In a Rut? Look to the Stars.

Every time the Powerball hits a certain number, we all rush out and grab tickets. Maybe you’re one of those that daydreams about how you’d spend your winnings.?

The act of daydreaming can actually be super productive. Here’s a piece from Time about why daydreaming can be good for you.?

When I'm in a rut and need a moment of inspiration, I think about space.

Space is humbling. When I think about all the things I don't know, and just how big it is, I remember that the problems I've had today are relatively insignificant.

And please don't misinterpret that I'm saying that as a people we are insignificant - actually the more I learn about what we as a human race have gleaned about our place in the universe, the more I'm inspired to dig in, learn more and work harder.

Someone recently mused to me they wish they were more confident when they spoke. This was a coworker I really like, so I had to give away my confidence secret: I prepare for even the most mundane tasks where I am leading a conversation.?

Almost every time I have to present or lead a conversation, I spend time creating a “mental movie” of how the event will go. Sometimes it’s as simple as making some notes on my phone. More often, I write them out in one of the two to three notebooks I carry with me all the time.?

Depending on the size of the audience, I may even practice what I intend to say out loud in the shower or on the car ride there.?

Envisioning the future...likely contributes to my lack of fear of most things.

And with practice, like anything, the better you get at preparing for speaking or presenting, the less time you will need in the future to prepare to speak or present. (Notice I said “less time,” and I didn’t say “no time.”)

This likely contributes to my lack of fear of most things (see today’s postscript). The point here is if you want to get better at something, you have to practice. Productive practice includes riffing or experimenting, or testing out new jokes.?

So if you’re in a rut, try something new. It could be taking a different street to get to your parking garage or a different flavor muffin. Learning a new skill or even just listening to a podcast about learning a new skill.?Or borrow a telescope from your friend or Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library and simply look to the skies for inspiration.

It also might be time to learn new skills or reimagine your potential. This HBR story features P&G Chief Information Officer Vittorio Cretella (#PGEmployee ).?

Need more inspiration? I encourage you to watch and then rewatch Anderson Cooper’s interview with the legendary Rick Rubin on creativity.

P.S. News from My Village

Congrats to the Cincinnati Business Courier ’s Forty Under 40! I’m always energized when I see?the amazing lineup of Cincinnatians who are being recognized for their leadership and contributions. Help me congratulate them in the comments!?

Shamelessly sharing my interview from when I was named to CBC’s Forty Under 40 in 2018. I still stand by my answer to the question, “What scares you?”?

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