Future Work/Life is my newsletter in which I explore ideas focused on the future of work and how to design legendary careers. If you find it interesting, please share it!
"Reflection is the underappreciated partner of action."
I quoted Sarah Stein Greenberg on Christopher Lochhead's Follow Your Different podcast this week. She's Executive Director of Stanford's d.school. It was appropriate for a few reasons:
I originally heard her say the words when she appeared on the same show!
It encapsulated the main thread of the conversation Christopher and I shared.
Reflecting on the past three years, this sentence perfectly sums up my most revealing breakthrough.
Let's get something clear: I'm an advocate of taking action.
As a rule, I prefer a policy of apologising rather than asking for permission - certainly when it comes to innovating in my career or business. (Always within ethical bounds, of course!) But there's something significant driving the greatest work/life revolution in history. Many people feel disillusioned with their careers. And despite knowing they want to make a change, very few feel they have the insights to do something about it.
So then, what happens?
Increased cynicism about their jobs.
Physical and mental detachment and exhaustion.
A feeling that they're not fulfilling their potential.
Which are, by the way, the symptoms of burnout, as defined by the World Health Organization.
The advice to just 'take action' isn't very helpful in this scenario.
Blindly taking action leads to feeling stuck on a hamster wheel - constantly running without getting anywhere.
Grinding out the days and weeks before realising years have passed, and you're...
"Trapped in a career"
"Treading water"
"Stuck in a rut"
All phrases I heard as part of the research for Work/Life Flywheel.
So, while taking action can get you started, you’ll only move you forward if you also take the time to pause and reflect.
You might be thinking, that’s what holidays are for. Take a week off work, switch off your email and return with a new lease of life. Well, we all know that isn't the reality. Half the time, you get back with such an email backlog you wish you'd never gone in the first place!
Holidays are necessary but don't solve the underlying problem.
A problem that's leading to three-quarters of people wanting to make 'big changes' in their work/lives.
Instead, trying reflecting daily on:
The things you enjoy
The things you don't enjoy
The things you're proud of
The things others celebrate about you
Why?
Because the moments that shape your life are happening every day.
Cue the typical objection I hear, which usually goes something like this:
"When do I have a moment to sit and reflect? I have kids, pets, chores, a demanding job. I don't have the time!"
Here's the reframe.
Reflecting on those moments that will determine your future is an essential part of your work and life.
It's a responsibility to you and to those whose life you'll help shape.
And it really doesn't take long.
Less than 5 minutes per day.
Trust me. My life feels hectic. I'm juggling a lot of responsibilities and pressures. But the habit of capturing and sharing my highlights helps me make better decisions, reduces stress AND improves my memory. The insights it gives me are helping me build momentum in my work. They’re helping me fulfil my potential.
So if you feel ready to make changes in your work/life or need a catalyst to create momentum in your career, make a 5-minute slot in your day non-negotiable.
And if you're wondering how to build a system to store these memories and use the insights to grow your career, I've got something interesting for you. Get in touch and I'll tell you more.
Have a lovely weekend and happy reflecting…
Ollie