How are you feeling?
I’ve had a good week, and that’s directly related to how much I’ve said “yes.” I’ve been pushing myself to be a little more curious, and I feel so much better as a result.
Most of us are grappling with a never-ending case of the “blahs.” It’s hard to stay motivated, excited, and energized when we don’t get to leave our houses or interact with new humans very often.
But recently, I’ve remembered just how much better it feels to be curious. Being curious is an antidote to feeling bummed, blah, and uninspired. I wrote about staying curious back in February, in the Before Times. I was describing how I help stressed-out, distracted leaders make headspace for new ideas. I put them in the way of new ideas to help them dislodge some of their own thoughts. I send them interesting articles and ask them: “What do you have to add? What do you disagree with? What else does this make you think about?”
Eight months later, my advice to myself is still true. During monotonous days, we all need to be shaken out of our stale routines. We all need to put our heads up, look around, and find someone new to talk to. I found that I needed to start saying “yes” more often, even when I really only wanted to say “no.”
I had more than enough work, more than enough responsibilities, and plenty to think about. But over the past few weeks, I started hunting for new ideas, experiences, and people:
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I said YES to catch-up calls with old friends and coworkers.
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I said YES to introductions to new, fuzzy work connections, even when the idea of meeting new people made me tired or anxious.
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I said YES to a new project that’s big and scary and really, really interesting.
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I said YES to a weekly walk with a new friend in my neighborhood.
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I finally picked up the stack of books I’d reserved from the library.
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I said YES to a few online conferences this fall (I recommend this free, month-long “conference” for consultants and people who sell their expertise).
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And, biggest of all: I said YES to a major routine change when I signed the lease on a little private office near my house, forcing myself out of my stale WFH (and mom-from-home) routine that was sucking up all my energy and stealing my ability to create perspective.
So here I am, reminding you that:
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It’s REALLY nice to talk to people. Even when you don’t know where your conversation is going to lead, and even when you don’t really have extra time.
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New projects can light a fire you didn’t expect, and give you a new perspective on all of your work.
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Getting outside is incredibly helpful when you’re feeling stuck.
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If you’re bored, you’re boring. Reading is an instant and easy way to bump up against new ideas.
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Look for new ways to learn, even if it’s just for 5 minutes.
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Sometimes a change of scenery is all you need to keep moving.
What could you say “yes” to? How could you put yourself in the way of new ideas? How could you bring new people and new perspectives into your routine?
