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Welcome to the Soma SoulWorks Podcast! This podcast serves to help people, particularly those who may label themselves as "creatives," to seek wholeness and calling so they are ready to embrace the mission God has for them. Consider this podcast a rogue harmony of professional development and self-care, hosted by John Bergquist and Chris Skaggs.

What’s covered in this episode: 

• In this series introduction, Brandon, Mark, Neil, and Chris reflect on “An Achievement Guide For Redemptive Game Developers” and its list of seven sins and the virtues that counteract them:
  • Pace over pressure
  • Connection over isolation
  • Authenticity over a front 
  • Reality over escapism
  • Identity in Christ over our lesser self
  • Satisfaction over love of money
  • Honoring over exploitation
• This list isn’t intended to come with a pressure that you’re doing it wrong. Instead it should be considered achievements for the “completionists” to work toward. These are goals you can aim for, and that, if completed, mean you are really excelling. 
• The concepts are based in scripture, but this shouldn’t alienate our secular audience. They’re still tried-and-true, healthy ways of living. 
• The discussion turns to the unhealthy work culture of the Western world. Mark observes, “When do we take a moment to pause and reflect? Nobody really does that.”
• Overworking yourself isn’t discouraged, it’s seen as impressive and eventually leads to burnout. Instead of investing in individuals, the work world leans toward seeing people as replaceable. 
• You must learn to recognize when your team is overworking themselves and help to diagnose why that might be happening. Mark cautions, “Be okay and unapologetic about pumping the breaks.” 
• Artists feel lucky when their art is experienced by other people, and validation becomes their currency. It’s an unsustainable economy for creatives. 
• Each of the listed topics above will be explored in-depth as the series continues. 

Resources mentioned:

• Sign up for the Tempus Divum newsletter 
• A Rule of Life for Redemptive Entrepreneurs by Praxis Labs

Email us ideas, questions, or suggestions at tempusdivum@somagames.com