Are you tuned in to what really matters?
Looking back at that time six years ago, I know now that I wasn’t really paying attention. I took on projects that hadn’t been in my sweetspot. I worked for some people that didn’t share the same values. I prioritised slaving away at my desk rather than taking time out to feed my soul.
Then I realised. I had to tune into what really matters to me, and build a life around that. Then I started living my best life. This notion lies at the heart of my life, and indeed my new book ‘365 Ways To Have a Good Day.’
Knowing what really matters - paying attention to what we do, why we do it, how we do it, and who it’s for - can be really magnetising.
For me, it’s like my true north: it helps pull me toward the right choices at work.
As I work for myself I realise I have more control over my working life than those who work in organisations. Yet I believe we can all benefit from paying attention to what’s important. Then, using that as a compass, it gives us something tangible in order to stay on a true course as we navigate our career. And after everything we’ve been through these last 18 months, it feels more essential than ever.
So here’s my ten-point manifesto I use as a guide to stay on the right path.
Play where you play best. I’m halfway through delivering a storytelling training programme to teams around the world. My approach is about getting participants energised, focusing on emotional engagement rather than facts and data. Focusing on what I’m knowledgeable and passionate about means that energy gets passed onto the participants.
Do it your way. When I was invited to design a series of day-long workshops for the BBC I explained I wanted to send the participants out on the streets for an exercise in being curious. When I was asked to run a strategy session for a leadership team at a bank, I said I’d need to do it my unique way, which meant we’d do it in a space away from their offices. And I said I wanted to ditch the board table and have everyone seated in a horseshoe. I wanted to do it my way, not to be inflexible, but because I know what gets results.
Look for chemistry. I like to work with leaders and organisations where we have shared values. I pour a lot of effort and commitment into those client relationships, so it’s crucial that both parties ‘get’ each other.
Make a difference. Whatever I’m working on, it’s important to make an impact. I always aim to get people off their train-tracks, doing and thinking differently.
Never bullshit. I’ll tell you what I'm expert at, but I won’t bullshit about what I don’t. If it doesn’t fit in my Venn diagram of ability, passion and impact, I’ll say ‘no thanks.’
Push yourself. I love a challenge and I thrive on pushing myself, constantly developing and growing my skills and knowledge.
Think global. It matters to me that I can work across borders. In the last four weeks my workshops have reached locations from Azerbaijan to Mexico (even if it currently means I can only get to travel via Microsoft Teams).
Share your story. Those seeds that I first sowed with my Do Lecture in 2015 - part of a personal journey to being more open with my story - continues today. It’s helped me find my way, and connects me with others. Okay, it’s not for everyone, but I see on a daily basis the benefits of sharing my stories and opinions.
Keep your inspiration tank topped up. Inspiration out requires inspiration in, so I’m always following my curiosity, soaking up podcasts, articles and new ideas.
Lose the mask. That I don’t have to adopt a facade, be someone I’m not, is my holy grail. When I can be open and honest about who I am - the whole lot, including flaws and vulnerabilities as well as strengths, that allows me to turn up as my true self. That’s the crux of what really matters.
What would your manifesto look like? What are the ten things that really matter in your working life?
