Fifteen Seconds at a Time

 Stardate 10.20.2026 

Yesterday was a good day for learning. I published one of my best stories yet, and getting the vlog finished took considerable effort. Fortunately, I had a later start to my workday, which gave me enough time to complete the story and publish it without feeling rushed.

I appreciated having that extra time. I could concentrate on the work and enjoy the process.

Lately, I've been spending more time learning how to create YouTube Shorts. Fifteen seconds might not seem like much time to tell a story, but those short clips are teaching me a great deal about vlogging.

There is planning involved, especially when another person is part of the story. I need to coordinate with the person I'm interviewing, think about the moments I want to capture, and be ready when something interesting happens. People have their own schedules, and I want them to feel comfortable participating.

I'm learning as I go.

One of the most interesting discoveries has been the value of building a library of YouTube Shorts. Each clip gives me another piece of material I can use to enhance my storytelling. A brief conversation, an introduction to someone I've met, or a moment worth preserving can add a personal dimension to a written story.

I'm beginning to see how these pieces can work together.

My daily blog has been part of my life for many years. Now I'm learning to bring some of those stories to life through video. The skills I've developed as a writer give me a foundation, and the video work is teaching me new ways to share the experiences that matter to me.

There is plenty of work ahead. I'm genuinely satisfied with the progress I've made, and I'm enjoying the learning process. That combination keeps me motivated.

As I become more comfortable creating short clips, I can gradually expand into longer video sessions. I expect the process to evolve naturally as my experience grows. I can build on what I'm learning now without having to change everything at once.

Fifteen seconds at a time is a good place to start.

Today's plan calls for pickleball and swimming. I may attempt a few more YouTube Shorts if the right moments present themselves. I don't know whether an opportunity will arise, but I'm learning to recognize the possibilities when they do.

For now, I'm enjoying the chance to develop a new skill. There is something satisfying about being a student again, working through the challenges, and discovering that yesterday's difficult task becomes a little easier with practice.

One percent better, one day at a time.

A Little Encouragement

Proverbs 16:3 offers a fitting reminder:

Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

I can make plans, prepare for an interview, and work to improve my videos. The results will come through patience, practice, and a willingness to keep learning. I'll do my part and trust Jesus with the rest.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: Michael's collection of fifteen-second videos is developing into a useful storytelling resource. His learning curve appears to be heading in a promising direction.

Bones: That's encouraging, Spock. Just make sure he remembers to put the camera down long enough to enjoy his pickleball game and get in the pool!

Michael's Reflection: I'm grateful for the opportunity to keep learning. Yesterday's work showed me how much I can accomplish when I give myself the time to do it well. Today brings another chance to practice, whether I'm holding a camera, carrying a pickleball paddle, or swimming a few laps. I have a lot left to learn, and I'm looking forward to it.

Live long and prosper. 🖖