racoma.com.phJ. Angelo Racoma on technology, economics, writing, problogging, and getting things done

Being the nocturnal person, where I am (or at least perceive myself to be) more productive during the wee hours of midnight to early morn when everyone else is in their various stages of sleep, this is usually my message signing off when friends, colleagues or some sprit of the night say their good-byes in (sometimes productive, sometimes counter-productive, always interesting) instant messenger conversations. Last man standing, I usually consider myself.

No sleep for the weary.

I usually try to ponder the meaning and significance of this line time and again. I’ve come to realize that this line is usually preceded by “There is …” and then followed by “… until …” Ergo, this would mean my firm resolve to finish whatever it is that I am trying to finish, and not rest–even when burdened by troubles and weariness–until I have satisfied myself that I have done my best for the day, and must henceforth retire, rest, and perchance sleep, in order that I can face the next with further renewed energy and undying exuberance.

Passion, Perspiration, and a bit of Inspiration

Sometimes I succeed, and sometimes I do not. That usually depends not just on my level of energy (for energy can be misdirected and misspent), but on the passion and commitment I have put into my task. Yes, sometimes it does take a bit of inspiration to follow through with my efforts, but it mostly depends on perspiration (success after all is 99% this, with the former constituting the remaining one percent).

What inspires me to do well, then? First and foremost, there’s the feeling of accomplishment and pride with what I do. And then of course there are the financial considerations.

Sex & Cash

In the Sex & Cash theory parlance of gapingvoid,

The creative person basically has two kinds of jobs: One is the sexy, creative kind. Second is the kind that pays the bills. Sometimes the task in hand covers both bases, but not often. This tense duality will always play center stage. It will never be transcended.

My profession and current line of work involves both the sex and the cash aspect of that duality, most of the time. Knowing that I get to accomplish both needs at the same time–sex being the need for a sexy job that I can be passionate about, and cash being the job that pays the bills–I could usually retire for the day knowing I have accomplished something good.

Sometimes, though, it’s good to keep the sex and cash separate from one another, that I may pursue undertakings that are of pure passion and glory in nature. And that’s where stuff like this blog falls under, and also potentially great things, like Go-Ogle and other budding startups I’m dreaming up in my mind (and hope to turn from ether into reality soon).

How to Be Creative

For now, I leave you with this article from Hugh MacLeod’s gapingvoid, with interesting pointers on how to be creative. You’ll get bold statements such as Ignore everybody, Dying young is overrated, and Power is never given. Power is taken.

This is not exactly new, but I do hope those in need of a boost in their creativity whether in the arts, business, or in anything, would find this piece helpful–enlightening and entertaining in the same light.

Now A Word From Our (Former) Sponsors

A usual co-conspirator, fellow Man-blogger Mike Villar, asked me to help spread the word about the soft-launch of version 2 of Calliope, the engine that powers i.PH (used to be my baby back at dotPH). Lots of good stuff added. I have to admit, though, that it’s not really for me (for I love to be in full control, and I’d rather go for our free com . ph domain offering, the initial batch of which we’re actually registering today), but Calliope would appeal to you if you’re looking for an all-in-one package that’s easy to manage without necessarily having techie skills.

So adieu for now! Remember, there is no spoon!*

*Another favorite sign-off line.

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