When you can’t make it into work, you have two choices:
This morning, I did the latter.
Sure, my work (for this site) is just keeping the promise of an 8 am blog post.
But, no excuses.
New streak starts tomorrow.
And next time, I’ll be sure to call in.
Because there’s always someone who needs to know.
In this case, it was you.
It makes shocking news less shocking.
It makes stressful happenings less stressful.
It makes urgent items less urgent.
It’s time, people.
If you can hang on to the secret, see ahead, and let it simmer for just a few moments, time will work its magic.
It would be absurd to:
These are all obviously absurd.
But, they’re no less absurd than checking email, social media and sales figures every hour.
Set a time. Batch it up.
And relax.
Have a relationship with a very casual acquaintance. Like a barista? Or the mailman? Or the hotel front desk attendant?
It doesn’t matter if you know their name.
You know them. And they know you.
That makes you friends.
Why not acknowledge it?
Today we celebrate the social and economic achievement of workers.
So if you’re a worker, get off your phone and go celebrate your achievements.
If you’re not a worker, go hug someone who is.
Happy Labor Day.
Love,
America
When you stare at a screen all day with nothing in the background, it’s easy to forget for whom and for what you’re working.
Sure, an image of your family on your desktop background is nice.
But the problem is that you never actually see that picture. It’s covered up by your work.
Here’s what you do: Go old-school with your desktop image.
Place a framed photo of your loved ones on your desk, right next to your computer screen. Put it close enough so it’s in your near-field peripheral vision.
The inspirational effect is profound.
What’s there now? Nothing? A team member’s annoying face?
Tough feeling good doing work for those things.
If you ever work in a coffee shop or diner or travel lounge, this tip is for you.
The results are amazing.
Here it is:
Don’t bring your power cord.
With a limited amount of laptop time, you’ll be 10x more productive.
More productive equals happier, healthier and wiser.
Who doesn’t want that?
Not sure what you want to do with your life? Or who your customers are? Or what you should speak about?
Work backwards.
Instead of seeking the right answer, find the wrong ones.
There are so many things that you don’t want to be doing or people you shouldn’t be selling to or topics you shouldn’t be talking about.
Eliminating options equals clarity.
Consistency can get you a lot of things.
That which you’re consistent at doesn’t much matter. Even the littlest things count.
One little promise to yourself and the world is enough to make you the biggest star in the universe.
Grocery shopping without a cart is tricky.
At first, you think you can carry everything in your arms. Then, you start to stack a little higher until one thing spills. And another. Finally, you can’t talk two feet because your arms are so full, and you’re walking so carefully to ensure you don’t leave anything behind.
This is a lot like the creative mind.
Without a shopping cart for your ideas, you start lose them one-by-one until you can’t proceed.
For this, I use a single Google doc on my phone. Some people use Evernote or the standard notepad app.
Makes navigating the grocery store of life much more pleasant.