June 29th, 2010 sheila
…either in print or on-line? It is the random article, the short snap-shot about a person (business professional, advocate, politician, public servant and others), a brief tidbit about a new business, gadget, creative idea, or professional organization – that often provides the hint, inspiration, curiosity or germ of a new idea to research, investigate or just reflect upon.
We are curious, we read about something and then, an idea begins to take shape. And, if we take the next step to get more information, it might lead us to discover something new or something to modify or change. And yes, FastCompany is just one of a zillion places to get information. For those not familiar with this publication, it was started in the mid-90’s as a magazine that focused on the “new economy”. It has continued to keep that focus, looking at issues related to innovation, leadership, technology, design and creativity as they relate to business (for profit, non-profit and public sector), products and services. In addition, it also offers stories of how older, established companies have instituted changes to prepare for the future. If you want to discover a wave of the future, it is a good place to start.
As I work with my clients, how do I help them prepare for the work of the future? Since I do not have a crystal ball, I find reading/flipping the pages of FastCompany may provide some clues to share and inspire a client to do some research, to investigate, to take the next step. Here are a couple examples:
- Several years ago, there was a story about some architects who wanted to design temporary housing for victims of disasters and for refugees. Their criteria included sustainability, function and privacy. They had some interesting concept drawings. This idea was creative and also introduced the concept of sustainability before it became part of the lexicon.
- In the current issue, there was an item in the calendar section that promoted a conference for the Society for Environmental Graphic Design. These are the folks who design store layouts, museum exhibit spaces, subway information posts. At the conference, they will talk about what makes a space navigable or informative; form and function. Here is an interesting profession that incorporates multidisciplinary skills, knowledge and expertise.
- There is also an article about a woman who has developed a business to educate employees about the ‘power of food” to help them improve their health. She has focused on wellness plans to promote healthy eating in the workplace by partnering with health insurance companies and food companies. Again, I was curious about a new concept/business; another approach for a business to advocate for health, which also incorporated multidisciplinary skills, knowledge and industries.
- In this issue, the magazine has identified people they consider to be the 100 most creative people in business. Now I believe creativity is in the eye of the beholder, however reading about the people on this list and what they do and what their organization does can spark new ideas, reframe old perspectives and provide inspiration and/or direction.
Why is this relevant?
Change happens because we are ready and because we are open and responsive to what is going on around us. What kind of change am I talking about? I’m talking about changes in your personal or professional life that could be transformational or incremental. Changes that could include: where you live, how you live; adding creativity or volunteerism to your life; taking classes or getting a new degree; choosing to be a new mom or dad; strategizing for a promotion or a new career; leadership tips; ideas for a new product or service; investing opportunities; trends and new perspectives; or strategies for organizational change.
For those of you who feel stuck…you don’t have to be. I encourage you to read this publication or other blogs, magazines, listen to lectures or take classes. Step out, engage with the world, be curious, be inspired and motivated. And you will be more prepared to take the next step to make a change in your life.
sheila 6/28/10
April 13th, 2010 sheila
“Time Lost and Found,” the title of Anne Lamott’s article in the April issue of Sunset Magazine, succinctly describes ( with great humor ) the value of making time…for the things we say we want to experience, share, try, create, do. So often, probably daily, I hear the cry, ‘I just don’t have time’ or ‘I have trouble getting motivated” or “ I am so tired.” We seem to let our busyness take over our lives. It is like we are in a tunnel; we stay in the weeds, forget to look up, out, around at the forest, at our surroundings, at what is important; what we say we care about.
Quality of Life and Work-Life Balance. Are they goals? Are the attainable? I say, yes! …only if we take the time to incorporate them into our life.
I’d am including a link to Anne Lamott’s article. If you are one of those people who would like to make the time to reflect, create, experience or share, then I hope you find this article helpful, inspirational and motivating.
Sheila 4/12/10
http://www.sunset.com/travel/anne-lamott-how-to-find-time-00418000067331/
January 16th, 2010 sheila
There is always something fresh and new about the new year! Feelings of hope; having expectations that things are possible… like this is time for renewal.
It is a time we all like to assess our lives, personal and professional. What do we want to add, enhance, eliminate or change? We set goals and our ’new year’s resolutions.’ What works best for you? To identify long term, strategic objectives along with a detailed plan? Or to have short term, specific goals?
I have found that the best first question is: How do you want your life to be? How do you want your work to fit into your life? What is it that you would like to be different? And how can you incorporate these changes into your daily life?
From changing eating habits and exercise, to the household project, to getting organized, to a new class or making a career change, I have found that when you think about these activities as something to do, it is more difficult to stick with them. Distractions, along with the realities of life, can interfere and the great idea to fall by the wayside. We have all experienced that!
***
Realistically, Charlene knew she would not go to the gym 3 days a week. She knew that if she made that her goal, it would not happen and she would feel bad. So, instead she found a trainer to work with her 1 day a week, along with exercises she could do at home. Her plan was get some guidance, accountability and a program that felt doable. Her goal, was to establish this small step as a regular part of her daily life and then add a 2nd day and maybe a third.
Matt wanted to write. He had many ideas and loved to talk about them. He loved thinking about writing them down. He was just too busy. Or so he thought. It takes a lot of initial effort to change old bad habits and incorporate realistic changes that contribute to the life you want. That was true for Matt too. He developed a realistic plan for 1-2 hours a day twice a week. He could put anything he wanted on the blank page, including what he wanted to write. After a month, this became part of his life. He stopped talking about writing and began to fill the blank pages. Writing was now part of his life, and he was closer to having the life he wanted.
***
We always forget that the journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step. The good news is that after a few steps we can look back and see how far we have come.
New year’s resolutions can be good. Change and a fresh start feel great. Take some time to plan how you can incorporate the changes you want into your life.
Happy New Year! sw 1/15/10
December 8th, 2009 sheila
Though ‘Green Careers’ sounds like a promise for the future (and sometimes just a sound bite) there are some opportunities at present. And certainly there is the potential for growth in the ‘green economy.’
As the industry sorts itself out, some of the language being used can be confusing, overlapping and unclear. Sustainability, clean tech, energy efficiency, green, carbon neutral are all terms that sometimes are used interchangeably. I have listed some resources below that might help to clarify and provide some direction for you if you are interested in a ‘green career.’
sw 12/8/09
November 26th, 2009 sheila
Pausing for a few moments: to be present with family and friends; to replenish ourselves — contribute greatly to our health and well being — as well as success at work.
Happy Thanksgiving!
sw 11/25/09
November 11th, 2009 sheila
This is my first blog entry. The purpose of this blog is to provide a vehicle for me to post information that I think is relevant to issues related to career, workplace and quality of life. I may include links, thoughts and opinions or specific information. I hope you find it useful.
Initially, my posts will appear once a week.
***
If you haven’t gotten anything else from my site, please consider this: I do believe that change is possible; I don’t think it is quick or easy; I think that 99% of making a change is being ready; my work is to help you get there. sw 11/9/09