I talked with a young woman today who is in a job she really doesn't like. Her problem is that she doesn't really know what she wants to do. So we are exploring those activities she does enjoy, to delineate their attributes. Those attributes will be the very same attributes of a job she will like and even love.
Right now, she's taking an art class that is the highlight of her week. We identified the reasons she loves it: she is seeing herself grow and develop more skill, she really likes the teacher who promotes a positive learning environment, she enjoys watching her classmates progress and express their personalities, and there is a finished product at the end of it - a specific art piece.
When we compared that to her current work environment, we saw that it is the COMPLETE OPPOSITE of what she likes and thrives in. No one works together, she’s essentially alone working on her computer, she's not really learning or developing herself - nor is anyone else seeking to develop or mentor her - and there is no finished product at the end of the day.
Until now, she’s been trying to make herself good at something she doesn’t like, instead of finding what she likes and then going toward it. It's as if she's a square peg trying to fit into a round hole - no matter how much she tries to shave off those square edges, she resists it. She thinks she's supposed to adapt herself to this environment because this is the job she's in.
The truth is she really doesn’t want to shave off any more of herself or adapt to work that is profoundly dissatisfying. What she really wants to do now is get more understanding of what she does like and go toward that in her work life.
Yes, we have to adapt ourselves to the world as it is, for it's more pleasant to accept life on life's terms instead of constantly fighting things I cannot change. This is far different from passively accepting our position in life. If we are unhappy in work, it's possible to change that. It's possible to find work that really makes us happy, that uses our talents and abilities, that allows us to feel and express love and satisfaction.
Our "right fit" work is the place where we love what we do and do what we love, and are more in harmony with the world around us. We feel rewarded and we are able to give to the world from our strengths and passion.
I look forward to continuing the journey with this young woman and to sharing it here.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
The Barefoot Executive
Carrie Wilkerson works from home in her bare feet - helping other women do the same thing. On her amazing web site, there is great free information as well as fee-based programs.
Because I am at home most of the time now, I decided to find out what I could possibly do working at home and using the Internet. The Barefoot Executive was one of the sites I happened across and then stuck with after getting a taste of it.
I started out reading all the free stuff and ended up paying to get access to the webinars and phone calls Carrie does with people throughout the globe who are running successful businesses from home. Most of the guests have a really strong web presence, so there is plenty of information about how to use the internet to build a business.
Most of all, there is just plain basic information about how one goes about going into business for yourself. Her focus is women, and most of her guests are women. Topics in the "Free Articles" section include: Is Earning a Living Stopping You?, Direct Sales Divas: Doing It Your Way!, Is Fear Stopping You From Pursuing Your Dream?, Ten Steps to a Financially Fabulous Future, and more from people like Vicky Collins, The Deduction Diva; Mark Semple, Support Coach; and Carrie herself.
Check it out and see if there are any tools on the site The Barefoot Executive that could help you pursue your "right fit" work and career - and grow happy as you do.
Because I am at home most of the time now, I decided to find out what I could possibly do working at home and using the Internet. The Barefoot Executive was one of the sites I happened across and then stuck with after getting a taste of it.
I started out reading all the free stuff and ended up paying to get access to the webinars and phone calls Carrie does with people throughout the globe who are running successful businesses from home. Most of the guests have a really strong web presence, so there is plenty of information about how to use the internet to build a business.
Most of all, there is just plain basic information about how one goes about going into business for yourself. Her focus is women, and most of her guests are women. Topics in the "Free Articles" section include: Is Earning a Living Stopping You?, Direct Sales Divas: Doing It Your Way!, Is Fear Stopping You From Pursuing Your Dream?, Ten Steps to a Financially Fabulous Future, and more from people like Vicky Collins, The Deduction Diva; Mark Semple, Support Coach; and Carrie herself.
Check it out and see if there are any tools on the site The Barefoot Executive that could help you pursue your "right fit" work and career - and grow happy as you do.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Chocolate
I love chocolate. Any kind. If possible, I want Belgian milk chocolate. Cote D'Or is my favorite, although Trader Joe's imports a 1+ lb. slab that is fantastic and much less expensive. In a pinch, however, I'll eat any chocolate, even that horrible CocoVia.
Chocolate does not like me, however. I gain a lot of weight fast when I eat chocolate, because I simply cannot stop eating it until it is completely gone. Now, I would like to lose weight. That means I can't eat chocolate. Simple, right?
Well, it actually is that simple. Simple does not mean easy, however. Because I love chocolate so much, I've tried many different ways to keep it in my life. I've tried eating only two or three or four pieces (see, already I can't limit myself!). If I start eating it, though, I have that taste in my mouth and I just want more of it. So despite my promises to myself, I will go and get the bag or bar and eat more.
I thought to myself, "OK, maybe it's just milk chocolate that does that to me. I know! I'll get dark chocolate. Then I won't be tempted to eat too much. And after all, dark chocolate is supposed to be good for us." Unfortunately, the last time I tried that, I found myself back to eating the entire lode in one sitting.
The wonderful thing about this time around is that I had just listened to a tape from Dr. Jonny Bowden on the Rich Life Club site. One question was from a person who had a healthy diet - lots of vegetables, fruit, poultry, fish - but when he ate a bag of M&Ms, he gained 5 pounds; why was this happening? I loved Dr. Bowden's response: why are you eating the M&Ms in the first place? If you know that you gain 5 pounds every time you eat them and don't want to gain the weight, just don't do it!
In a flash, it became so obvious that I, too, have more than enough information about my body, my reaction to chocolate, and my weight. It's my choice to apply it so I can get the results I want. If I'm unhappy with my weight, I can apply that information to lose weight - or at very least not put on more.
I know that I overeat chocolate - all chocolate - and by doing so, I gain or retain weight. If I don't want to gain weight, I can choose not to eat chocolate in any shape, size, type, form or variety. And if I do choose to eat chocolate, I can do it with my eyes wide open about the certain consequences. Denial is not an option anymore. It's completely my choice.
The bottom line for me: since I have the information, why not use it to get the results I want? And suddenly what's simple is a lot easier, too.
If you're interested in learning more about Dr. Jonny and the Rich Life Club, check out Rich Life Club. If you sign up through me, it will cost $19.95 a month rather than the normal $49.95 for direct signups.
Chocolate does not like me, however. I gain a lot of weight fast when I eat chocolate, because I simply cannot stop eating it until it is completely gone. Now, I would like to lose weight. That means I can't eat chocolate. Simple, right?
Well, it actually is that simple. Simple does not mean easy, however. Because I love chocolate so much, I've tried many different ways to keep it in my life. I've tried eating only two or three or four pieces (see, already I can't limit myself!). If I start eating it, though, I have that taste in my mouth and I just want more of it. So despite my promises to myself, I will go and get the bag or bar and eat more.
I thought to myself, "OK, maybe it's just milk chocolate that does that to me. I know! I'll get dark chocolate. Then I won't be tempted to eat too much. And after all, dark chocolate is supposed to be good for us." Unfortunately, the last time I tried that, I found myself back to eating the entire lode in one sitting.
The wonderful thing about this time around is that I had just listened to a tape from Dr. Jonny Bowden on the Rich Life Club site. One question was from a person who had a healthy diet - lots of vegetables, fruit, poultry, fish - but when he ate a bag of M&Ms, he gained 5 pounds; why was this happening? I loved Dr. Bowden's response: why are you eating the M&Ms in the first place? If you know that you gain 5 pounds every time you eat them and don't want to gain the weight, just don't do it!
In a flash, it became so obvious that I, too, have more than enough information about my body, my reaction to chocolate, and my weight. It's my choice to apply it so I can get the results I want. If I'm unhappy with my weight, I can apply that information to lose weight - or at very least not put on more.
I know that I overeat chocolate - all chocolate - and by doing so, I gain or retain weight. If I don't want to gain weight, I can choose not to eat chocolate in any shape, size, type, form or variety. And if I do choose to eat chocolate, I can do it with my eyes wide open about the certain consequences. Denial is not an option anymore. It's completely my choice.
The bottom line for me: since I have the information, why not use it to get the results I want? And suddenly what's simple is a lot easier, too.
If you're interested in learning more about Dr. Jonny and the Rich Life Club, check out Rich Life Club. If you sign up through me, it will cost $19.95 a month rather than the normal $49.95 for direct signups.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Reading e-mails
With e-mail as a dominant form of communication, some of my business relationships are now almost completely virtual. This can pose difficulties simply because I don't see the person's face or hear their voice - important ways to read someone's mood and mind. It's just words on a screen, and those can be easy to misinterpret.
So I use these guidelines when I read e-mails:
1) I assume the other person has my best interests at heart. They want the relationship to continue and prosper, too. I assume that until they actually say otherwise. This is the ONLY assumption I allow myself.
2) If I realize I'm reacting negatively to something, there's a good chance it's triggering something in me that I need to look at. Maybe I didn't do something I was supposed to do, or perhaps I had higher expectations for the person, or just maybe they didn't do what I wanted them to do. So let me re-read the e-mail to pinpoint what it is I don't like, and then think about why that is so. My goal is to bring as little of my own baggage to the table when I respond. My goal is to RESPOND instead of react.
3) If I don't like something I've read, it's possible that I don't understand the other person's words, meaning and/or motivation, and I can ask about it. And I remember "restraint of tongue and pen" as very powerful tools for maintaining good relationships. Let me find out what is really going on by asking questions instead of making assumptions.
4) If I want to know more about anything, I can ask "tell me more about that." This includes picking up the telephone to have a conversation. Asking questions is much more powerful than making assumptions!
5) I remember the saying that I actively have to take offense. While someone may say something that is possibly offensive, I don't have to take the offense that may be offered. I don't have to rise to take the bait or engage in a possible fight. And most times, the person didn't know they were being offensive, so this saying has saved me many a time from my assumptions that someone means me harm. If I don't take offense, I am doing my part to preserve a relationship that may be important for a number of other reasons.
All these tips work in face-to-face life, also.
So I use these guidelines when I read e-mails:
1) I assume the other person has my best interests at heart. They want the relationship to continue and prosper, too. I assume that until they actually say otherwise. This is the ONLY assumption I allow myself.
2) If I realize I'm reacting negatively to something, there's a good chance it's triggering something in me that I need to look at. Maybe I didn't do something I was supposed to do, or perhaps I had higher expectations for the person, or just maybe they didn't do what I wanted them to do. So let me re-read the e-mail to pinpoint what it is I don't like, and then think about why that is so. My goal is to bring as little of my own baggage to the table when I respond. My goal is to RESPOND instead of react.
3) If I don't like something I've read, it's possible that I don't understand the other person's words, meaning and/or motivation, and I can ask about it. And I remember "restraint of tongue and pen" as very powerful tools for maintaining good relationships. Let me find out what is really going on by asking questions instead of making assumptions.
4) If I want to know more about anything, I can ask "tell me more about that." This includes picking up the telephone to have a conversation. Asking questions is much more powerful than making assumptions!
5) I remember the saying that I actively have to take offense. While someone may say something that is possibly offensive, I don't have to take the offense that may be offered. I don't have to rise to take the bait or engage in a possible fight. And most times, the person didn't know they were being offensive, so this saying has saved me many a time from my assumptions that someone means me harm. If I don't take offense, I am doing my part to preserve a relationship that may be important for a number of other reasons.
All these tips work in face-to-face life, also.
Friday, March 7, 2008
my other blogs
By clicking this post's title, you'll go to my blog that addresses emotions and how I've learned to love my oh-so-human experience. I talk about hidden emotional blocks that get in my way and ways to decode my actions and attitudes to unlock those emotions and make forward progress.
Visit my profile and you'll see lists of my other blogs. Julieannerickson contains work and business solutions. Others are self-explanatory and may just be fun to read.
My blogs are testament to the power of writing as a way to discover and unlock those sneaky feelings that sometimes are so hard to identify except by noticing that I am s-t-u-c-k and/or unhappy and discontented. Those are the signs that I need to do some digging into my heart and mind to see what's lurking underneath, moving me around and directing my actions without my conscious permission or choice.
Visit my profile and you'll see lists of my other blogs. Julieannerickson contains work and business solutions. Others are self-explanatory and may just be fun to read.
My blogs are testament to the power of writing as a way to discover and unlock those sneaky feelings that sometimes are so hard to identify except by noticing that I am s-t-u-c-k and/or unhappy and discontented. Those are the signs that I need to do some digging into my heart and mind to see what's lurking underneath, moving me around and directing my actions without my conscious permission or choice.
Fabulously Successful
This site is offering a great line-up of motivational and problem-solving people for a very low price ($47 right now), along with an e-book on the Law of Attraction. The woman who founded it also provides links to some other great sites. For access, click on this link. You'll support yourself as well as the cause of women getting more active in the marketplace for personal development. If you're a woman, you can definitely learn from her! I have.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Bringing about a global mindshift
Twice now I've participated in hosted/facilitated on-line Conversations about topics related to bringing about a global mindshift. Global Mindshift's mission is to help make the emergence of global community unstoppable. (Check out the site at global-mindshift.org.)
One 4-week conversation addressed "The Cycle of Emergence" and how we might apply an evolutionary model of growth to examine how a system evolves to higher levels of consciousness and cooperation and apply it to the continued evolution of the human community. The second 4-week conversation dealt with the "Five Most Important Questions Facing Humanity," from identifying them to beginning to look at how to address them and find solutions. There will be a follow-up conversation about that in March.
There were common issues in each conversation:
1) People use the same terms in different ways and thus misunderstood each other
2) Some people posted a lot while others posted very little or not at all, and so felt they weren't contributing
I had a couple of ideas for how to address these issues, based on my talks with Eric Hoffer and Tim Gill.
One idea is to look at social network analysis (SNA), one of the things businesses are using, along with value network analysis (VNA). Some of these tools can be good for looking at how we create community, creating more value from the whole (the whole is more than the sum of its parts...). It could allow people who don't participate a whole lot in the actual conversations to still contribute something - an opinion, a resource, an intention - to making the whole greater than its parts. We need everyone to participate to the best of their ability if we are intent on moving toward the tipping point ("the event of a previously rare phenomenon becoming rapidly and dramatically more common" per Wikipedia) and making a global mindshift through creating a critical mass - a short cut to cultural transformation.
On this point, ecotippingpoints.org looks like a very interesting site! A British science writer, Philip Ball wrote about the history of the concept of critical mass. The usual story told about critical mass is of the "Hundredth Monkey" - this site tells more about the tale's veracity and applicability today. Biologist Rupert Sheldrake has more to say about "morphic fields and morphic resonance, which leads to a vision of a living, developing universe with its own inherent memory" (see sheldrake.org).
To help us get to what we want, including to the meaning we intend, the Semantic Web or Web 3.0 is a rapidly emerging tool. Semantic web concepts really address the issue of mixed up terminology head-on. Wikipedia defines it as "a vision of information that is understandable by computers, so that they can perform more of the tedious work involved in finding, sharing and combining information on the web." semantic web The real geniuses behind semantic web are at w3.org. It is really a web of data with many interrelations. Using artificial intelligence (AI), we can use the semantic web to infer intention and meaning. In fact, elements of AI are already are being used. For example, google asks "do you mean xyz?" when you do a search with incomplete information or incorrect spelling.
Obviously, there is a lot more going on that I don't know about yet. I just want to help tie things together, to help us move closer toward a world of equity, abundance, peace and joy.
One 4-week conversation addressed "The Cycle of Emergence" and how we might apply an evolutionary model of growth to examine how a system evolves to higher levels of consciousness and cooperation and apply it to the continued evolution of the human community. The second 4-week conversation dealt with the "Five Most Important Questions Facing Humanity," from identifying them to beginning to look at how to address them and find solutions. There will be a follow-up conversation about that in March.
There were common issues in each conversation:
1) People use the same terms in different ways and thus misunderstood each other
2) Some people posted a lot while others posted very little or not at all, and so felt they weren't contributing
I had a couple of ideas for how to address these issues, based on my talks with Eric Hoffer and Tim Gill.
One idea is to look at social network analysis (SNA), one of the things businesses are using, along with value network analysis (VNA). Some of these tools can be good for looking at how we create community, creating more value from the whole (the whole is more than the sum of its parts...). It could allow people who don't participate a whole lot in the actual conversations to still contribute something - an opinion, a resource, an intention - to making the whole greater than its parts. We need everyone to participate to the best of their ability if we are intent on moving toward the tipping point ("the event of a previously rare phenomenon becoming rapidly and dramatically more common" per Wikipedia) and making a global mindshift through creating a critical mass - a short cut to cultural transformation.
On this point, ecotippingpoints.org looks like a very interesting site! A British science writer, Philip Ball wrote about the history of the concept of critical mass. The usual story told about critical mass is of the "Hundredth Monkey" - this site tells more about the tale's veracity and applicability today. Biologist Rupert Sheldrake has more to say about "morphic fields and morphic resonance, which leads to a vision of a living, developing universe with its own inherent memory" (see sheldrake.org).
To help us get to what we want, including to the meaning we intend, the Semantic Web or Web 3.0 is a rapidly emerging tool. Semantic web concepts really address the issue of mixed up terminology head-on. Wikipedia defines it as "a vision of information that is understandable by computers, so that they can perform more of the tedious work involved in finding, sharing and combining information on the web." semantic web The real geniuses behind semantic web are at w3.org. It is really a web of data with many interrelations. Using artificial intelligence (AI), we can use the semantic web to infer intention and meaning. In fact, elements of AI are already are being used. For example, google asks "do you mean xyz?" when you do a search with incomplete information or incorrect spelling.
Obviously, there is a lot more going on that I don't know about yet. I just want to help tie things together, to help us move closer toward a world of equity, abundance, peace and joy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
