Welcome to The Spark, home to everything Team Mission Drive has found fascinating this quater.
Welcome back to The Spark! And hello autumn equinox. If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere you may be feeling that bite in the air by now. And as the nights are drawing in our thoughts are turning to things like hygge (the Danish and Norwegian catch all for being cosy and enjoying quiet times), crisp walks, and of course some good game and podcast recommendations for you all. Our other musings include the power of being in a community, finding your purpose, and what the heck being ‘ethical’ actually means. Just the small stuff, y’know.
A little more personal and a spot more leftfield, The Spark is the kind of conversation you’d have in a cable knit jumper, over a whisky, inside a cosy haunted pub.
If you’re after a more regular marketing round up, we’ve got that too. Just head over to our twice weekly digest Little Missions for that lovely stuff.
Right, choose a tea (or indeed a wee dram) and put your feet up. The long read is here.
This month's Big World Stuff:
- What is ‘ethics’ and why does shared language help?
- Walking towards better health
- Finding purpose in your 20’s
- Hygge: what is it, and why is it good for your well-being?
- Inclusivity and passion – the power of communities
This month's Big Recommendations:
This month’s Big World Stuff
What is ‘ethics’ and why does shared language help?
Simon Bullmore
Ethics is tricky to define. Which is a problem if you want to explain your ideas to others, get them involved, and drive change. Successful change often depends on adopting a new shared language. And this means understanding and using words consistently.
So what is ethics? The Oxford Language’s definition:
‘Moral principles that govern a person's behaviour or the conducting of an activity.’
The Ethics Centre however, describes it as a journey:
‘Ethics is the process of questioning, discovering and defending our values, principles and purpose.’
Seeing ethics as a voyage of discovery and action is a good place to start. But sometimes, you also need to explain what ethics isn’t. Often, when people think of being ethical, they jump to the wrong conclusions and close up because ethics feels confusing and ‘being ethical’ feels hard to achieve.
To help you out, here are some things ethics is definitely not:- An agreed standard to reach for. Except in some professional situations, there are no checklists.
- Being sustainable, vegan, equitable etc. Because there are no agreed standards, some values are more important to some than others. Being sustainable is a value I strive for – but it’s not a value everyone shares, however much I’d like.
- Law. Some moral values are encoded in law, but not everything lawful is ethical. It’s lawful for CEO’s to earn much more than workers, but is it ethical?
- Regulation. Like law, regulations don’t exclude unethical actions. The GDPR, for example, is based on the principle of privacy for individuals. This leaves room for doing marketing that adheres to the GDPR, but could be perceived as unethical.
- What you feel is right or wrong. Our feelings can act as signals about potential ethical dilemmas – particularly when it’s about doing the ‘right thing’. But human feelings are not always grounded in selfless ethics. They can even get in the way of behaving ethically. Things that stir our sense of righteousness are not always a good basis for truly ethical action.
- What everyone else does. Just because something is socially acceptable doesn’t mean it's ethical. You only have to look back a few decades to see how behaviours that were entrenched at the time are now harmful.
Knowing what ethics isn’t is a good way to help folks learn. And these are good conversations to have. They’re reassuring. If only because they show the topic isn’t rigid and there’s room for exploration, questioning, and improvement.
Fancy unpacking ethics a bit more? Join our community on Circle.
Walking towards better health
Johnny Lloyd
In our fast-paced lives, finding moments of tranquillity and self-care can seem like a luxury we can't afford. Yet, there's a free and easily accessible activity that can work wonders for your mental health. The simple act of walking.
Beyond its physical benefits, walking offers a multitude of advantages for your emotional well-being, making it definitely worthy of your time in a busy schedule. Don’t worry, you don’t need to aim for the arbitrary 10,000 steps. In case you didn’t know, that was a clever marketing campaign for a pedometer ahead of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics!
For me, I didn’t realise walking was a part of my life that was missing until I welcomed a four-legged friend into my home, and needed to slot in two brisk walks a day. I now find it the perfect opportunity to decompress before or after a busy day.
Walking has also been shown to positively impact stress reduction and even help boost your creativity. There are many science-backed benefits of taking regular walks. Don’t believe me? Check out this Harvard article that gives you five reasons why you should get out there – even if the weather is being typically British!
It doesn’t have to be anywhere fancy – around the block will do. However, if you do have some extra free time and want to make a day of it, you can find a host of amazing UK based walks in the National Trust guide.
Integrating walking into your daily routine may seem like a faff, especially when your schedule is already brimming. But even brief, regular walks can make a significant impact on your mental health. The next time life feels overwhelming or you're in need of a mental reset, step outside and take a walk.
Finding purpose in your 20’s
Coeli Uy
A lot of conversations I’ve been having with friends recently have been about feeling stuck and working jobs that leave them thinking, ‘there has to be more to life than this’.
I know that feeling all too well. Working a 9-5 job that doesn’t fulfil you, drains every bit of energy you have, and sucks the motivation you have left for the things that you really enjoy. But you stick with it because it pays the bills, the job itself isn’t that bad, and the thought of job hunting in the current market is even worse. So you end up lost, and purposeless.
Your 20’s is the time for you to discover new things and try and figure out what you really want to do. But that can be overwhelming. How do you figure it all out and find your purpose? There’s no perfect formula or magic trick.
But there is ikigai.
Ikigai is a Japanese concept that can be roughly translated as your ‘reason for being’ – it’s what gets you out of bed every morning. If you’d like an in-depth explanation of ikigai, I recently did a talk at one of our Ethical Digital Marketing community events.
It’s often associated with a Venn diagram of four overlapping elements: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. And your ikigai resides at the intersection of these elements.
Discovering the concept of ikigai has helped me gain a better understanding of what my purpose is in life. It’s given me direction, a sense of fulfilment, a reason to get out of bed in the morning. At 18, I didn’t know a lot about what I wanted to do. I was at university and just getting a taste of independence. At 22, I had a bachelor’s and master’s degree but no clear indication of what I wanted to do in my career. Now at 25, I’m slowly figuring it all out.
So if you find yourself feeling lost or stuck and want to unlock simple steps to lead a more meaningful life, I’d truly recommend reading about ikigai.
Hygge: what is it, and why is it good for your well-being?
Candice Bullmore
This time of year always reminds me of the word Hygge. Hygge – pronounced Hyoo guh – is a word in Danish and Norwegian that describes a cosy, contented mood evoked by comfort and conviviality. Wellness experts say these colder weather months are the perfect time to join the trend, if you haven't already done so.
For me, it’s not just the cooler weather that makes a hygge mindset appealing, it’s a way to take care of yourself – especially in the current climate of negative news cycles. Creating a comforting social and emotional environment for yourself is an excellent choice. And is probably why Denmark consistently ranks among the happiest countries on the planet, alongside Finland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Practicing Hygge, at any time of year, can be good for boosting wellness and lowering stress. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Relish the present moment. Hygge is about giving the responsible, stressed-out, overachieving part of yourself a break, says Wiking. It’s about joy and contentment in simple pleasures and knowing that everything is going to be okay. As Meik Wiking puts it:
‘If you want to be happy, do not dwell in the past, do not worry about the future, focus on living fully in the present. No amount of regretting can change the past, and no amount of worrying can change the future. If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.’ – Meik Wiking
Get comfortable. Use throws, pillows, blankets to create a cosy environment you can sink into with a good book at any moment. Even what you wear can really make a difference. Go for textures that feel good on your skin.
Connect with close friends. Close friendships where you feel understood are the most important social relationships. Sharing thoughts and feelings, and giving and receiving support raises feelings of togetherness – the very essence of hygge.
Go for mood lighting. Ever walked into a bright space and felt it was all just too much? Mood lighting doesn't have to be expensive – try getting warmer bulbs in lights you already own.
Make bedtime a ritual. Make your sleeping space the most relaxing space in the house. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to our wellbeing, however we know that sleep in itself isn’t easy for everyone. What we do have in our power is to try to create a bedtime ritual, including phones off, comfy bed linen, and some meditation.
Remember: your environment really does influence how you feel, so if you can, make some simple changes. It’s corny, but you’re definitely worth it!
Inclusivity and passion – the power of communities
Seb Daniels
At Mission Drive, we've been hard at work creating a new Ethical Digital Marketing community. Yet, in the midst of our efforts, a simple truth dawned on me: community is all around us.
From my daughter's potential school rebuilding its post COVID community, to my new hockey club's focus on creating a supportive community, there are common threads that bind these groups:
1. Purpose: Every community has a shared purpose. Whether it's a school seeking to rebuild or a sports club uniting members, a clear purpose forms the foundation for unity and collaboration. It offers a reason to come together and work towards a common goal.
2. Inclusivity: Inclusivity is at the heart of true communities. They welcome people from all backgrounds, perspectives, and walks of life. Diversity strengthens communities by bringing together all talents, experiences, and ideas, and fostering a sense of belonging.
3. Passion: Passion is the driving force behind thriving communities. It fuels members' commitment and dedication. Whether it's a passion for education, sports, or ethical digital marketing, enthusiasm creates a shared bond and motivates individuals to contribute their best.
4. Creativity: Communities nurture creativity. They provide a supportive environment where ideas flow freely and innovative solutions are happily received. Creative thinking allows communities to adapt, address challenges, and find opportunities.
So, how can you join a thriving community? The answer is refreshingly simple: show up and participate. Joining a community isn't about meeting prerequisites; it's about taking the first step. By going to meetups, sharing your skills, and chatting with members, you become an integral part. Your presence and participation add to the collective experience. You yourself add value!
Community isn't an abstract concept – it's all around us. People have been coming together with purpose, inclusivity, passion, and creativity for thousands of years. So why not embrace the opportunity to be a part of something larger? Find something you’re passionate about, show up, and see how much fun it can be!
This month's Big Recommendations
Games to get up on
Farlight 84
Coeli Uy
As the resident gamer in our team, there’s no prizes for guessing what I’m recommending this month! I’ve got to admit though, it’s been a good while since I properly grinded a game competitively. But I did recently find myself back in the chair, thanks to Farlight 84*. The newest Battle Royale game on the market, Farlight 84 is a shooter game that sends you to a battlefield of 60 players, with a range of heroes and special abilities. The aim being to eliminate as many squads as possible and be the last man standing. It’s fast-paced, beginner friendly, and most importantly, fun! Currently, I’m only in the platinum rank but rest assured I’ll be grinding for grandmaster very soon.
*Currently only available on PC and mobile, with plans for a release on Nintendo Switch, PS5 and XBox later this year.
Pick of the podcasts
Upstream
Rhiannon Vivian
'Unlearn everything you thought you knew about economics,’ says Upstream. It also describes itself as ‘radical ideas and inspiring stories for a just transition to a more beautiful and equitable world.’ Upstream however, isn’t particularly radical at all. Each episode is just an interesting discussion with smart academics, authors, and even musicians on how we could imagine or create a world that is slower, kinder, and more thoughtful and inclusive than the one we currently know. The best episodes for me so far have been Reclaiming Time with Oliver Burkeman (why we never feel like there’s ‘enough’ time in the day and why the concept of ‘wasting time’ even exists), and A World Without Profit with Jennifer Hinton which explores what a world filled with not-for-profit organisations could look like.
My Dad Wrote a Porno, season 8 (The Best of and Unheard Bits)
Seb Daniels
When the final curtain closed on this show last year, it was a bittersweet moment for me. I’d spent many many hours listening to this comedy podcast where the host, Jamie Morton, and his friends hilariously dissect and react to his father's absurd and cringe-worthy erotic novel, Belinda Blinked. There was a time around 2010, where it felt like every laughing earphone-wearer on a Monday morning commute was listening to Belinda’s weekly exploits. So for me and those of you who were big fans, these ‘best of’ episodes are a glorious trip down memory lane that’ll have you laughing, crying and cringing at the same time.
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Take care and we’ll see you next time,
The Mission Drive Team
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