Sustainable Ambition Forum - 01.21.21
Hello all,
How are you doing so far this January? I know it’s already been a doozy, so are you easing into the new year? Or, are you focusing your worthy attention on what matters most to you and going full force? My one suggestion—pace yourself. People seemed weary at the end of the year, and I’m not sure if we all fully recovered over the holidays. I know I could still use a bit of breathing time.
So, my suggestion is to remain a bit longer in reflection mode. For that purpose, I offer a couple of additional tools. From me, here are five 8-minute mini-planning retreats (that’s right, get them done in just 40 minutes!) you can conduct with yourself as another annual check-in.
If you’d like another reflection guide, check out this one by SY Partners. If you aren’t familiar with SY Partners, they are a human-centered design agency that brings a lot of heart to their work. They are a thoughtful bunch, so I thought you might appreciate their probes, too.
Another thing to keep in mind during this time of year as you move from reflection to commitment to planning is to take both a long-term and short-term view. Spend time visioning further out, exploring what you want for your broader life and work and what you want to work towards off on the horizon. Then, bring it in closer. If that’s on the horizon, what do you want this year to look like for yourself? How do you want this year to feel? Based on that, what’s first on task for this quarter? Then this month?
We close out this newsletter with our usual round-up, a tool, and a practice. We also feature our next podcast episode. I hope you’ll listen!
Be well,
Kathy
The Round-Up
Listening: While some of the topics in this open conversation are weighty, overall this is a great listen with Brené Brown in conversation with Tim Ferriss and Dax Shepard. Definitely a lot of wisdom shared amongst these three amongst fun banter.
Right-Sized 2021 Planning: This is a nice article on setting realistic, bite-sized goals, making a plan for 1-3 of them, and having compassion for yourself.
Smiling: Have you heard of Pop Up Magazine? It started as a fun, live performance of stories. The organization has made some of their sponsored content free. Check out last Autumn’s issue for some delights. I love it to hear a broad mix of inspiring voices. Check it out!
Calming: I really appreciate Dr. Rick Hanson’s advice on building resilience. During this week you may appreciate learning about reminding yourself that “you are okay right now” to calm your nerves.
The Sustainable Ambition Podcast
NEW & JUST LAUNCHED!
Join me for conversations with experts, authors, and friends on what it means to live with Sustainable Ambition.
In our second conversation, meet Heather Ainsworth, CEO and Founder of Workable Concept. Heather is an expert in helping organizations, individuals, and leaders create circumstances for caregivers to thrive in work and life.
Heather is one of the best people I know who has for me modeled what I think of as Sustainable Ambition. And, what I LOVE about this conversation with Heather is not only how open and vulnerable she is in what she shares and the wisdom that comes from that openness, but also the insight that you can play BIG in your career and command what you need from work on your terms to have Sustainable Ambition.
If you’re seeking Sustainable Ambition and better work-life integration at any stage in your career, this is a conversation worth a listen. If you’re just starting out, listen and learn from Heather’s sage advice.
Find it on Apple Podcast here
Or, listen on our website here
You can also find the podcast, subscribe, and listen on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Overcast.here
Build Resilience Through Joyful Moments
While we’re optimistic about the new year and the future, we know 2021 will demand we dig deep for even more resilience. One way to fill up your resilience stores is to create daily moments of joy. They don’t have to be big or time consuming; frankly, they are even more powerful when they are small things that make you smile. What’s most important is pausing to take them in and feel the positive energy.
Read more here
A Practice: Who do you let into your inner circle?
Listening to the podcast episode shared above with Brené Brown, Tim Ferriss, and Dax Shepard, they talk about how we are heavily peer influenced and that we take on the energy of those around us. With that in mind, let’s be reminded that our attention is precious. Our creative energy needs to be fueled. And, our attitudes need to be protected. So, who do you want to let into your inner circle? Whose energy, thoughts, and inspiration do you want around you?
Find Your Guide:
Find the perfect guide to match your journey.
“A friend... awakens your life in order to free the wild possibilities within you.”
– John O’Donoue
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SUSTAINABLE AMBITION™ IS ABOUT CRAFTING A FULFILLING CAREER TO SUPPORT YOUR LIFE FROM DECADE TO DECADE.
It is centered around articulating your personal definition of success and achieving that without burnout while honoring your personal aspirations and ambitions as they ebb and flow over time. The end game—more fulfillment and ease in your professional and personal life, while still being ambitious.
We offer 1:1 Executive Coaching, Leadership Coaching, or Career Strategy Coaching, as well as VIP Leadership Brand Sessions and Workshops on a range of Sustainable Ambition topics. We also provide tips and inspiration, advice on career management over the decades, guides on key Sustainable Ambition topics of interest, and coverage of tools and inspiration.