by Caroline Leach | Apr 19, 2016 | Learning
Don’t you love a good paradox? Or what seems like a paradox?
In my April adventure I’ve been reminded of a few things.
First is that the key to establishing a new habit is to do it daily. That way it becomes automatic. It doesn’t require a great deal of thought or effort. On day 19 of my adventure, I’m almost at the magical 21 days to establish a habit. Except that science may tell us there isn’t anything special about that number after all.
The elements of my daily dozen that I’ve enjoyed most of all? Posting to this blog. Spending more time with family. Studying Spanish.
Second is that by attempting to do too much, not everything gets done particularly well. Now that I’ve experienced the power of multiple habit formation, I may set one area of focus for each month. One new habit at a time. Smaller, more manageable steps.
It reminds me of what Seth Godin said about N-1. He asks a powerful question. Rather than squeezing in one more thing, how much better could you do if you did one less thing?
by Caroline Leach | Apr 18, 2016 | Learning
Ever feel overwhelmed by a big project? How to scope it? Where to begin?
This is a great time to take a page from David Allen‘s playbook. The creator of Getting Things Done advises to note the next action that needs to be taken.
Because life really is a series of small steps that add up to big things. And somehow, that first action builds momentum for the next action, and the next and so on.
It reminds me of visiting a prospective middle school with my son. The science teacher wrote an acronym on the board: WTDWYDKWTD.
He asked who could tell us what it meant.
Huh?
That’s what he said he was teaching his students to do.
Unfortunately, or perhaps not surprisingly, no hands went up in response.
It translated into “What To Do When You Don’t Know What To Do.”
What a brilliant concept. Because how many of us know exactly what to do, every moment of every day?
Often, though, we know a lot more than we give ourselves credit for. A few questions can help.
- What is known about the situation?
- What is the goal or the problem that needs to be solved?
- Can that be related to a similar scenario?
- What is unknown that would be helpful to know? How could that information be obtained?
- Could a small pilot be conducted to test a theory at how to proceed?
- Has someone faced a similar situation who could give helpful insight?
- What is the worst thing that could happen? How could that be prevented or mitigated?
- What is the best outcome? How could you make that happen?
by Caroline Leach | Apr 17, 2016 | Learning
Why do you work? What motivates you each day? On this Sunday evening, what are you looking forward to on Monday morning?
Work gives our lives meaning. It lets us be part of something bigger than ourselves. It enables us to change the world and leave a legacy. It offers us a way to express and contribute our strongest gifts and talents.
This may be the reason that Why We Work jumped out at me on a recent visit to the “new releases” section of my local library. It’s a TED original book written by psychology professor Barry Schwartz.
Barry’s work on The Paradox of Choice was already familiar to me. I see his theory in everyday life – the fewer options we’re presented with, the easier it is to make a choice and feel that we made a good decision.
His pearls of wisdom about work?
- “Virtually every job that people do can be made meaningful by focusing on the ways in which it improves the lives of customers, as long as it’s done right and done well.”
- “You don’t need to be working for an organization that saves live to find meaning and purpose in what you do. You just need to be doing work that makes people’s lives better.”
- “There really is no substitute for the integrity that inspires people to do good work because they want to do good work.”
- “Often, if not always, people find themselves in work situations that allow them to find meaning and engagement, if they are willing to look for it.”
This reminded me of the millions of customers we serve at my current employer. In addition to entertaining the future, we are connecting people everywhere they live, work and play. That’s what I’m exited about.
Whatever you do, there is greater meaning and purpose beyond your job description. Barry uses the example of hospital custodians who saw their jobs as transcending the requirements to clean rooms. These people saw their jobs as an opportunity to comfort patients and families in their greatest moments of need.
Why do you work?
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