July 16th, 2024 - Perspective is Everything: Lessons from the Swiss Alps
Navigating Life’s Challenges with Humour, Hard Work, and a Bit of Flirting
The Daily Huddle:
Well, folks, today brought some unexpected twists and turns! My client wants to extend my contract until the end of the year—hallelujah! That means more security and more time to sort out my private life. Of course, the usual corporate song and dance of finding the budget is in full swing. Isn’t it funny how they can never find it right away?
The vibe at work is shifting with the new CTO on board. She’s sharp as a tack and it’s a blast working with her, though it does mean burning the midnight oil. But hey, better busy than bored, right? Also, a colleague who’s been flirting with me for weeks finally chatted me up today. I have to admit, the attention was nice, even if I’m not looking for anything serious right now.
Sifting Through the Scraps:
No communication from the Mother today—absolute radio silence. It feels like a mini-vacation. Sometimes no news really is good news.
Today reminded me (somehow) of a training session in the Swiss Alps with McKinsey. Picture this: a bunch of first-year project managers from all over the globe, chatting about stress and discomfort. One colleague said something that stuck with me: “I’m not stressed. I’m sitting here, looking at the Alps, drinking coffee. I can’t die here—I’m relaxed.” Turns out, she used to be a fighter pilot on a U.S. aircraft carrier. Her words hit home. Perspective is everything, folks. We often think our problems are life-threatening, but they rarely are.
Lessons from the Trenches:
On a lighter note, I’ve jumped back into my reading habit. I’m diving into “Atomic Habits” and “Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success.” First lesson? Industriousness. There’s no substitute for hard work. You’ve got to put in the effort to get results. It’s like Yoda said, “Do. Or do not. There is no try.” Wise little green dude, that Yoda.
Today’s big lesson was about the value of hard work and perspective. Before heading to work, I decided to set up a meeting to ensure everyone’s voices were heard, even though I didn’t think it would change the outcome. It meant more work for me, but it was worth it. People need to feel valued and engaged. It’s the small things that make a big difference.
I realised that our attitude towards work shapes our experience. We spend so much time working that it’s crucial to see it as valuable rather than a burden. Remember, the harder you work, the luckier you get.
I’m a hard worker, I’m alive, and my job isn’t life-threatening. Plus, I’ve still got it—someone finds me attractive!
So long, folks. Keep working hard, and remember, perspective is everything.
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Current Books in Parallel Reading:
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• Pyramid of Success by Coach Wooden
Habits I’m Working On:
• Fitness & Health: More sports, healthy eating, no junk food, lots of veggies, and less sugar. Aim: Sports 4 times a week (weights and running).
Mindset: I’m a runner and I’m healthy.
Status: Went to the gym for weight training this morning… didn’t make the evening run.
• Dental Health: Flossing daily to avoid crowns and root canals.
Mindset: I have healthy teeth and I don’t hear the drill sound anymore
Status: utter fail… missed to by floss
• Writing: Practice, practice, practice—daily diary entries, no excuses.
Mindset: I’m a good writer and people enjoy reading my work
Status: created output yes - is it any good? Can you tell me?
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