Sustainable Ambition Forum - 11.10.22
Our featured podcast guest in Episode 84, Todd Cherches, says, “What we see and what we don’t see has a lot to do with the lens through which we see the world.” This context influences our thoughts and actions and who we become.
The idea of what we see and how it ties to outcomes has been showing up of late in my field of vision:
Seth Godin writes about the invisibility paradox and how what we don’t see can serve (placebo effect) or hinder us (climate change or greenhouse gasses).
Shane Parrish of Farnam Street writes about how we seek to see the “miracle moment” of success so we can replicate it. Yet, as he says, “Results are simply one more step in a long chain of steps that led to that moment.”
As if Seth Godin and Shane Parrish were on the same wavelength, on the same day Seth wrote in his daily blog that we can’t see success. Rather, progress is made step by step. “Oceans are made of drops.” And I appreciate how Seth always encourages us to contribute no matter the outcome:
“When we’re in the middle of a project, it’s easy to imagine that it’s not going to be around for decades. But every project opens doors, for you and for the people you build it for. It doesn’t matter if it works for everyone if it’s a worldwide bestseller or on the front page.”
And yet another lens—our other featured podcast guest in Episode 82, resilience expert Luis Velasquez, optimistically calls forward the seeing of possibility. Luis simply asks his coaching clients, “What are your options?” Four simple and powerful words. What’s possible? What do you see? What are your options?
Our Monthly Progress Practice takes this seeing perspective, as well, as the time of year calls us to get up to the balcony and reflect. What can you see from here? Stepping back to reflect is a great thing to do for yourself, your teams, or your family as you experience the close of the year.
In all, how can you see with new eyes?
Warmly,
Kathy Oneto
Founder of Sustainable Ambition
P.S. An interesting article on why more kids today have myopia (nearsightedness). How we see the world is literally changing!
The Round-Up
A new view of finding personal success. Another great article from Arthur Brooks that links to many aspects of Sustainable Ambition. He writes that focusing on achieving success does not lead to happiness, but rather focusing on building personal happiness leads to success. Reverse the typical focus of our attention and effort.
Don’t maximize productivity, maximize naps. Rest is important. Micro-doses can add up.
Build resilience for creativity. Learn lessons on how to find your creativity in times of stress.
A new view of busy. Busy isn’t all bad. Yes, we get addicted to busyness, because it makes us feel important. But according to this article and the research behind it, that feeling of self-importance helps us have more self-control. (I’ll have to say, though, that I don’t love the tie to marketing in this article!)
“Cultivate a flow-friendly workplace.” A pre-pandemic call for a 6-hour workday. Cut down on emails. Cut down on meetings. Make the meetings shorter. Allow people to get their work done more in flow. Love it!
More flow, less grind. Achieve flow in a different way. Reduce the friction getting in the way of achieving what you desire. According to this article, if you're grinding too much: “Either your sense of where you are is off, you’re not clear on where you want to go, or you have conflicting goals that need untangling.”
The future of work is non-linear. Non-linear workdays can succeed with the right structures. As I’ve written in the past, flex work takes work. What I appreciate about this article is how it steps into how to make asynchronous work work and how the approach can help to right some past wrongs. For example: “The hope is that if employers can introduce non-linear workday policies more formally, it’ll redress the balance between asynchronous work and overwork.”
Fresh perspective on what's happening at work. ICYMI this is a great 2-part series on Brené Brown’s podcast with her in conversation with Adam Grant and Simon Sinek. I appreciate their real, smart talk. Part 1, Part 2
Use the mind’s eye to your advantage. Loved this episode of Hidden Brain with psychologist Emily Balcetis on how to use our sight to help us achieve our goals. There are a lot of great tips in here from using visuals to shape our behavior to leveraging our Future Self to gain different perspective and to put action items on our calendar so we can see them.
Love this inspiration! See the world through others eyes with the Sketch Book Project.
Join me for conversations with experts, authors, and friends on what it means to live with Sustainable Ambition.
E82: On Living and Working with Ordinary Resilience with Luis Velasquez
Luis Velasquez is an expert in resilience having had personal experience from his childhood in Guatemala to surviving brain cancer to completing over 100 endurance events. His equation for Resilience = Commitment + Persistence x Optimism.
Listen on your favorite player here or on our website here
E84: On Visual Leadership in Life and at Work with Todd Cherches
Learn how to see with new eyes through the power of visual thinking using visual images, mental models, metaphors, and stories. These can help us be more effective in our thinking, decision-making, and communication and can help us lead more powerfully both at work and in life.
Listen on your favorite player here or on our website here
E83: On Hybrid or Remote Worker? Double-Down on Work Relationships
In this Sustainable Ambition Quick Tip, learn why I advocate doubling down on building your work relationships.
Listen on your favorite player here or on our website here
You can also find the podcast, subscribe, and listen on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, and more.
32 Easy Creative Exercises
from Designer Ayse Birsel
I believe we are all creative, yet societal definitions of creativity tend to extinguish our creative flame and steal the joy that it brings.
So try starting your day or a meeting with a bit of creativity using these easy techniques.
I had the pleasure of attending one of Ayse Birsel’s virtual teas where she had us try three short, creative exercises. So powerful! I left changed, feeling energized and full of possibility.
Definitely, a way to shift perspective and see with new eyes!
Find your creative energy now >
The Monthly Progress Practice: November
At the beginning of each year, we share our Monthly Progress Practice. Progress is made through small, consistent action. Practice makes progress. We offer a monthly guidance on small actions or inquiries to inspire positive change this year.
Our guidance for November: Fall back. Get yourself to the balcony. Take in and reflect on your life+work. What are your observations? What’s working? What’s not working? What’s next?
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands, but in seeing with new eyes.”
— Proust
“I shut my eyes in order to see.”
— Paul Gauguin
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