Explore

Happy Friday!

Greetings from the great Pacific Northwest. Welcome to this edition of "Explore" (#234).

?As I took this week off from work and traveled along the Pacific Northwest into Canada with my daughters, I am not only making beautiful memories but also having some reflections. Let me share a couple of them in this edition.

?Most of our itinerary includes visiting national parks and natural wonders along the way. Most, if not all, gave us a good cardio workout with the moderate to strenuous hikes. On one such hike, when I was huffing and puffing and stopped for a moment to catch my breath, an elderly woman coming back from the hike greeted me with a smile. She is 80 years old and said to me, "If I can do it, you sure can do it." That broad smile, friendly support, and the final comment, "It will be well worth it, don't stop," sealed the deal and encouraged me to see it through.?

?This trip not only allowed me to take inspiration from total strangers, but also made me wonder how we are so comfortable to take a chance with a stranger’s advice.? When we went to local eateries in these small towns, we decided not to opt for the usual cookie cutter menu items that are served. So, most of the time we relied on the server’s recommendations for ordering local choices. For the most part, it worked out well. Isn’t it what we have been doing with all these new age recommendation engines with shopping and streaming?

?Well, here is how I summarize these experiences

• When we are traversing an unknown territory, it’s good to seek guidance from someone who knows it and did it before.
• A friendly smile and encouraging words can make a huge difference to one’s psychological state, especially when they are at their low.?
• Finally, unless you do it, you will never know what you could achieve.?

I think we can all apply these learnings at work and?ACT.?

Advice:?Whenever you are starting a new project or feel stuck, don’t hesitate to seek advice. You can learn not only what worked for them but also can benefit from not making the same mistakes they did. ?

Courteous:?At work, when you see someone going through a rough day take a minute to show them you care. Simple acts of kindness and encouragement can boost morale and productivity. A positive work environment fosters better teamwork and efficiency.

Take risks:?There is nothing certain in life and work. Whether it’s volunteering for a new project or learning a new skill, take the initiative and the rewards often outweigh the initial uncertainty. Taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone at work can lead to significant achievements.?

As Albert Einstein said, "A ship is always safe at shore, but that is not what it's built for." Let's embrace challenges, support each other, and strive for greatness.

Stay safe, Stay healthy and Stay blessed.?Thank you and have a great weekend.