What are you doing 'on purpose'
Our lives are a blur. Days go quickly, and if you are anything like me, it seems there is always more on the did-not-do list than on the nailed-it list at any given moment.
I try to be intentionally in most things I do. I’ve worked hard to build a life that gives me the opportunity to enjoy as many moments as possible and one that I can show up with purpose, joy and excitement to whatever it is the day holds.
Intention vs. Reality
Yet, there's a candid truth behind the ideal: sometimes, I’m scrambling to pack for the next event, or my mind races through unchecked tasks, leaving me far from the present moment.
When I find myself functioning in that rushed, unaware space often I try to bring myself back to doing things ‘on purpose’. Saying yes to the things I’m excited about and intentionally saying no to the things that I don’t value.
As I wade through the DBA, the need for intentionality slaps me in the face – I NEED to be intentional about what I am saying no to, so that I don’t have to say no to the things that bring me so much joy. I need to say no to endless scrolling on my phone, to ‘one more episode’ on Netflix so that I don’t have to say no to dinner with friends, a fun night out, or even a coffee chat with a friend. I’m not saying all time scrolling is bad, or that Netflix can’t be a great way to unwind – I have fully embraced the times in my life where I am CHOOSING to do these things, but when it isn’t intentional, it gets in the way.
With 3-4 hours of reading and writing a day to do to stay above water when it comes to the program, being intentional about my time is critical. Right now, Netflix and scrolling must lose to more article reviews so that connecting with friends over dinner or an Othership class can win out over article reviews.
Easy enough, right?
Ummmm – not so easy.
My ADHD and neurodivergence can quickly transform a ‘productive’ phone check into a multi-hour social media scrolling session or even random topic deep-dives that can last for HOURS. This is where I very much on purpose lock up my phone for hours at a time in this handy gadget:
Academic Update
As I shared in my last update, we’re doing a lot of work in the two courses I’m in right now on research methodology and theory. This is heavy stuff for me. In one of our classes, we are learning how to research through topics – the last two weeks have been “A New World Order? Challenges to the Post-WWII Global System” & “Exploring Workplace Incivility in Modern Organizations”, ya know, the light easy stuff 🤨.
What I’ve found through this approach is just how much easier it is for me to grasp new concepts when the context is something I am comfortable with. Three weeks into struggling to understand some key concepts, talking about it through the frame of workplace incivility has made so many things just start to ‘click’.
When we started this course, I was a bit skeptical about what value each of these very different topics would bring to our end goal of a successful dissertation defence – but now, I can see how intentionally the program has approached this learning. While the topic of workplace incivility is well within my comfort zone, for others it may be the week we studied ‘Supply Chain Resilience’ that brought it all together.
Doing things on purpose meets diverse learning styles, clearly, I found the right program for me!
Podcast Update
On the podcast front, the third episode launched today, and the feedback and support continue to leave me all up in my feels. I am so so lucky, and so so grateful for each of you that have taken the time to listen, share, and update me with your feedback.
The Power of Intentional Asks
I often talk to students and clients who are looking for their next role, project, or opportunity that getting really clear on what they are looking for and then asking for it is so powerful.
If you have told me what you do, and what you are looking for, when I see an opportunity on LinkedIn or have a conversation with someone seeking talent – that connection is coming your way! If I don’t have a clear idea of what you are looking for, how can I look out for you? This extends to everyone in your network.
Generally, we are in each other’s network because we want to see each other succeed. Most people want to help, you just have to tell them how.
So, here is where I, ‘on purpose’, am going to take my own advice….
When I run into folks and they ask about the program or some of my speaking and workshop engagements, they almost always say: “you must be SO busy.” And, while I am, there is room for more.
I am looking to take on a steady client or additional workshops/speaking engagements each month.
Here's a glimpse at some of what I can offer on my OneSheet.
If your organization, non-profit, special interest/employee resource group, is looking for support or ideas on building stronger teams, advancing talent pipelines, or creating Inclusive Leadership content, hopefully you will think of me 😁.
You can also support my research and work by becoming a subscriber, sharing this blog or the podcast with your network, or even using my “Buy me a Coffee” link.
Ok, that was hard. I, like so many of those that I coach formally and informally really struggle with asking for business or support.
Thank you so much for being here, for being part of this journey and for taking the time to read these updates.