Imagine that...

I often tell people that I’m never the smartest person in any room; but that never stopped me from trying to be the most imaginative one there.

 

I’ve a passion

    For imagining clever

         Solutions to vexing problems.

 

·      The problems that bugged me: unnecessary HR processes like paper applications, manual (and redundant) data entry, paper filing systems, analyzing HR data, manager and employee need for data, and more. 

 

·      The imagination process: start with a clear vision, partner with smart professionals, and keep your eye on the ball.

 

·      The solutions found: electronic forms, applicant tracking, CRM tools for HR, shared-access files, and self-service apps and access for everyone.

 

Necessity is (like it was for me) the mother of imagination for so many things, not the least of which are the countless obstacles to productivity that often are found at work. Don’t settle for them. And don’t be afraid to imagine how things could be. Then passionately share your ideas today.

 

Sir Terence David John Pratchett (1948–2015): English humorist, satirist, and author of fantasy and science fiction novels.

Recharge your batteries...

Life is hectic and often runs us down. Find ways to pace yourself and conserve your energy.

 

·      Long distance runners

·      Learn to pace themselves

·      So they can finish each race.

·      There’s a lesson in that for all of us.

 

Our seasonal cabin in the woods gets completely closed at the end of each summer - everything marked, put away, drained, shut off, and locked. That means when we get back, everything must be unpacked out, cleaned, turned on, and put back where it belongs. And while it seems like so much work, we know that once everything’s done, we’ll be soothed by the vast natural beauty around us. We do this because we know the value of both unplugging and recharging. A few years ago, we put in new windows, making it that much harder for the bugs to get in; and last year we disconnected our cable tv, making it that much harder for the noise to get in. But we’re not completely cut off: we now get a cell signal - there when we want it, not because we need it. Everyone needs to find someplace quiet where they can recharge their batteries and rekindle their passions. Find your place to unplug and unwind today. 

 

Anne Lamott (born 1954): American novelist and non-fiction writer.

Go all in...

Every day you have countless decisions to make. And every decision reflects on you. So, decide carefully.

 

·      Every decision

·      Is about whether

·      You want to get involved

·      In one thing or another… or not.

 

The decision is one thing and making something of your involvement is another. Most of the professionals I know get countless invitations to volunteer their time and energy on all kinds of charitable endeavors. It’s an honor to be asked, and an honor to serve – meaning it goes both ways. But as tempting to accept them all, people must be mindful of the time and energy each takes and how much they truly can contribute. It doesn’t do any good if they can’t fulfill their obligations. While each looks good on a resume, giving less than what’s needed is less than truthful. But if there’s something you really want to do and enjoy, and you truly have the time, then go all in and get fully involved. Those can be great assignments that balance out your regular work. And all benefit. Decide what you want to get involved in today.

 

Aimee Bender (born 196): American novelist and short story writer, known for her surreal stories and characters. She is a 2011 recipient of the Alex Awards.

Get away...

My summer sojourn to the Adirondack Mountains has begun. This marks my 73^rd year playing in these woods.

 

·      This is the oldest and largest 

·      State Park in the United States.

·      Six-million acres of woods and dirt,

·      Ten-thousand lakes and countless streams.

 

As a kid I vacationed at my grandparent’s Camp (that’s what the cabins there are referred to) and later at one my parents built. My wife and I followed suit and have our own Camp now on one of those lakes – we get out of the heat of the Las Vegas summers and avoid the winters there; its remote location proved to be a great place to visit that was the opposite of the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas. No crowds or noise, and the closest traffic light is more than 15 miles away. A place where we can go to fish, swim, hike, and play in the dirt. Most everyone I know works hard and I believe they each should find a time and place that serves to recharge their batteries and creative juices. While much has been written about maintaining a work-life balance, we often spend too much time and energy on the first part of that equations and too little on the second.  Don’t just give this lip service – find a place that allows you to get away today.

 

John Muir (1838–1914): Scottish-born American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, botanist, zoologist, glaciologist, and advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the United States.

Give up the ghosts...

Everybody has situational or psychological baggage that follows them around or slows them down. Best to jettison it.

 

They can be bad memories.

   They can be the things we fear.

      They can be things we need to learn.

         Or things we should leave behind once and for all.

 

I’m not saying any of those are easy to get rid of – but they all should be considered when trying to be our best selves. Because they all have the potential to weight us down and hold us back. Some started long ago, introduced by forces we didn’t understand. Like being afraid of the boogieman in the basement or the dark places in the closet – it’s not easy to stare them down and overcome the effect they have on us. Like stuff we failed to learn but now must go back and learn – there’s no shame in learning, no matter when it occurs. Like things we did that in hindsight now embarrass us – be open and candid about them and don’t repeat them. Or things we said, or someone said to us, that now seem ill-considered – it’s never too late to say you’re sorry. If you want to be all you can be, make peace with your past so you can fly into the future today.

 

Chloe Anthony Wofford “Toni” Morrison (1931–2019): American novelist (The Song of Solomon); winner of the Pulitzer Prize (1987), and the Nobel Prize in Literature (1993). 

Be a role model...

The future belongs to the children. Get involved in showing them what their future could be.

 

Role models

    Are the pictures

        That young people

             View to see their future.

 

Get involved in being a role model for others. Especially young people. They need to see role models in whatever careers they may choose, just so they can picture themselves doing those jobs someday. The more they see, the more they’ll have to choose from. Make time to volunteer in your local schools, talking to kids in grades 5-12 – paint a vivid picture of what you do so they can begin to think about what excites them. Talk to your supervisor or the head of your company – let them know what you’re planning and get others involved – the more the merrier. Every middle school I know of is looking for people from all walks of life to do this – the more diverse the better. That way, every child can see first-hand all of the professions and careers available and start to think about what they might be. Sure, they could look things up online and watch videos – but there’s nothing better than seeing and listening in-person. Get involved in giving young people something to dream about. Be a role model today.

 

Sally Ride (1951–2012): American astronaut and physicist. She was the youngest American astronaut to have flown in space, having done so at the age of 32.

Show up...

Nothing happens if you don’t show up. But once you do, anything can happen.

 

Participation requires your attendance.

   Participation requires your active engagement.

       Participation requires your complete involvement.

            Because participation is always about being all in.

 

Our days are filled with opportunities – the challenge is to make the most of them. Some are easy: filled with stuff we’ve done before that we can do again. Some are ambiguous: not enough information makes it hard to get started correctly. Some are confusing: best to get clarification before starting. Some are ambitious – full of things that make you stretch. Some are hard – beyond our capabilities but filled with opportunities to grow. And some are crazy – look at those from every angle. But all require you to show up and give it a shot – being there, paying attention, working hard, asking questions, and staying flexible can not only get things done but also open doors for you. Once you show up, you’ll never know how far you can go unless you try. Think of all the things you’ve been involved in and how those have impacted your career. And what would have happened if you didn’t get fully involved in them. Don’t dismiss any of them without taking a good look. You, and only you, are responsible for showing up. Do that every chance you get today.

 

Tina Turner (1939–2023): American-born Swiss singer noted for her "swagger, sensuality, powerful gravelly vocals, and unstoppable energy".