David Yarde's Blog, page 13

Setting the Stage for Success

Our various cultures are filled with their own unique traditions but in the middle of all traditions, there is one tradition, unlike the rest. One that many often struggle to find success with. Setting resolutions for a new year.

Every year, we find ourselves making bold testaments on what we’d like to accomplish, how this year we’ll exercise more, eat healthier, wake up earlier or finally do that thing we’ve never been able to find time for last year.

Only to find ourselves making excuses a...

In the Rearview – Recap of 2015

Every year I start a recap and never complete/publish it. This is the year I change that and even though this year has been bittersweet, I’m ever so grateful to have made it this far.

My focus in 2015 was to first and foremost be a father, a better husband, and friend. In the years previous, I focused way more time on work and career achievements than my interpersonal relationships.

Looking back, I can’t believe so much has happened. So here we go, my 2015 year in review. For quick reference,...

The Importance of being Comfortable with your Creative Voice

The voice of a creative is a powerful thing when used correctly. Unfortunately, most of us creatives don’t know this. Many of us have been lead to believe that our skills are under lock and key to whoever employs us, so we fail to see all the possibilities they can unlock.

Yet, our creative voice is what shines through our work and touches the hearts and minds of those who interact with it.

I remember when I first started as a graphic designer. The joy of being able to create something based...

The Camel and the Straw

We’re all familiar with the story of how the camel was loaded with supplies and other necessary traveling equipment, but it wasn’t until a simple piece of straw landed on top did every go awry.

Emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually we are much like that camel. We’re burdened with so many things and no matter how much we try to get ahead, there’s always that one little thing that just brings everything down.

Some will say that it’s up to us as individuals to choose how we feel it r...

Thoughts on Intentional action

The past few weeks have been crazy. Days starting anywhere between 5:00- 6:30am and filled with meetings, redesigns and strategy sessions. Rounded out with a conference that required preparation for a presentation and a panel moderation, and just when it seems like there’s a moment to breathe there is even more on the to-do list to be done. So much to do, so little time and even less time to hear oneself think.

In the midst of this, one thought has persisted with me. Intentional action. The a...

WordCamp Orlando 2015: Managing Project Expectations and Roadblocks

This past weekend, I had the opportunity of sharing with my local WordPress community a presentation on running more successful projects by managing the expectations and the importance of a discovery phase in preventing many common roadblocks.

We coveredhow expectations if not set correctly, can have a negative impact on the project scope, budget and future client relationships as well as the items below:

The importance of the discovery phase Setting project scope Identify and resolve failin...

Avoiding a Life of Insanity

Growing up, I always wanted a pet. I remember always running next door to my neighbors house, a kind and much too sweet older lady, who happened to have a black cat. I was fascinated by the grace, elegance and playfulness that the cat had. So, I planned a way to get a cat of my own. Instead of a cat, I got stories of all the cats my mom had in her earlier years and fish.

Now, fish are in a category of their own. You can’t walk them or really play with them but what I failed to see was that th...

The Moments that Define Us

In life, we’re constantly faced with a barrage of events, people, and other outside influences that try to mold us into what they want us to be. Some of these moments are there to define us; while others exist to refine us into being something more.

The plans we make rarely include these unexpected moments. We plan from a place of selfish optimism and naive thinking. Planning isn’t a bad thing. It’s when we fail to take a step outside of our bubble do we run into the problems we may unexpecte...

Dare to be amazing

Life only gives us a limited amount of opportunities from start to end. We can dream, plan and talk about all the great ideas we have but if we never act on any of them, all we’ve truly accomplished is time wasted that can never be relived.

We live with a common misconception that a person needs to be rich, famous or have a lot of time in order to accomplish something great. Honestly, it’s a tragedy that many think success only comes from wealth or fame.

The time we spend chasing after the la...

What we leave behind

Every day is an exciting and equally exhausting experience when it comes to my daughter. Her sense of curiosity, intensity of focus, and determination have been sources of inspiration for me. Watching her grow and take on new challenges gives me an extra dose of determination to push through whatever challenges I may face.

At times, it can be hard to believe that my tiny human is only nine months old. The joy she brings is amazing and in such a short time she’s already given me so much.

With...