Lately I’ve been in a bit of a tailspin wanting to get some clarity over what my *big* future looks like. I’ve been so intent on figuring out the destination that I’ve neglected the journey along the way. I don’t know about you, but when I get in this mindset, I start to think about all the things that are going wrong and holding me back rather than pausing to appreciate “the awesome” of what’s immediate and in front of me.
So often I see this problem-focused mentality with leaders too. With a mandate of: fix things… improve… do better… be better… do more… it’s no wonder many leaders look first for problems, rather than look for what’s working, or even what’s… awesome.
Shifting from problem-focused to awesome-focused is hard. Many of you were hired to fix things. And, absolutely keep fixing… I’m just suggesting that the fixin’ might get easier, and the road less bumpy, if you look also for the good.
This week, try these few things (at home or at work):
- Pause to celebrate the little things… This means slowing down enough to notice.
- Look for the awesome in your colleagues and employees… (or your spouse!)…. And tell them. Not just the “you’re awesome” comment… but really, truly telling them what they’ve done that makes them awesome, and the impact it’s had on you, the team and on results.
- Notice what makes you smile.
Emotions are contagious. Take this to heart.
When I need a little reminder to lighten my mindset, I’ll pick up Neil Pasricha’s The Book of Awesome and read a few pages. Pasricha, a self-proclaimed “regular guy,” started a website called 1000awesomethings.com as a way to escape the doldrums of everyday life. It’s a reminder that there is joy in noticing the little awesome things.
e-musings awesome list for May 21 and 22:
- Waking up while the house is still quiet and sneaking in a productive hour of work. It’s not often that this happens (me waking up early, and a quiet house! I’ll take it!)
- The morning crib-chatter of my 17-month-old. This sound melts my heart. I have no idea what he’s saying, but it sure sounds important and interesting!
- Listening to my dog have puppy dreams. If you have a dog, you know this sound. I laugh every time I hear it… It just doesn’t get tired.
- Tiny glimpses of sunshine on an otherwise cloudy day. I’m in Vancouver. I’ll take what I can get!
- Cows lying down. Saw this the other day, and I couldn’t help but laugh. Cows need rest too.
What’s awesome in your life today?
Your blog was awesome in my day!
Love dogs dreaming! My youngest child saying, “Mommy can I ask you a question?” and talking about my kids’ day at school – the triumphs and tribulations of a 5 and a 7 year old. Thanks for sharing!
Kids are the best for keeping us in the moment and appreciating the little things (and if you’re me, appreciating all the little “quirky” things) that life has to offer!