They say the hardest part about getting started, is getting started (credit to Caleb McNary). I will admit that I've been considering a blog that complements my professional life for quite awhile, but never really got around to making it happen. Ten years - at least - have slipped past and here I am, actually trying to get started. Late to the game? Definitely. Something to say? I sure hope so.
Why this blog?
My aim is to share thoughts that are ignited in me by a variety of experiences: workday interactions, articles, other blog posts, comments from colleagues, news stories, you name it. We are firmly nestled in the information age, and that information comes flying at each of us constantly. Wading through the muck to find the treasures is a task we all face. Perhaps I will uncover something interesting or helpful now and then; if so, then writing about it, exploring it, and pondering it could be useful to someone else. I emphasize perhaps!
Jeff Lawson, CEO of Twilio, was quoted in a Sunday New York Times Corner Office section as saying that one of his favorite questions when interviewing candidates is "What do you want to learn next?" That question resonated with me immediately, because learning is a lifelong passion and pursuit, at least in my world, and I am inspired when I'm learning. That learning takes place nearly every day, whether it involves strategy, leadership, collaboration, core business knowledge, new technologies, or even how to be a better husband and father. My hunger for knowledge and understanding is a constant.
Why now?
I have been deeply engaged by recent challenges and idea-sharing at my current place of work, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. I feel as if ideas are sort of piling up, and as I've been casually mentioning this to respected colleagues, it would seem that I am not alone in that regard. It seems like my conversations have been really interesting lately: deeper, more-informed, farther-reaching. I have broadened my reading list, almost entirely because of recommendations from my closest colleagues. It's wonderful, but it can also feel breakneck in pace.
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| Image Source: http://www.greenretreat.org/alaskan-salmon-evolve-to-cope-with-the-current-climate-change/ |
I have an image in my head of swimming hard in a fast-running river, often times trying to work upstream. It's exhausting, but there are purposeful reasons for fighting on. What I'd like to do is seek out the occasional eddy along the banks, and take a few moments to rest and just float around in the swirls. Take time to reflect and process before diving back into the current.
I make no claims of expertise in any of this. In most ways, I'm just another person like you, doing my best to work through it all. I heard a thought - or maybe I read it - somewhere recently that I'll paraphrase as: everyone is essentially faking it most of the time, success comes faster once you realize this and stop worrying about it. I'm not sure I agree with the entire sentiment (faking sounds rather purposeful and insincere, I'd say the concept here is closer to living with constant insecurity and doubt), but ultimately the idea of realizing you aren't as smart as you wish you were, so let go, dive in, do your best, and move forward is a very freeing way of approaching the challenges that befall all of us.
I hope you'll come along for the ride, and please add your comments and thoughts, or bounce some ideas around via the myriad ways we can link together - via social media, your own blog, etc. I'm looking forward to it.
