A Question of Questions
March 31, 2008
The “I” in Vision
February 19, 2008
“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” John A. Shedd (19th century American author and professor)
I often wonder why the future tends to be something so elusive. Mostly, I wonder why many visions for the future are left without a sense of the one it is meant to embody. Dreams often remain as glimpses or vague inklings, but not given enough space to build a life upon. I am profoundly surprised by the lack of integration between who we are and what we hope for in the future. We expend some energy determining a noble trajectory for our journey at sea. Neglected are the intricate contours of our ship, capacity of our sails and wind needed to set (and keep) us on course. And so we can remain limited.
This is not a plug for increased individualism. Living authentically, with a pulse on the reality of who we are and that which we were meant, can actually be an antidote to pure individualism. It requires relating deeply and intentionally to people and situations outside ourselves. In reading David Whyte (present day poet, author and organizational consultant), he suggests the use of one’s work as one of the many avenues to discover the self and how that uniqueness will contribute to the world. He says, “It is essential then to know what is vital and alive in us and shape our lives around this image.” (Heart Aroused: Poetry and Preservation of the Soul in Corporate America. P. 114)
My mentor continually reminds me that the extent to which one has a clear vision (emerging from who “I” truly am) and treats it as fact is the extent to which it will become the lived reality. This process is a lifelong endeavor, but one worthy of embarking. What could be more pressing?
When In Doubt, Start A Blog!
December 5, 2007
Blogging might be considered passé at some point, but right now this is a medium that is still emerging. I am intuitive enough to see the value that could come from the simple exchange of ideas via the web, but I have been dragging my feet for one major reason: It’s just downright scary to start something new.
Whether just thinking about changing jobs or moving to a new city or STARTING A BLOG, there is a challenge that comes with stepping out and doing something you have not done before. I am finding that entering new territory is fraught with defining moments.
For example, to start this blog, I first researched blogs (how to blog, the value, drawbacks, etc.), then blog engines to see which delivery system was the best for my purpose. I had to define my purpose. I created a profile, defining who I am. I chose a title, looking to connect with a certain type of person. I then had to choose a topic for my first blog. That is a lot of pressure!
Business Week did an article a while back on blogs, trying to help businesses understand the necessity of blogging to keep up with current trends for marketing. What struck me was at the very end. It described the very arduous process they normally go through to generate a “normal” story. Idea, research, interview, create, edit, edit, edit, edit, and finally publish. I was acting like I had to do this with my blog and it was taking FOREVER to get everything in place to my satisfaction!
Then the realization came…a blog is not a finished product. It is simply a conversation piece…a thought in process…a limited experience. I realized that it is like any of the other aspects I worked to define. They are a work in progress, a place to start and allow things to continue unfolding.
Many have embraced this medium as a way to become more informed about the vast array of knowledge available and connect with those who have similar interests in a particular area. While my initial inclination is to do the opposite by not engaging until I am “ready”, there is a risk that has to be taken at the onset, believing that simply ENGAGING is the way to move forward, even when things are not fully formulated. This seems to be the way of survival in today’s world.
So…I risk looking a little foolish by just starting SOMEWHERE, rather than not starting at all and losing a great opportunity. It seems I have learned something already. When in doubt, just START…a blog! J
As you may have gathered, this blog is the first of many meant to simply stimulate discussion and learning around topics that affect the workforce today, starting with starting new things. I look forward to your feedback and your great wisdom!
Let the conversation begin…
