“…And What Else?” February 2022 newsletter

“...And What Else?”

Newsletter and Thought Starter

February 2022

Success begins by asking the right questions. So why not a newsletter that asks a powerful question: “…and what else?”

Hope these insights pierce through the clutter and create a moment to reflect on your purpose.

First Thoughts

“Congratulations.”

I was the 56th person to wish her congratulations on her new job—at least as counted by LinkedIn posts. I almost didn’t post the note. “Fifty-six?” I thought. Does one more matter? One more of the same robotic, emotionless, generic greetings? For goodness sake, LinkedIn even finishes the words for you as you type: “Cong…”

We want to express thoughtfulness, but we want to do it fast. We want to express thankfulness, but we want to do it easily. We’re always rushing to the next thing. But really, all there is is now.

Try this once this week: The next time you have an opportunity to congratulate someone (whether you’re the first or the fifty-seventh) pause and make it more than a fleeting obligation while on your way to the “next” task. Taking 60 seconds (versus the 5 seconds) to make it personal will have an impact (on them and you).

Thank you for reading this—really. I spent more than a few moments on it and am grateful you got to the end.

Thinking Out Loud Blog

What I Want to be When I Grow Up

What do you want to be when you grow up? If you think back to your eight-year-old self you’ll likely recall this question from parents, uncles, grandmothers, and teachers. For some the answer was specific and tangible (“a basketball player”); for others more vague (“famous”). But in either case, it is unlikely that your answer then is what you are now. Maybe not even close (especially if your growth “spurt” stopped at 5’7” and basketball became something you watched not played).

So what’s the point of even wanting to “be” something when we grow up?

Question #7: What would make today worth it?

The Challenge: We can measure progress in many ways, but often it’s the giant leaps that get noticed, not the small steps. Yet, it is the latter that always proceeds the former. Try this one: Tomorrow morning write down one small action you can take today to make an impact on someone else. It will make your day worth it—guaranteed.

Share your reflections on your favorite social channel. #FortyTwoQuestions

Worth Reading

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

Packed with research and insight on why we behave the way we do and how to change unwanted behaviors. Duhigg points to studies that show roughly 40 percent of our actions are habitual. Therefore, he argues, a key to changing a habit is awareness—of the behavior, the trigger, and the reward. The book outlines practical steps to intervene in this habit loop of cue, routine, and reward.

Thought Starter: Adding a habit can be easier when it is tied to something you already do or enjoy (often referred to as “temptation bundling”). Want to create a habit of exercising more? If you enjoy podcasts, only allow yourself to listen during exercise.

Looking for more great reads? Check out these purposeful resources.

Worth Watching

Fooling Yourself - Tommy Shaw and the Contemporary Youth Orchestra

Music is a strong emotional trigger. A familiar melody or lyrics can transport us to a different time and place. In this case, take an already timeless, rousing song and add some youthful talent and you get these six minutes of joy.

Thought Starter: Maybe it isn’t this tune but another that always gets you going. What is it and how can you have it handy to generate positive vibes? “Come on, let's see what you've got; Just take your best shot and don't blow it.”

Take our Alignment Snapshot Quiz

What’s the saying: “If I don’t know where I going, how do I know when I arrived?” This applies frequently to organizations and—more importantly—the individuals in them. Teams that don’t have direction or alignment don’t know when they’ve arrived—or how to get there or why they’re on the trip in the first place.

Take our Alignment Snapshot Quiz for a peek at your alignment. It may not be scientific but it could trigger some interesting questions, which is nice.