Natascha Walker on LinkedIn: Did you choose a word for 2024? . . . You know, that ONE WORD that would… | 10 comments (2024)

There is more to you than your job.We all know it. And yet, many of us are working on a task at the moment that can trick us into forgetting this truth. I’m talking about writing up your accomplishments for mid year performance check-ins.I’m not in a position to give advice, but I’ll offer three tips for knocking out a first draft without beating yourself up in the process. These seem to work for me, but your mileage may vary.1. Rather than getting into a staring contest with that blinking cursor, start a rough draft using pencil and paper. If a full sheet of blank paper feels intimidating, fold it in half or rip off the edge. When I’m feeling stuck in the thinking-writing process, this trick seems to tell my brain: the stakes are low and it’s safe to get started.2. Set a helpful TOV - Tone of Voice. Pick one that helps you tap into your creative side. I’m going to try something like the vibe I’d use to write a friendly pen-pal letter from me to myself. Maybe this gives just a bit of extra mental space to expand into.3. For your first paragraph, write about the hard, challenging, frustrating, unexpected, amazing things you did so far this year, outside of work. Maybe you supported your daughter through graduation, or moved to take care of an aging parent, went back to school for the first time, took up water colors… Whether you choose to include this in your official write up, is up to you, but I promise you this… it is all part of “your one wild and precious life.”From here, go ahead and write about the amazing things you accomplished at work this year. And if you get stuck, think about: what you learned, who you developed and what you stopped — these all deserve mention because they make our workplaces better.I see you, and there’s so much more to you than your job!

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My out-of-office message says I’m recharging my batteries today.But I wrote “goof-off day!” on my personal calendar.Don’t we all need a day here and there to spend how we choose? One of the things about the work routine that can wear us down is the lack of autonomy in how we spend our time. With meetings cutting our flow state into time confetti, and externally assigned deadlines creating rush and wait cycles, we don’t get many opportunities to fully immerse and enjoy what we’re doing.So, today I’ll spend some time coloring, and probably scrolling — watching my “color tuber” friends and checking out their pages on Instagram. It’s the closest I come to rediscovering the flow state I felt as a kid… sitting on the floor with a box of Crayolas and a coloring book.Here’s my wish for you: make time to enjoy a goof off day every now and then. It’s time well spent!

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Maybe you can relate…I spend a lot of time thinking about where I’m supposed be…and trying to find the best way to get there. I have a sense that time is limited. So it’s seems best to keep moving to get there (where?) before it’s too late.I’ve enlisted others. Coaches and guides have joined the quest, to help me interpret indecipherable treasure maps, or discover secret knowledge hidden inside me. I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.Lately the signs are pointing to something new. This week I was meant to travel to Charlotte for work. Our plane never left the ground. After several hours of delays we ended up right where we started. All the same, some pretty cool things happened.I met several outstanding human beings, and witnessed more than a few acts of kindness. I watched a passenger share her snacks with a traveler to feed an emotional support animal. Several seasoned travelers reassured nervous passengers. People showed quiet support to parents when their baby started to cry…knowing we all felt pretty much the same about being stuck on a grounded plane.What’s the takeaway? Maybe I’m right where I’m supposed to be. Maybe you are too.Life is happening.It’s meant to be lived.

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I went from the woods to the weeds and back again.One week ago, Todd and I enjoyed a few days in Texas Hill Country, where we rented a little cabin in the woods. It was a lovely getaway, where time moved at its own pace. We simply enjoyed whatever we were doing in the moment. …like watching a ladder-back woodpecker systematically work his tree like an old IBM Selectric.Fast-forward one week, and it’s like we’ve crammed five workdays into a short week. More than once I found myself “in the weeds,” wondering how to get back the tempo of the woods.Here’s the thing… these different tempos of life are happening all the time, at the same time. I’m typing away on my iPad keyboard this afternoon, catching up on emails and tasks… and at the same time, our friend the ladderback is still working on his tree.Where ever you are today and whatever your pace…in the weeds or in the woods, simply enjoy it.Life is meant to be lived.(Photo: Wikimedia)

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What an inspiring story Nick. Thank you for reminding us that we will find good things around around corner, even if (especially when) we’re on an unexpected detour.

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When I see something like this framework of transformational skills I’m filled with hope and promise for a sustainable future. Well done!

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Maybe you need to hear this today? I know I did!

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This is so powerful Matt Stone.I also get hung up on fears that I don’t have all the answers or my expertise is in question. This results in long-winded explanations with a dash of smarty-pants vibe. (Not the look I’m going for, really)I love your actionable tips to embrace the beginners mindset.I also remind myself that everything I know, I have learned…so it makes perfect sense that I don’t know everything. And lately I’ve been giving myself permission to be okay on the inside regardless of how much I know. Nothing to prove…I’ve always been good enough. Keep the good stuff coming!

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