bodies performing at physical peaks is no longwinded guarantee. They need to make their money from their craft, but at the same time think about their future.

With that being said, here are five ex-NFL athletes that have racked up a bag via sports, and then continued this trend through their subsequent side hustle ventures.

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Brandon Marshall (Side hustle – Broadcasting, etc.)

Marshall was a highly-talented wide receiver who had several productive years in the NFL. But a big part of his story was that he became injury-prone early.

Rather than put his body through endless procedures, Marshall developed an early exit plan and leveraged his personality. He knew he could be successful in a side hustle outside of the NFL, and he has been.

By accepting wisdom and surrounding himself with people who are smarter than him, Brandon Marshall soaked up knowledge on the daily. 

Side Hustle Ventures: Co-Founder of Project 375 (Mental Health Advocacy), FitSpeed Founder, Inside The NFL on Showtime, I Am Athlete Podcast, and co-host on FS1’s ‘First Things First.’

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Terrell Owens (Side hustle – Prototype 81)

Well-known for his outgoing and emotional nature, T.O. was not always the wisest connoisseur.

Trying to please others through material flair can be quite the slippery slope. Nearing bankruptcy, Owens needed to flip the script. And that is exactly what he did with his side hustle off of the NFL field.

Side Hustle Ventures: Prototype 81 – a fashion-forward sports luxury line that combines fit and function.

With inspiration from Lululemon, T.O. aims to provide comfort in the form of oversized clothing that falls within three different categories – Core, Active, Exclusive.

Stationed in California, Owens has been able to source different fabrics within important fashion districts. Not quite financially responsible from the jump, T.O. pounced on an opportunity to utilize his persona to chase a bag and reframe his trajectory.

In the famous words of YG on ‘Big Bank,’ “I got white folks money that I won’t blow. And if you ask why, cause the white folks don’t.”

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Roger Staubach (Side hustle – Real estate)

This man is just different. From the outset of his retirement, Roger Staubach partnered with the Dallas Cowboys to create several opportunities for expansion.

Given that salaries were much lower during his era, Staubach worked as a real estate broker in the offseason. A determined and smart side job outside of the NFL.

Side Hustle Venture: By grinding, absorbing game from Henry S. Miller (Texas real-estate mogul), Staubach was able to sell his real-estate company for upwards of $640 million to a Chicago firm, Jones Lang Lasalle. He is currently the executive chairman for JLL. 

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Vernon Davis (Side hustle – Acting, producing, etc.)

Riddled with concussions and injuries that could hamper his livelihood, Vernon Davis decided to prolong his career with multiple types of bags. Looking for side jobs outside of the NFL was a savvy move for the savvy Super Bowl-50 winner.

He has starred in movies like Hell on the Border and Baywatch as well as series like The League and Inside Amy Schumer. Recently, his self-titled foundation raised $70,000 to feed frontline workers and children during the pandemic. 

Side Hustle Ventures: Reel 85 Productions, Between the Lines Productions, Gallery 85.

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Tony Romo (Side hustle- Color analyst)

The man who infamously mishandled the field goal hold to cost the Cowboys a playoff victory against the Seahawks certainly exited much smoother than his entrance.

As a mainstay on CBS, Romo prepared for announcing just like a player and watched tape prior to every outing. This has allowed him to provide excellent insight and damn-near predict plays as they unfold.

Together with Ezekiel Elliot, Tony Romo started the National Fantasy Football Convention as a SportsCon-type venture. He continues to fight an uphill battle with the NFL while remaining business savvy in his side hustles.

Side Hustle Venture: CBS Sports color analyst

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NFL side jobs should inspire everyone, not just pro athletes, to get an extra bag

Regardless of how you do it, it is so important to live below your means. However, it is much easier said than done. Especially if you have never touched those types of bags before.

Either way, those who live humbly and utilize their funds for investments typically outlast those who blow their wealth on material goods. Pouring back into communities, creating foundations, and finding a way to stretch the bag will always be the way.

If NFL players (who in most cases, dreamt their whole lives of reaching this level), can manage their funds and set up side hustles to not blow through all of their money right away, anyone can.

So look at Brandon Marshall, Terrell Owens, Roger Staubach, Vernon Davis, and Tony Romo when thinking about your next move. We may not all be millionaires yet, but like these NFL athletes, we can be smart with our side hustles and money. Earned not given — always remember that.

Erin Ashley Simon is among the few Black or Latino leaders in gaming. If you’ve hit the start button, entered the queue, or spawned into a map, you’ve undoubtedly heard her name or seen her face. 

Born to a Black father and a Puerto Rican mother, she’s making significant strides to elevate and equalize representation in the space.

In the past few years, Erin has grown from collegiate athlete (University of Kentucky) to on-air personality and streaming host (for the likes of VENN, Bleacher Report, Cheddar, and ESPN) to an executive at one of the world’s fastest-growing gaming and lifestyle organization (XSET).  

As her career extends into new areas, she keeps the up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, and Start close. Because gaming is no longer a niche vertical or a hidden secret. Gaming has become a major part of our culture. And, Erin – in her evolution – is a big part of that. 

We recently caught up with the CCO (chief culture officer) about how she Sonic’d her way here and what’s next.

Thank you Good Morning America 3 for having me on to talk @xset, my @universityofky gaming scholarship & more! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/P8r9bRM9Kx

— Erin Ashley Simon (@erinasimon) August 16, 2022

Cutting right to the chase, you’re an Afro Latina. You embrace the culture. Has it always been that way for you? 

Erin Ashley Simon: I’ve always embraced my cultural identity. People do try to box you in, referring to you in ways that they can understand. They’ll ask or say that I’m this or just that. 

But I’m Afro-Latina. My mother made me cherish both sides of that identity and make them one. I lean into this every day instead of correcting others.

You are a former D1 soccer player. What was that experience like, and what did it teach you? 

Erin Ashley Simon: First of all, it was an incredible experience. It taught me a lot about discipline, work ethic, and collaboration. It provided me with friends and memories, and life lessons. 

It also introduced me to journalism and interviewing, specifically in the sports industry. My soccer experience is a big reason I continue to be involved in the UK (University of Kentucky) community. 

What do you do best? 

Erin Ashley Simon: This is a challenging question. My POV on what I do best differs from what my peers, colleagues, friends, or family might say. But, I pride myself on being a connector, someone who brings good people and good things together. 

How and why did you get into gaming?

Erin Ashley Simon: I’ve been a gamer all my life. My brother Ian introduced me to it. 

Growing up, most moms struggle with the concept of gaming as a career. But my mom supported me. My family embraced the prospect. Their trust has helped my confidence. 

What was the first game you played? 

Erin Ashley Simon: Sonic the Hedgehog on SEGA Genesis. Maybe that’s why I’m constantly on the move today! 

Did you have a moment where you thought, “hey, this could be a career for me”? 

Erin Ashley Simon: Yes. When I signed with CAA, I realized, “Heck yes! This is my job!” 

Best Leaders = Best Listeners

They know how to actively listen, and take action in a way that makes others feel included – regardless if any decision is made by them or someone else.

— Erin Ashley Simon (@erinasimon) September 19, 2022

What do you bring to your role as CCO that separates you within/amid the space? 

Erin Ashley Simon: In gaming, there aren’t many Black or Latin women in the executive suite. There should certainly be more, and this is something I’m hoping to help change. 

As CCO, I’m always looking for ways to align our organization, or even gaming overall, with other pockets of culture that align with our values – that yield more inclusion and collaboration. 

I think I’m a strong, active listener. I’ve always been this way. But, I sharpened this skill during my time as a journalist. 

Through listening, I can learn about this community and those looking to make an impact within it. This helps us develop meaningful strategies and ways to infuse positive values of equality and partnership. 

Do you believe gaming is a lifestyle? 

Erin Ashley Simon: YES! 100 percent. 

I believe gaming has always been a lifestyle. Athletes game in between practices and travel and after games. Rappers and DJs bring their consoles or PCs into the studio or on tour. 

In recent years, we’ve seen many more crossovers and collabs, platforms, and activities where gaming has shown up or tapped into new and different ways.

Take a look at what Riot Games just did with Lil Nas X and League of Legends. Or the NFL’s Tuesday Night Gaming platform, which brings together competitors from the gridiron and map. Gaming has become ubiquitous in so many spaces. It’s fun. It’s incredible. 

I hope that new entrants in the space recognize the legacy and the history of gaming. Because there’s a lot there. 

Biggest accomplishment in the space to date? 

Erin Ashley Simon: I’m proud of what I’ve been able to bring to this industry thus far. 

I’ve been privileged to host on some of the biggest networks and as part of some of the biggest events in gaming and entertainment. Just recently, I started on a new series developed in partnership with the NFL. And, I’m soon to announce another opportunity on ESPN. 

Representation matters and I hope that I’ve brought a little inspiration to other Afro-Latina women trying to break through. 

Do you anticipate gaming will always be a part of your life? Are there other areas you’d like to build around? 

Erin Ashley Simon: Gaming will always be part of my life. My mom raised me to be a renaissance woman. I have multiple interests. And throughout my career, I’ve made it a point to try new things. 

This has led to success and fulfillment. So, why stop now? There are so many incredible opportunities out there. I’m just getting started. 

What do you say to those following you, aspiring to the success that you’ve been able to achieve? 

Erin Ashley Simon: You have to start somewhere. You’re not going to be great right away. Don’t waste time hoping to get what you need. Build. Use what you have and tap into the resources available to you. You can do it.  

That said, I always encourage people to practice gratitude and stay grounded. Nothing is promised, and in a sea of rejection, that gratitude will carry you to the next wave of success.  

There are 10K80 minutes in a week. Where do you expend or reserve that time?

Erin Ashley Simon: I love this concept. I treat my passions like a business and operate from the 80/20 rule – just with a few personal modifications. I attribute 50 percent of my time to work, whether in front of or behind the camera, admin efforts, and helping to develop deals or partnerships. 

Then 25 percent goes toward exploring opportunities that may carry more risk, whether investing or otherwise. 

That final 25 percent is reserved for rest! I try to take one to two weeks off every quarter. Saturdays are my off-days and help me ensure a baseline of rest and check-ins. 

I’m all about working smarter, not harder.

By nature, we’re creatures of habit. Whether we realize it or not, we’re obsessed with what we’re used to — what’s familiar; what we understand. Anything else seems offputting and far from attractive by all means.

It’s why we’re “shocked” when introduced to a new culture, why we order the same thing at the same restaurant when we go out and why we find ourselves navigating to people who look like us.

However, what if I told you that stepping outside your comfort zone is the only way to grow?

For starters, simply having the mind state to grow and embodying that ambition is an indication of maturity and self-awareness that, in itself, the majority do not have.

That’s because it is a process that a lot of us have no idea where to begin — the concept of changing who you fundamentally are is one that is not introduced enough.

Either we’ve grown tired of having change forced down our throat due to the trouble we’ve gotten ourselves into or we were never encouraged to because of how “stand-up” we think we are or told we’ve been.

The big pill to swallow however is that whether you’re living recklessly or you’re a model citizen, there will be a point in life where you’ll be forced to change and adapt — otherwise, you’ll just remain who you are and plateau.

The goal is to see change as good and as the key to what’s next.

You’re not done yet

Personally, I know one of the hardest parts about evolving is the fear of abandoning the individual you’re both comfortable with and proud of.

Maybe you were once an addict, or possibly you were confrontational in the past and have now mellowed out now; you could have adopted a new spirituality that you’re dedicated to.

https://giphy.com/gifs/lgbt-transgender-trans-l0ErUC82hFu6zXZLi

Either way, the moment we think we’ve arrived or even think there’s a finish line for our personal development is the moment we’ve lost ourselves all over again.

No matter what we’ve overcome, there are always going to be new lessons to learn, challenges to conquer, and more character to develop. In fact, that’s the issue with a lot of adults: they’ve become callous to change.

If we allow ourselves, we can get so caught up in who we are, how much we did right, and how far we’ve come, that we become blind to the rut we’re in and incapable of smelling the rubber of our tires that are effortlessly spinning in place.

When we keep in mind that we’re forever a work-in-progress, we’ll be more open to change and aware of the habits that are no longer applicable to our lives.

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Habits

Systems are comfortable when they work for us and some grooves feel much too good to snap out of sometimes.

It’s why so many of us are tied to lifestyles we should have long outgrown and why others of us refuse to progress to new ways of life — along with feeling like we don’t need to, we straight up don’t want to.

However, in every stage of our lives, there will be ways we must abandon habits that must be left behind. It’s the only way to take on new opportunities.

As a child, Christmas meant magic, gifts, and good behavior. As an adult, Christmas means catching up with family and friends.

When you were first starting school, free time was spent at recess, swinging on swings and climbing monkey bars. When you’re finishing school as an adult, free time is spent working a second job or studying for an exam.

The issue is being able to see these habits as dead weight. Habits that, for the longest, may have sustained us, can become consequential when our lives change. It’s up to us to have enough self-awareness to know where we want to go and if our lifestyle matches up with that direction or not.

Especially if we claim to want different for ourselves, if we do not stop observing our tendencies, pinpoint the ones that aren’t conducive to success, then develop new ones, all we’re doing is complaining.

We grow through change. So, any cry for growth is inevitably a call for transformation. The sooner we understand this the more accepting we will be.

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Those who don’t change

We’re all witnesses of what happens to the people that refuse to change — they stop growing.

When was the last time you encountered someone that hasn’t adapted, changed, or progressed as an individual in some time? Sometimes you don’t even have to know them personally to tell whether or not they’ve accepted the change their own life requires from them.

Usually, those types of people live a life of conflict or a life that’s plateaued, and you can probably attest to someone who’s like that through experience.

The know-it-alls who know nothing, the old-heads who complain about new trends, or the guy who keeps landing in trouble for the same reasons — they’re all individuals who aren’t growing.

We should not only be open to change but looking for it. Why? Because change means growth and newness and evolution. Change means taking it to the next level, and change is inevitable.

You shouldn’t be the same person you were last year. Like a sports team seeking a championship, there should be modifications done every year to help yourself get closer to whatever your end prize is.

You cannot bring back the same players every year and expect the same result. That is, of course, unless you’re content with where you currently are.

What if I told you the only thing holding you back from where you wanted to be in life was your lack of self-control? I’m talking about in every aspect of life you can ponder educational aspirations, athletics, romantic endeavors, etc.

Well, that’s the case with the majority of us in our personal pursuits. We haven’t won the battle against ourselves. How then can we expect to conquer anything else?

These days if you listen to hip-hop you’ll constantly hear rappers talk about their demons and how they gotta shake them or dodge them or not succumb to them in some shape or fashion.

If you listen to rap as much as I do it can almost seem laughable that so many of them are “going through it” but honestly, though they may be exaggerating the concept, we all have demons and we all are on some level “going through it.”

For some, it may be an addiction while for others it could be laziness. Whatever the Achilles heel may be, it’s up to us to recognize it, address it and improve from it. Only then can we reach our full potential.

Discipline of self

We’re our own worst enemy. We shoot ourselves in the foot far more than anyone else yet we give ourselves the most leeway.

All of us are very capable, talented individuals with amazing visions. Yet some have not even scratched the surface of accomplishing their goals because they can’t get up early enough for the job or they can’t shut out the world for a couple of weeks to study.

The last thing you want to be is a prisoner to yourself. You want to be able to do everything you say you’re going to do without the pushback from your own will.

I don’t think people take the easy route because it’s easy. I think people take the easy route because they haven’t mastered themselves enough to endure the hardship of what’s best for them.

Good sleeping habits, eating well, being active, meditating, and other good self-care habits all require dedication. Unfortunately, we don’t naturally want to adopt those practices.

In order to be what we’ve always seen ourselves as we must be better for ourselves.

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Discipline around others

Whatever happened to the kid that was spoiled rotten? The child who always got his way, who does she grow up to be? You know, the ones whose parents let them get away with anything.

Every day when we run across the prude who cuts us off in traffic or the co-worker that dishes attitude because of what they’re going through —  that’s them. Until we are able to reign over our emotions and actions we’ll always be short-tempered around others, warranted or not.

If we were to act on every human impulse, the world would be in shambles. Marriages would never work, politics would be far worse than what they are now and no one would be able to live with one another.

That’s why we learn patience, moderation, and forgiveness.

Someone else shouldn’t have to suffer because of what’s not going right in your life. Toddlers who don’t get their way have temper tantrums and when that behavior isn’t curtailed it manifests into the grossest individuals you’ll meet.

Once we understand the first and most important battlefield is the one within and we give it the attention we give everything else, the more prepared for our dreams we’ll be.

There is always talk about how toxic social media is. It seems that every time I speak to my friends, at least one of them is threatening to delete Instagram or Twitter. However, social media, and Instagram accounts in particular, can simultaneously be a space for self-expression and inspiration, and a cleanse for one’s mental health. 

Some Instagram users are working to normalize conversations surrounding mental health. They are utilizing self-expression on Instagram to let the rest of the world know they can too.

As these influencers share their stories or provide a platform for others to do so, they help reduce the shame that tends to follow mental health concerns. And, they provide encouragement or advice for their audience at the same time. 

Here are 7 Instagram accounts to follow when you are looking for support, motivation, or open discussion about mental health. 

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Black Girl In Om

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Lauren Ash created Black Girl in Om she was just 22 years old. As written on their website,  Black Girl in Om aims to “unapologetically expand the consciousness of Black women to transform. Period.”

As well as following @blackgirlinom and all of its self-expression on Instagram, you can listen to the podcast with the same name, which focuses on guided meditation for Black women. 

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POC, particularly Black women, deserve the space to practice self-reflection and self-care without the white gaze. Ash has effectively created such a space. 

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Notes From Your Therapist

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Allyson Dinneen has successfully accumulated over 300,000 followers for her Instagram account Notes From Your Therapist.

This writer turns her thoughts on relationships, grief, and human emotion into notes of insight and affirmation. Read one of her posts every morning to motivate yourself, or ponder one of her insights throughout your day. 

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Alexandra Elle

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Alexandra Elle, writer and Insta influencer, encourages self-love and acceptance.

You may easily relate to Elle, as she shares her struggles and revelations relating to relationships and healing. Her Instagram is welcoming and aesthetically pleasing with words of affirmation, encouraging notes, and poetry. She also hosts The Hey Girl Podcast and meditation workshops.

If you are looking for extra support through a rough time, following Alexandra Elle on Instagram is a small step you can take. 

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On Our Moon

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This Instagram account focuses on “vulnerable storytelling.”

The founder, Alexandra D’amour, works to promote real talk about trauma and mental health. You can read and hear the stories of her audience on Instagram, her website, and the On Our Moon podcast.

D’amour uses these platforms to support causes such as Black Lives Matter and intersectional feminism in addition to mental health. 

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Lalah Delia

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Delia is an author and wellness educator. Somewhat similar to Alexandra Elle’s account, she posts words of affirmation and inspiring quotes organized in an aesthetically pleasing way.

You can also read her book Vibrate Higher Daily in which she “invites her readers to ‘step into their power’ and embrace vibrational-based living, which is centered around being in tune with our agency, intuition, and intention.”

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Hannah Daisy

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Daisy is an artist, illustrator, and mental health advocate. Through an artistic medium, Daisy supports those living outside the gender binary and facilitates conversations about depression, sexual assault, mental health, and trauma.

Daisy’s Instagram is one you should follow to support your practice of self-care and self-acceptance. A piece of advice, inspiration quote, or illustration can have a huge impact on your day. 

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Girls’ Night In

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We all have preconceived notions about what self-care should look like: spending time with friends, treating yourself to a nice meal, putting on a face mask, etc.

But self-care can look different for everybody. And true self-expression is going to look completely different for different people on Instagram.

Girl’s Night In has created a space for introverts and homebodies. On this Instagram account, you can find advice for self-care and ways to celebrate yourself and your mental health at home. One can appreciate Girls’ Night In especially around the time of the pandemic, as most of us have had to learn how to care for ourselves in isolation. 

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Let these Instagram accounts cleanse your mental health

Whether you consider yourself happy and healthy or not, surrounding yourself with a positive environment undoubtedly supports your well-being. Social media is an environment we constantly find ourselves in, so this principle applies just the same. 

One way to ensure that your experience on Instagram is a healthy one is to post and consume what lifts you up. We hope that you can find comfort and positivity in these Instagram accounts or others you may follow. 

Say Friday rolls around and it so happens to be a big release date in music.

Rick Ross drops; Burna Boy drops; whoever you like drops. We’re talking about multiple projects all from people you rock with, all on the same day. What do you do?

It’s not like back in the day when you had to physically go to a brick-and-mortar store and make a purchase. There’s no unwrapping or secondary device needed — all you need is your phone. Upon first finding out about the album to the lead single and the music videos, all you ever need is your cellular device.

That’s because everything we do is on our phones. Music is just one example, but the digital revolution has brought everything from entertainment to finances and security to the palm of our hands.

Yet, not enough of us take the time to process the effect it’s having on us.

Ever notice how life tends to get a bit messier the more technology advances? And I’m not talking about getting caught up on Snapchat and sliding in the DM’s messy, I’m talking about schedules packed with emails, Slack messages, meetings and catchups, social media notifications, and the 24-hour news cycle. No matter what, it feels like we never have time to do anything meaningful.

Technology never stops; so, when trying to pace it, we end up not stopping either.

The problem is that there is too much value in technology to abstain from it completely. If we’re going to surrender all old habits and double down on these technological advances, we have to adopt a practice to balance our indulgence. And that practice is digital minimalism.

Overconsumption

In order to do our best work and live a purposeful life, we have to be intentional with how we spend our time.

For whatever reason, when it comes to partying and recreational time we understand moderation, but somehow the concept is missed when it comes to screen time.

If you’re anything like most people you spend five-plus hours a day on your computer, use 56-plus apps and websites a day and switch between them more than 300 times, and if we tried, we can cut these numbers in half.

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Minimalism

When it comes to digital media, most of us let anything in assuming the best stuff will stick, when really we should be filtering from the jump. It’s why we feel perplexed and stressed out over our phones yet unable to put them down.

When we incorporate aspects of minimalism into our lives, however, we can not only decipher what we need and don’t need, but we can shape the reality we live in and see every day.

Minimalism has become a buzzword in the past decade as “more is better” culture has made the idea of living with less more attractive. Minimalists may spend less money and own fewer things but they’re also more intentional about shaping their lives around things that matter to them.

This is what we can do with our digital diet: instead of blindly consuming any and everything, we can intentionally select what we take in.  It helps us get the most out of the good parts of technology while protecting ourselves from the bad.

Being a digital minimalist is about being hyper-aware of your relationship with technology and recognizing that although there are positives, it takes a concentrated effort to solely reap those rewards.

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Implementation

So the question now is how, right? When it comes to minimizing your digital appetite it’s hard, but there are three methods you can use to help and the first is alone time.

The purpose of social media is to connect. Connect about what’s going on in the news, connect with the newest movie out, connect with someone across the globe. But physical and mental solitude is important for thinking clearly, which you can achieve when you demand alone time for yourself, not clicking the like button is another method we can use in practicing digital minimalism.

Instead of using them in ways to show off or that give us the endorphin boost we crave, we limit the use to staying in touch. Instead of strolling and clicking like all day and posting things in hopes to get likes back, communicate to who you need to communicate with and get off.

Another way to practice digital minimalism is by redefining leisure. Instead of the escapism that involves a screen, we should try to find things to do outside or that involve pages or anything other than a screen. Rediscovering non-digital activities will help us in our transition more than ever.

Once you’ve made the choice that we’re only going to consume the technology that connects to your values you’ll be surprised how much better you feel and how much other people need it as well.

If the key to life is so simple then why do a majority of people have no clue what they want to do?

Think about it. Only a couple of us had an idea of who we wanted to be leaving high school and in college, we either went undeclared or switched up our major a couple of times. Even after finally attaining the degree, some of us still didn’t end up using it.

A 2017 report from the Education Department’s National Center for Education Statistics stated that about 30 percent of undergraduates changed their major at least once. And that’s not counting the number of people who do graduate and never see a professional day in their major’s field.

That’s why you see 30-plus year-olds, walking around scratching their heads with no clear answer for what they love or who they really are.

Each and every one of us should have an answer if asked what our passion is. There shouldn’t be fumblings of the answer or trepidation in any regard. It should roll off our tongue mindlessly as if it was our breath itself.

Ball, justice, health, or whatever “it” is — we should be one with it and our mission should be making it our life’s’ work. Simply put, if you do not have a passion, you do not have a pulse. This is why a lot of us are walking around dead.

It’s under your nose

One of the many annoying aspects of individuals complaining about not having a passion is that they often are right under our noses.

If you ever catch a friend, family member or even yourself talking about not knowing what you want to do in life or you’re having trouble finding what you’re passionate about, just take a second and think about what you spend most of your free time doing.

Your passion is what you devote your time to. It’s what you choose to be around — the things you can spend countless hours doing. And now with this new era of fast digital information, there aren’t any excuses as to why you can’t make it your job.

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Taste enough things/try new shit

Why do many of us not know what we want to do? Why aren’t we able to hone in on what it is we’re crazy about? The short answer: it’s because we haven’t been exposed to enough new things. Try new hobbies like painting or learning a new musical instrument like Yamaha P71 from Piano Nadu, maybe there’s a little musician in you that don’t know!

That’s why it’s important to be intentional about what we expose ourselves to. If our resources permits, it’s imperative we travel the world and indulge in new cultures and read different books to get different perspectives.

Once we pick our interest, we can follow it.

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Own what you love

Tapping in and finding our passion, at the end of the day, is all about leaning in and doubling down on what you love.

When you look at how these viral comedians get famous, it all starts with them doing what they enjoy, over and over again. Furthermore, comedians become masters of their craft by owning what they love, even if the outcome might not always be great in the beginning.

There are so many of us holding ourselves back from our potential because we think our passion isn’t important enough, or that it can’t make us money, or we feel as if we’re too old when our only job is to continue to do what we love. If we let our passion lead us everything else will follow.

We all have passions in us. Don’t let yourself or anyone else ever think there’s such thing as not having a passion. Our passions are instilled inside all of us. All it takes is following our hearts and trusting the process it takes us on.

Truthfully, when we operate in our passion, we operate in our gift, and that is what’s key in traveling the road to greatness.

It can be challenging to select just one game to stream on Twitch because there are dozens of options available. This article will discuss some excellent possibilities and offer you viewpoints on several other games.

For beginner streamers, choosing the ideal video game to expand their channel can be a very challenging undertaking.

Despite being entertaining to play, thriving as a rookie streamer in well-known titles like League of Legends and Call of Duty is extremely challenging due to the level of competition.

In our experience, enjoyable party games and independent video games are much better at boosting viewership. The games on this list are our top recommendations for smaller content producers who want to expand their audience, become Twitch affiliates, and build their channels.

1. Minecraft

Minecraft has overtaken all other video games in terms of sales since its 2009 release. The sandbox game has captured the attention of players. Community interaction in which players can unwind in the nostalgia of the game is encouraged by Minecraft.

One of the rare games where spectators can play along with streams is Minecraft. Engaging viewers in initiatives and encouraging participation creates a great deal of vested interest.

2. Dead by Daylight

As viewers are eager to find out how the round turns out, suspense increases retention. Will the streamer suffer a grisly death?

You can play a game with your viewers as long as you pretend to be a killer looking for them (otherwise, they are able to track you down). This will make other viewers ponder whether you’ll be able to locate individuals in their neighbourhood. You can use a random number generator or only allow subs if several others want to play with you.

3. Raft

For rookie broadcasters who are still getting the hang of gaming while handling conversation, Raft is a terrific game. Many games struggle to strike a balance between properly navigating the information while also entertaining your audience.

Raft has wonderful pacing and gives you plenty of time to engage your audience in the adventure by considering their feedback as you make selections throughout the game. It offers a 2-4 player co-op and allows you to add extra stakes for food, water, or even permadeath.

There is a flourishing community that enjoys the game, and every few months fresh content is produced, causing the category to explode once again. This is true even though being in the top three rows of the category requires a minimum of 10 viewers. It is a fairly simple game to pick back up later if you have already streamed it once.

4. Slots/ Casino Games

The slots category on Twitch has just around a million subscribers. Casino games have come a long way since the origin of roulette and now tens of thousands of viewers tune in each hour to watch streamers engage in online cryptocurrency casino slot machine games. 

5. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, which debuted in 1998, is the first 3D installment in the Zelda franchise and is surrounded by a lot of nostalgia. You only need to visit any “Song of Storms” cover on YouTube to see how enduringly popular the game and its plot remain.

In general, the Zelda games’ emphasis on storytelling offers an easy approach to completing a game while maintaining the ability to communicate with your audience. These viewers, like OSRS, will probably be in the 25–35 age range. Many people will be there to “re-experience” the game from another person’s perspective.

6. Animal Crossing

One of the biggest games of the year is Animal Crossing, a brand-new title. People are very interested in it and want to know what others are doing. This game is incredibly inclusive and makes you feel happy. To succeed and have fun, you don’t need to have a high skill cap.

7. Phasmophobia

Since its early release on the Steam store in September 2020, Phasmo has had tremendous success. During Halloween, a lot of streamers and viewers fell for the hype, frequently gathering their friends to investigate haunted places as a team of paranormal investigators.

The jump scares in the game are where it really shines. We strongly advise adding a little donation notice with audio of a scream if you are a Twitch affiliate. This not only helps with monetization but also makes for amusing moments that the community will remember.

It’s also great for creating videos that can be posted on your social media pages later.

8. Albion Online

Since launching its new free-to-play model, open-world sandbox MMORPG Albion Online has amassed a sizable player base and generated a lot of buzz. The full loot PVP and massive high-risk group fighting are the main reasons why this is such a great game to play for streamers.

Imagine the early Runescape player killing in the wild, but with massive 100-vs-100 guild battles instead.

Want to kill enemies with heavy damage or ride around on a mount to steal player gear from both sides? Your decision is yours. This all-or-nothing situation encourages the creation of naturally entertaining content that will keep your viewers engaged.

Another benefit is that the game has a very devoted fan base. Albion has it all once you find your niche, whether it be PVE, PVP, or purchasing a plot of land for your bow-making business.

Settepani brings home-cooked family values to NYC with traditional Italian comfort food and Panettone. This family restaurant and bakery in Harlem serves delicious quality meals inspired by how their mothers and grandma made them.

Since their founding, the Settepani family kept close family ties enduring everything together.

Throughout the pandemic, the Settepani family grew closer with one another and their community through food. This Mother’s day, they have a set menu that celebrates mothers everywhere with dishes inspired by motherly love.

We spoke to Bilena Settepani, the enthusiastic young woman who helps run the show and the daughter of the Settepani family.

Family Values inside Italian comfort food

The pandemic was a hard time for many businesses, including restaurants. Despite the fears of uncertainty, Bilena and the Settefpani family came together to fight those tough times. The family ties can be tasted on their regular menu, including Italian comfort food.

“The beauty of working with your family that is older, is that I learn so much from my dad, and mom and we just all learn from each other”

Bilena Settepani

Their regular menu is a casual and inviting dining experience that makes everyone feel like family. Modern spins on traditional Italian dishes don’t take away from comfort. Each dish is served with simple, fresh ingredients and cooked in traditional ways.

Food is not the only thing that’s comforting. The Settepani atmosphere feels like home. The staffs smiling and friendly manners make customer interactions gentle yet inviting. The overall decors are beautifully casual with a modern finish, making it the perfect in-between for business meetings and casual dining.

“A lot of people are coming into Harlem who had never been to Harlem before, we’re giving an impression let’s make it a good one”

Bilena Settepani

Settepanis Bread and butter is Panettone.

While the Italian comfort food is splendid, Settepani is a bakery first and foremost. Mouthwatering baked goods are Settepani’s bread and butter. No pun intended. Settepani is famous for its year-round homemade Pannatone, a sweet Italian bread typically baked with dried fruit.

Making Pannetone from scratch is a four-day process. A Traditional Pannetone is typically served at family gatherings and holidays. Settepni puts a modern twist to the traditional Italian desserts by adding lots of different creative ingredients every month.

“What made us stick out is that we make panettone all year-round, and my mom is the biggest panettone fanatic”

Bilena Settepani

Ingredients like M&Ms, Nutella, peaches, and anything else Bilena could think of making Settepani’s Pannetone fun and exciting. Each Pannetone flavor of the month excites customers.

You can also find french toast panettone on their brunch menu.

Italian comfort food cooked with motherly love

“For me feel good food is something when I’m eating it makes me happy, so these dishes represents motherly love”

Bilena Settepani

As mothers day approaches, Settepni is cooking up something special to celebrate mothers day. You can find traditional home-cooked Italian comfort foods, such as passatelli in Brodo or Baccala Alla Messinese, and so much more.

The set menu dishes are casual and straightforward that remind you of home. The dishes

I tried the cotoletta di vitello alla palermitana, but with chicken instead of veal. A traditional panfried chicken cutlet seasoned with parsley and parmesan. The essence of Italian comfort. The flavor was transcending beyond comfort. The aroma of the parsley cooked in butter hits your appetite before the flavor does.

The taste is not overwhelming, making it cozy and easy to eat and enjoy. The panfried chicken is not oily. However, it pairs well with the refreshing salad that includes some of the freshest tomatoes you’ll ever have.

“We should never take our moms for granted, they’re the first people to ever know you’re existing, they’re the first people to ever love you, and they’re the first people to give you unconditional love”

Bilena Settepani

The smooth richness of the fried butter doesn’t combat other the flavor of the ingredients. The traditional taste makes this dish a nostalgic experience that earns this the title of being Italian comfort food.

Love for Moms every day

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Bilena and the Settepani family celebrate the love that brings their family together every day. Not just mothers day. Delicious home-cooked Italian comfort food and a staff that makes you feel right at home to make Settepani the place to eat in Harlem if you’re looking for something casual.

From 1991 to the present day, we would go from there being zero Asian owners in American major sports to having 6, including one woman. So what changed?  We can all look to a little Japan-based video game company that decided to take a big risk.

Businessman and President of Nintendo at the time, Hiroshi Yamauchi, became the first Asian-born owner a US pro-sports franchise when he purchased the MLB’s Seattle Mariners in 1992.

His administration would go on to turn the franchise around with the likes of Ken Griffey Jr. and they even paved the way for the first Japanese star to cross over into American sports and succeed with Ichiro Suzuki in 2001.

That decision paid off too as Suzuki is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. He may never have received a chance to showcase his talent on a worldwide stage if it wasn’t for this deal. 

July 1st marks the 30-year anniversary of this historic event that changed the game and while they may no longer own the Mariners, Nintendo really did

The presence and influence of Asian leadership have been imperative for opening more doors for the Asian community.  These 6 current Asian franchise owners in US pro sports are leading the way

Kim Pegula, Buffalo Bills & Sabres

Kim is a Korean-American businesswoman that was born in Seoul. At 5 years old she was adopted by an American family and needless to say she has flourished into a great success.  In 2011, she and her husband purchased the NHL franchise, Buffalo Sabres.  And they wouldn’t stop there.

Three years later they would also purchase the NFL’s storied Buffalo Bills. In 2018 she officially became President of Pegula Sports and Entertainment, which made her the first woman president in the history of both the NHL and NFL.  Her presence as an Asian-American sports owner is not only helping pave the way for people of color but for women as well.  

Shahid Khan, Jacksonvill Jaguars

Shahid Khan is a Pakistani-American magnate.  In 1967, at the age of 16, Khan moved to the United States.  He would go from washing dishes for $1.20 an hour to graduating college with an engineering degree. 

Khan would excel in the automotive manufacturing industry and go on to buy the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2011.  Upon becoming an Asian sports owner, in 2012 he made the cover of Forbes Magazine as the face of the American dream.  

Dr. Edison Miyawaki, NFL & NBA

Dr. Edison Miyawaki was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and was raised in Hiroshima, Japan.  He went on to attend high school back in Hawaii and then played baseball at Loyola. 

“Doc” has always been a sports enthusiast and even before he became one of the few Asian sports owners, he helped to assist Hawaiian student-athletes to realize their sports dreams. 

In 1994 he became the first Japanese-American to purchase an ownership interest in an NFL franchise.  He became a minority owner of the Cincinnati Bengals and also invested in the NBA’s Boston Celtics.  

Vivek Ranadive

Vivek Ranadive is an Indian-American business executive and philanthropist.  He grew up in Mumbai India and showed a high level of intelligence at a young age. 

He would go on to graduate from MIT with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.  Vivek would continue to get an MBA from Harvard Business School as well.  In 2010 he became the first person of Indian descent to have ownership of an NBA franchise, the Golden State Warriors. 

In 2013 he would sell his share of the Warriors and Vivek and his partners would go on to purchase a majority share of the Sacramento Kings.  He currently holds the position of chairman with the franchise as well.  It’s wild that he arrived in a position of being an Asian sports owner as he never touched a basketball until after the age of 40.

Joseph Tsai

Joseph Tsai was born in Taiwan and then became a naturalized citizen of Canada.  Tsai would attend Yale and go on to become a successful lawyer. 

His journey took a random turn and by way of his network, he partnered with Jack Ma and eventually became the executive vice-chairman of Alibaba.  In 2019, Tsai and his wife Clara would become the majority owners of the Brooklyn Nets. 

They also headed the group that owns the WNBA team New York Liberty as well as the MLS franchise LA FC.  To say Tsai embraces the role of being an Asian sports owner would be an understatement.

Warren Woo

Warren Woo is the founder of the National Hockey League’s Breakaway Capital Holdings.  In 2007, his group took ownership of the Nashville Predators.  A graduate of UCLA and Stanford, he found a love for hockey as he attended LA Kings games in the late 80s. 

Warren is a true fan of the sport and supports and advocates the creation of additional opportunities for people of color and for socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.  He isn’t shy about being open in regard to his Asian pride.