Knowing is better than not knowing. When there are too many variables at play and way too many things feel uncertain, it’s easy to lose sight of what is and let your thoughts and feelings carry you into overwhelm, anxiety and fear. Enter 2020. We’re all at a level of fatigue, denial or dismissal at varying times. How do you re-center? You return to…
I learn so much in conversation with great leaders. @NancyGeenan is one of those leaders. We were having a conversation after a Zoom meeting we were in together for many hours and discovered some things. In our virtual worlds, we can look at what’s working or not working. We were talking about the ways in which we are better because of it. Though we…
Initiating action is a drug for me. Being causal. Starting movements. Call it the entrepreneur in me, but when there is a need for action, I’m in. This year is suited to people like me. We catalyze opportunities and are okay with making mistakes. Our cautious culture in Minnesota is leery of this. That’s okay, my approval needs are low and my risk tolerance…
This simple post came up 8 years later and resonates powerfully today: Missing somebody? ….. Call Wanna meet up? ….. Invite Wanna be understood? …..Explain Have questions? …..Ask Don’t like something? …..Say it Like something? …..State it Want something? …..Ask for it Love someone? …..Tell them No one knows what’s going on in your mind, it’s better to express than to expect. Our world is complex and…
We all play different roles. Don’t assume your role should look like anyone else’s, it shouldn’t. When I’m in new territory, what I’ve noticed is I am willing to ask for help, admit what I don’t know, make mistakes, and be humble about the journey. The good news is that is where learning happens. The bad news for me is…
That conversation you’re having, it’s a distraction. What conversation? The one you’re having almost constantly with yourself. (And the one you heard when asked “what conversation?” above.) Sometimes it’s so loud you’re not present for the people, conversations or life events as they’re happening. Beyond that, you’re getting limited input, you’re focused inward and you’re missing opportunities. If you’re wondering why people stop talking with you, including you, or participating with…
Maybe it’s okay. Maybe it’s okay to speak up, to be unpopular, to interrupt the patterns, comments and systemic wrongs built into our world. Maybe it’s okay to unlearn, to struggle with your own ignorance, to realize your racism and behaviors that harm, hurt or at the very least distance and perpetuate out of silence. Maybe it’s okay to feel ashamed, maybe it’s even necessary to feel ashamed…
What’s happened to us, the US that is? It seems as if “us” (the U.S.) has turned into WE and THEY. I am challenged with how communication is shared on social media, where it seems to be a free for all of opinions and division. It’s challenging to be online and see the barrage of constant commentary tearing down our leaders – which I believe is different than desiring accountability.…
Years from now, when 2020 is in hindsight, what should we remember about it? A week from now, when the events overwhelm us, what should we remember about the meetings we had? Tomorrow, when the day gets busy, what would you like me to remember about you and the discussion we just had? When we begin with an end in…
You never know. When I’m doing something to grow and learn, I’ve found making it public gives me the drive to succeed. My need to keep my word to others exceeds my ability to keep my word to myself, so it’s often the reason I push myself to complete what feel like challenges. Writing a blog every day has been one of those…