I did this for 800 days and it changed my life

What's in my camera bag?! : MY 2023 UPDATED KIT!!

Collaborations

FOLLOW ME:

[sniitzel]

I'm a perfectionist and it took me years to use a notebook without stopping or ripping out paper, because I wasn't satisfied with how it looked. Now I'm two years into journaling and and using pocket notebooks on the go without paying attention to the aesthetic. It was mentally freeing, because perfectionism is one of my weaknesses. Using a notebook as my second brain is helping me overcome my perfectionism, every day a little bit more.

[zacinthewild]

Stoked to be part of the conversation! Thanks Pete🤘

[misterbrickest]

I was a heroin addict for almost two decades, ended up on the street going through awful shit like getting stabbed one night. Slept on the sidewalk in the rain (Seattle area, it's cold up here) and ate out of dumpsters. I was out there for almost three years.

I've now been clean for 3 and a half years. Rebuilt my life completely. I tell EVERYONE that the two things that helped me stay on track are: exercising regularly for the massive mental health benefit mainly AND writing down all the things I'm going to do with check boxes next to it. That way I don't get stuck over thinking what I'm going to do because I have already decided. I just DO what's on that list. Next project is starting a Photography and Videography business. I have slowly accumulated the gear while working full time in a factory doing metal fabrication, while also learning Davinci Resolve. I got three cameras (R5 is my main) plus a GoPro, nice tripod and some lights. Need more lights BUT I'm getting close. I've already had one business (SEO/Web Design, which is related to my old career) that made money, but I hated it. Stopped doing it. I've decided to go all in on this and am totally driven about doing something for the first time in my life. I'm lucky to have some business experience with things like sales, marketing and social media advertising and with all the knowledge I have now, it's finally time to turn my passion into my living.

It sounds too easy but exercise plus writing down and tracking my goals/projects daily really did help me turn my entire life around.

[drewdungatesmith]

Let’s just take a moment to appreciate the high quality of Pete’s firework impressions

[talliyahrose]

I don't know if you have ever been evaluated for it, but all the things you say about yourself hit home with me... and my ADHD. So glad you found something that has helped to keep you focused and on the tasked you want to do. Finding the right tool is so beneficial for anyone.

[TylerMiller]

I've started carrying a pocket notebook and journaling and exploring the ideas of "common place books" and compendiums. I have to say, it's been VERY refreshing to know that at any time I can stop, slow down, and just write something down in my notebook. I did struggle with the whole "what notebook should I buy, what should I write in this one, vs that one, etc" and some of the best advice for that, is the best notebook for you to use is the one you have right now. Start with something cheap from walmart or the dollar store, just to start somewhere. And then eventually get in to something like Field Notes, Moleskin, Totebook, Leuchtturm, etc.

As a society I feel like we are starting to really yearn and crave that "slow down". Life has been happening so fast and we are constantly bombarded with ads, videos, news, whatever it may be, that we are desperate for an outlet to just slow down and be meaningful. Notebooks are a great avenue for that.

Someone also said, journaling and notebooks are cheaper than therapy lol. Not dogging on therapy, but I know at least for me, writing out thoughts, feelings, and emotions has helped me process some of them as you put them pen to paper.

[SchwiizerindeUSA]

Thank you so much for this video. I was wondering if I was the only one which struggles with this firework of ideas in my head. I will get a notebook tomorrow and start writing things down. I love how you inspire me and thousands of other people. Thank you for your work and art. Keep doing it. I love it!

[eversosleight]

Got three pack of Field Notes, graph, line, blank. Dude, these have organized my entire life 😃👍

[evendiscover]

I could almost cry, i feel you! Thank you so much for this!!!! Somehow I lost that habit to write down my feelings and thoughts, i struggle a lot with this firework in my head, i can not sleep or need too much time to reflect on things people said, what I said, what my Friendships are, who I am... and so on. My heart feels heavy and overwhelmed almost all the time. So thank you so much for speaking out your thoughts and reminding me of to write things down, take time and calm down. <3

[patricianadarajah]

In 1992 Julia Cameron published a book called the Artist’s Way which has similar goals to the ones you describe in this video. The book has some basic principles but ultimately it’s meant to encourage creatives to write down their ideas, feelings, goals etc. and to get into the practice to write every morning when you get up. It’s meant to help you get in touch with your creativity. It’s a great practice whether you do it first thing in the morning or at another time during the day, whether you combine writing and sketching … whatever you choose… it’s amazing what you can get accomplished too when you write stuff down

[davedelaneyspeaks]

Great video, Peter. I started a new journal after watching. I'm also new to you and your channel.
One thing I wanted to mention, your clip at the start describes ADHD.
I mentioned this because I was diagnosed this year at 50. Perhaps you're what I'm calling a fellow “Wise Squirrel.”

Keep up the great work!

[dansonkariuki]

I've actually been doing this myself from the last video I saw and it honestly changed my life bro. Thank you so much. If youtube could attach images, I'd share my notebook collection from last year. Every creative needs to try this!! Much love from Kenya.

[Taysart]

I am going through a difficult situation in my life right now. So i decided to write in a journal everyday a few pages whatever is on my mind. It helps me process my emotions and clears up my mind. I can focus more on being creative. It’s like a free therapy and a great way to start 2024.

[MattGuardiola]

Writing things down can really make I difference! I’ve done this for my last couple YouTube scrips and it’s really made a difference!

[jdayal]

I remember my father taking down notes on these small notebooks and later on making an Excel sheet or writing down something on MS Word. But his first preference was always a small field notebook which he always carried. Interestingly he never carried a purse and he had amazing handwriting which I don't have. This video sparked something in me as my father is no longer with me. Miss dad. Now i realize that the notebook that we carried was actually so cool!!

[discoverindiafilms]

This was such a helpful video Peter...

It is so great to know that one of my role models goes through all the same things, the distractions, the constant "squirrel-ness, " doing the un-necessary filler tasks, etc. as I go through on an every day basis.

These are the kind of Peter-McKinnon-videos that are the hidden gems, and have important lessons (which might not exactly be photography or film-making, but are just as important!)

[Cheryl_Turtlemoon_Creates]

This was BRILLIANT! Thank you and Zac ! I’ve kind of stopped writing, but I am going to start again as I know it’s valuable in our lives. What a great video! Thank you!

[joeldguzman]

Why would anyone dislike this video? I love how transparent you are and how you communicate, feels like you're speaking directly to us in the same room. Thank you for making videos like this with human value in addition to professional value in your photography videos. My heart is broken for 363 people out there, thank you @PeterMckinnon for sharing this and please don't stop.💜

[Betheother]

Been writing for 4 years now every day first thing in the morning. It’s perfect for seing better the goals you set for yourself.
To any creators, in fact, for anyone, this should be an daily habit.
Great video Peter🤝🏽

[RachelSchell]

I started doing a daily video 807 days ago and recently ordered a daily journal I'm going to start in Jan 2024. I'm so excited to write! Just to write. I feel like I never write anymore and I just love writing, physically writing, not typing. I resonate with so much that was said in this video.