I don’t think we have a true notion of how our identity needs to shift when we make a change until we get into the change. Furthermore, we tend to get into change initiatives from where we are now. Our old selves. There are rare instances where we can completely cut off everyone who knew […]
Change and Identity
James Clear, in his fantastic book Atomic Habits (Amazon link, non-affiliate), talks about the relationship between Outcome (Have) – Process (Do) – Identity (Be). Many people begin the process of changing their habits by focusing on what they want to achieve. This leads us to outcome-based habits. The alternative is to build identity-based habits. With […]
The Importance of Environment
When I sent the previous essay for Mary’s feedback, she sent me the following: I will say that at least half of my problem solving involved environment. In this day and age, people can work just about anywhere but my project required a workable environment. It’s one thing to sew up a few things from […]
Case Study: The Power of Task Breakdowns
Last month, I spent some quality time in Florida with family. This time, we were able to spend time together without the excuse of funerals – a nice change of pace from 2018. My cousin Mary and I were catching up on life since we last saw each other. Suddenly, she jabbed her finger at […]
The Cult of The Hustle
When did performative workaholism become a lifestyle? Why Are Young People Pretending to Love Work?, Erin Griffith, The New York Times, January 26, 2019 The always-on, always-on-call, always producing, always sharing, always hustling, maximizing ROI life. The whole thing feels like an energy suck in one direction. It’s not just young people. I’m seeing it […]
Bob Mould’s Lesson in Optimism
It’s hard to look at things sometimes. Even harder to see the good in the things we see. Beyond the polarization. Beyond the systems that are “working as designed” and chewing up people in the process. Beyond the busy and the projects and the distractions and the demands. One of my favorite musicians, known for […]
Push vs Pull
Most of us live our lives in Push systems. Push systems – People push work towards you. You do it. Pull systems – You pull work as you have the capacity to do it. In IT and Project Management, there is a trend towards “Pull” systems – at least in theory. Agile techniques are based […]
The Burden of Legacy
The more successful the old self is, the harder it is to let it go. It’s a lesson I’m in the process of learning. There’s a challenge when you are successful at something – people want you to keep doing it. Plus, it’s easy. You’ve already mastered it as much as you want to master […]
Accounting for Energy
I’ve been thinking about personal energy and our plans recently. Often, we tend to make our plans based on our best case scenario. We’re feeling healthy, energetic, our best selves. We then make our plans and set our timelines accordingly. Then we beat ourselves up when the average to bad days kick in and we […]
The Power of Others
My brother, my partner, a friend and I sat around the table furrowing our brows at our respective cards. My partner and I were on the verge of winning a highly competitive game of Spades. Highly competitive because my brother and my partner are highly competitive people. The friend and I served as participants in […]
