Weird Week
I so wish I was able to tell you about the weird things that happened to me this week, but there are some things that are not yet ready for prime time. My dear husband has been getting an earful of my stressed out ramblings, bless his heart. I’ll just say that the planet seems to like me, and for that I am eternally thankful. My life is so blessed, and I hope the people around me know how indebted I am to them, even when I’m bad at showing my gratitude.
I think I’m in for a bumpy ride over the next six months or so, but I’ll make it, and hopefully come out ahead.
Human Capital
I watched a rather lengthy talk by Michael Ellsberg this afternoon. In this age of overpriced formal education, he shares four ways to increase your value, your Human Capital, at a low cost. I’ll give you the quick and dirty, but definitely watch or read the transcript if you’ve got the time.
- Learn to sell and persuade. There are business major programs all over the country that fail to teach effective selling. Wealthy entrepreneurs who did not attend college often say skillful selling got them where they are today.
- Invest in the quality of your attention. Improve your physical health by avoiding caffeine, getting enough sleep, exercising, etc. so your brain is ready to devote attention to the topic of your choosing.
- Overcome emotional liabilities. If you can learn to cut down on defensiveness and stop yourself from falling into a victim mindset, you’ll be more open to the types of constructive criticism that can greatly improve your performance. You’ll also be a better listener.
- Find meaning in your life and career. “What impact do I really want to have here on the planet?” If you start your day with a strong sense of purpose, with a reason for your actions, you’re more likely to accomplish your goals and make a positive impact on the people in your life.
Early in the talk he asks what an employee earning minimum wage has in common with a well paid CEO. The answer? They both have 24hrs in their day. Use them to the best of your ability!
“You Should Tell ‘Em About…”
I had practice today for a Mummers play the Nordskogen theater troupe is performing at Old Twelvey Night. It was super fun, but a sad piece of truth about me came out – I’m a horrendous story teller, and it’s even worse when I am put on the spot around people I don’t know very well.
It’s true! I cannot tell a story to save my life. The words “You Should Tell ‘Em About…” scare the crap out of me. One of the guys at play practice tried that on me today. He wanted me to tell the other people in the room about what happened when I met his dog. I got there early, so I was the only other cast person around when he brought the dog inside and put her in the bedroom. She was super sweet, but ended up barking at me and startling me. I wasn’t scared, just surprised a bit. Even right now, I can’t formulate that experience into an entertaining story. *sigh* It’s no wonder my blog is so boring.
Inspiration for the New Year
For the start of the new year, here are a few good reminders from the founder of the company I work for…
“Happiness is not reaching your goal. Happiness is being on the way. It is our wonderful fate to be just at the beginning.”
This makes so much sense to me now. It didn’t when I was younger.
When you’re young it’s so easy to think “When I’m married things will be perfect.” or “If only I had the right job, then life would be perfect.” But you know what? Goals never really end, there is always a next step. There is always a possibility or choice waiting just around the corner.
“Only those who are asleep make no mistakes. Making mistakes is the privilege of the active.”
It can be so hard to accept this at times, but it’s spot-on accurate.
That quote should be my personal motto. Seriously.
Failure sucks, but so does stagnation. There are chances to be taken and boundaries to be stretched, and mistakes are often the best teachers we have.
“Most things still remain to be done. A glorious future!”
Yes!
Happy New Year!!
37, Or 38 If You Include This
In 2010, I only added 37 blog posts to this site. Well, 38 posts after this one.
Is that really all I have to share? No, it’s not. Is that all I’m comfortable sharing, with quite a few people I know in real-life viewing my photos and reading what I write? Perhaps.
I would like this to change. I would like to be a little more open, more candid. It’s tricky though, standing on this stage and speaking to people who know me in different ways – Daughter, Wife, Friend, Coworker, etc. It’s kind of scary.
Here’s to a more frank and undisguised me in 2011.
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