What if your typical way isn't possible?
Maura Sweeney
Mission-Driven Career & Executive Coach ? ICF Certified Coach ? Director, Alumni Career & Professional Development at Holy Cross ? Support Mid-Career Job Changers Seeking Meaningful Work
It's been hot this week. If you're in the U.S., I'm sure you heard about or lived it. As someone not used to 95-degree heat, it has been something to endure. However, the hardest part for me hasn't been the heat. (Don't get me wrong, I haven't loved it). Instead, it's the disruption it's caused to my daily routine.
It's the fact that I've had to change what I do and how I do it. It's the fact that I've had to adapt to something outside of my control. It's the fact that my typical way of operating hasn't been possible. So it's gotten me thinking. What if your typical way isn't possible?
Now, I know that the heat will subside. By the time this is published, a storm will have rolled through and broken the heatwave (I hope!). But, what about other changes that roll through? How might you function and how might you be prepared to adapt?
Today, I invite you to think about your life, your routine, and your comfort zone. Think about how fixed those things are for you. Consider when you've responded flexibly and when you haven't. Then, try an experiment.
Imagine a common scenario you face in your day-to-day life. Then, pretend your typical way of operating isn't possible. What else would you do? Consider your alternatives. Brainstorm what else is available to you.
Change can be exciting, stressful, invigorating, etc. Today, rather than succumbing to the disruption, try rising above it. Try inventing a new way. You never know, it might just be better than the original.
领英推荐
Self-reflection:
What if your typical way isn't possible?
What else might you try?
Why haven't you tried it yet?
How might you experiment and give it a go?
Dedicated to supporting students and alumni making a positive impact in the world; Engineering for Everyone.
8 个月Great post, Maura! Love your Career Refresh Newsletter! Also, I really want to see a photo of your pup in her doggie pool! ?? ??
Your posts are always so insightful, Maura Sweeney! I thought about this recently and took a different route to work, attended a seminar, signed up for a softball league, etc. My little circle of being and who I come in contact with is definitely routine, and this post is another reminder. Maybe I will work from the local library this afternoon.
Director for Alumni Career Engagement at UNLV | Build Bridges between Graduates & Professional Success | Collaborate with Networks & Connect with Partners | Empower Rebels to Reach New Heights #RebelsForever #AI
9 个月Good article Maura--thanks for sharing; I moved to Las Vegas from the Midwest last October, so I'm not used to an average temp of 102 in June (the 7-day forecast we'll be in the 107-110 range . . . and it's going to get hotter as we move into July/August) . . . at least the humidity is low compared to the Midwest. I've had to try some new ways to stay cool (be more flexible) to save on air conditioning costs; at first, I wasn't sure, but I've adjusted better than anticipated.
Invention and innovation educator dedicated to mentoring students and teachers across the United States.
9 个月Taking a new route allows you to see things from a different perspective, things that had been there all along except that we had bypassed them by doing the routine thing. Thanks, Maura, for encouraging us to reflect on our routes and encouraging us to move beyond the routine.