Denzil Duke

Maybe I Do Need To Go To University?

In 2022, I graduated in the top 3.05% of Queensland students with an ATAR of 96.95. But, I chose not to attend university. (Asian mothers' jaw dropping) My chosen path: a marketing role with the edge of short form video editing. Completing an online certification for digital

I Will Never Drink Alcohol

Alcohol brings the best out of us. I have this one friend whenever we hang out at parties ask the important question: Will you ever drink alcohol? In the past I would have said, I'll have my first glass of scotch after my first million. Then I realised,

When You Turn 18, Write A Will

A month ago, I wrote my own will in case of my death. You might be asking, "Why do you need a will? You're still young." If there was one thing I hate, I don't like the idea of my possessions and assets seised

Moving To Japan For A Working Holiday

If you're reading this, I'm in Japan. Late last year in October, I heard the call to adventure. In that moment, it's been: * Two years since I graduated high school * Five years since I last visited the land of the rising sun. For a

Why Don't I Have Anything To Write?

Recently, I watched a short clip of Jordan Peterson on Joe Rogan's podcast discussing about people reminiscing on the past. You might ask, Why does our lizard brain reflect on the past? We look at the past so we are prepared to move towards the future. To look

Confessions Of A High School Musician

Have you wondered what it's like learning a musical instrument in high school? Wonder what happens during the half an hour your class mates are away? If you don't know, I played cello during high school. Although I also played piano, in this article, I'

Having Too Many Interests

I've been playing piano a lot less recently. Going from practicing half an hour every other day to almost nothing. This withering has seeped into my other interests: * Japanese * Piano * Fitness But one hasn't: Video editing. Why? My current goal is landing a marketing job. Because

Perpetual State Of Not Wanting To Fuck Things Up

Care about the input. The output will take care of itself. – My Sales Manager First couple of months working at my job, I'd drive with dread. The twenty minute commute, anxiety coursing through my heart as I grip the driving wheel. Thinking to myself, "Today is the

Doing House Chores

One thing my mother tells me is, "For your future wife, Denzil, I will teach you to maintain the house." As I grow older, I'm coming at peace with doing chores. Physics has this concept called entropy. That the natural state of things reverts to chaos.

When Should I Start Dating?

I've never had a shoulder to cry on Someone to call mine Everybody’s falling in love And I'm falling behind – Laufey, Falling Behind Where My Predicament Occurs To choose not to pursue a relationship is different to the inability of having one. Why I tend

I Need To Stop Talking To My Younger Self

Common advice content creators give to new creators, "Talk to your younger self." Great advice for someone who is already an expert at their field. Not for someone who is just getting started. Why? When it comes to self-development/teaching, the CONTEXT of the content matters a lot

How I'm Learning Video Editing (By Copying)

Four years ago, I had the opportunity to learn oil painting from the resident artist at our high school. Our teacher, the resident artist, made us play with the oil paints by doing basic colour theory. They exercised looked like this: Then, we moved on to replicating oil paintings. We

Am I An Introvert Or Extrovert?

I'd like to begin this article with a tweet by Chris Williamson from the Modern Wisdom podcast. You’re probably not an introvert, your friends just suck. pic.twitter.com/9qTEOTGzUf — Chris Williamson (@ChrisWillx) July 22, 2024 With the amount of personality tests I've done, I&

Why I'm Doing Movie Edits

When creating content, I find this subconscious question must be answered, "Why should I listen to you?" With my own judgement, I'm not at the point where I can confidently portray myself as a teacher/expert of my chosen field. I lack a formal track record.

Why Did I Do ATAR When I'm Not Going To University?

Let's start with the elephant in the room. I got a 96.95 ATAR for my final year of high school. And, I didn't end up in university. Jokingly I'd say, I did ATAR to have other people's ATAR go down. I&

How To Respond To Negativity

Being on the internet, I get comments on my appearance. Or, the odd Instagram DM about how my content is egotistical and intentionally covers up the truth. (I do my best, trust me guys!) So, here's a collection of behaviours I've identified that've helped

My Content Marketing Strategy

Don't make it complicated. I don't think marketing strategies should be elaborate either. This is my content marketing strategy: Upload content people find valuable, and do MORE of it. How do I know if something is valuable? What problems does your ideal customer face? Think of

How I Messaged 60+ People on Instagram

Three months ago, I did warm outreach. What is warm outreach? Reaching out to people who've given you permission to contact them. Why was I doing it? I tried getting my first few customers for my freelance marketing business. I'm taking a page from Alex Hormozi&

Salespeople Are Doctors

"Prescription without diagnosis is malpractice." Have you ever walked into a shop, and it seems like the salesperson asks too many questions? Well, I'm one of those people! Let me explain why we ask so many damn questions. Diagnosis When we are asking questions, we are

How to Actually Get Rich in Your 20s: Insights from Alex Hormozi

DON'T consume Alex's business content if you're in your 20's. There's a reason why consuming a bunch of business advice feels out of place as a young man. "If you're a younger guy and you're

What Is The Role Of The Retail Salesperson?

Do you want to know what sales people do for a living? I'm back in the sales game. Let me let you peak behind the curtain. The inner workings of a salesman. Decision Making Sales revolves around the prospect making multiple decisions: the main one being whether to

How To Travel With Only One Bag

This year I visited a few friends in Brisbane while only carrying one duffle bag. I'm planning to do future trips with the same idea. Why One Bag? As Chris Williamson says in his ad read, "Check-in luggage is a psyop. Meant to keep you poor and

My Most Productive Days: Time Blocking

Days that have no plan tend to be wasted. Recently, I had one of my more productive days. What made this different from my other days of work? What Is Time Blocking? Allocating time to a certain task in your calendar. Sort of like a high school timetable. (Remember those?

Stop Laying In Bed

"An object at rest remains at rest, and an object in motion remains in motion. – Newton's First Law of Motion This is one of my habits I need to stop doing. Being comfortable. Snug underneath the doona. Turning my brain off as I watch long-from YouTube videos,

How to Leave a Party Without Saying Goodbye

A few weeks ago, I attended a pub crawl for one our mate's birthday. For a non-alcoholic, the occasion was quite boring. Half the time you're spent waiting. We were at one venue. 10.30pm. Most of the guys gathered around the pool table taking turns