Month: January 2019

I’ve been aiming to do Sara Beth Yoga each morning and admittedly, I almost skipped it today. But I am so glad I didn’t because instructor Sara Beth used this phrase that struck me as a valuable component of work: “Don’t strain, strengthen”. What comes to mind when you hear this?

For me: ‘straining’ at work happens when I skip breaks, don’t ask for help, focus more on the to-do list than the “to-want” list, or spend too much time trying to find information to solve a problem.

‘Strengthening’ happens when I bundle my work tasks, ask for help, learn what works and what doesn’t to make improvements to my workflow, have solution-focused conversations, and carve out time to think of the big picture.

Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky, authors of Make Time and the Time Dorks blog, advise to begin your day thinking of your expected “highlight”. In other words, instead of only asking at the end of the day “What went really well?”, start the day asking, “What highlight or accomplishment would I like to achieve that will leave me feeling like something went really well today?” Then, decide to spend more time on processes and people that will get you there. Evaluate this approach at the end of the day and list a few options for improvement the next day. This is one way to strengthen, instead of just strain through the day.

I wish you a strength – filled day!

While getting ready for a “Pints & Paint” event with artist Patrick Hitesman at the local brewery Bond Brothers in Cary, NC, I assured my husband, as well as myself, not to worry – “it’s like paint by number”. Wrong! Admittedly, I had a moment of panic when I saw the BLANK CANVAS as we entered the studio. How on earth will we ever be able to paint the boat scene depicted in the sample?

One word: Teamwork. What I learned in that studio was that my husband can draw straight lines and I can blend. He’s more willing to experiment: “Let’s add some waves”, says my husband – not shown in the sample – but everyone loved the idea! Of course there were stray marks and easels toppling over but as the infamous painter, Bob Ross, said: “we don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents”. What a great reminder to ease up and be open to learning from mistakes!

I thought the trickiest part was going to be the boat – until I learned that there was a stencil to make it easy. Artist and instructor Patrick provided step by step instructions, posed questions, and shared words of encouragement. Patrick taught us to look away from the painting, walk several steps, then look again. This tip transformed our work from microscopic criticism to a real confidence boost.

In the end, we were able to produce quite a praise-worthy painting. And while it was intended to be just a fun evening out, I learned a bit about success from the canvas.

1. I can still “paint” even if I initially feel panicked.

2. Listen to the instructor: load the brush, dab here, blend there. Be open to adjusting the work to achieve the goal.

3. Use the tools at hand. At first I thought using a stencil to paint the boat was cheating but in reality, it was necessary to achieve the goal.

4. I am not alone. My husband, Patrick, and other class members helped contribute to the final product.

5. Ease up and enjoy the process instead of focusing solely on a final, perfect product.

What blank canvas are you facing? Who are your instructors and how can your team help you? Are you using tools to achieve your goal? How are you maintaining calm?

As we face the blank canvas of the new year, I encourage you to spend time answering these questions. Be willing to “paint alongside the panic” and team up with others. And then, enjoy the beauty of your journey and confidence on canvas.