It s a shame I've been sitting on this book for about two years now. A friend of mine gave me Never Eat Alone , by Keith Ferrazzi a couple years ago (thanks Rey), and it s been on my bookcase ever since. It was resting there not because I didn't want to read it, but because I already had so many others in the pipeline. I finally got around to reading it last month and I definitely recommend it. In very simple terms, Ferrazzi explains why networking is important and how to do it. From how to make call lists to planning dinners to personal branding to goal setting, it s all here. He also maintains a valuable blog .
Inevitably there will be times when you have setbacks or things don t go your way. Maybe you didn't get a job you thought you were sure to get. Maybe you lost a job unexpectedly, didn't win a contract, or lost a major client. Your car always seems to break down right after you've had some other unexpected expense. These kinds of situations immediately place us in crisis. They don t feel good, but sometimes they re what we need in order to grow. The beautiful thing about crises is that they force us to take a step back and reevaluate what s going on in our lives and rediscover what we truly want and need. When we get over that initial shock and feeling of disappointment, we might realize that maybe that job wasn't really the best for us anyway. Maybe, just maybe, that wasn't what you really wanted to spend your life doing. Maybe that friend was holding you back instead of pushing you forward. The way I deal with crises of these sorts is simple: If something doesn't go my way professionally, I try to create a situation that would be more rewarding than the situation originally planned. A while ago, I was offered a job that looked very promising. After I accepted the offer, they pushed the start date back three times, later informing me (via e-mail) that they wanted to bring me on in the near future but I should feel free to explore other options. I was extremely disappointed. I felt disrespected and angry, but decided to make the best of the situation and follow my dream of working internationally. I then flew to Santiago, Chile and had great professional and personal experiences I wouldn't have had otherwise. Later, reflecting back on the original opportunity, I realized that working for a company that avoids a start date three times and then can t pick up the phone to explain the situation is probably not where I need to spend my time. Use setbacks as an opportunity to put your goals in order and act on them. In the moment, it s difficult to look at a setback as temporary, but they are. They happen to everybody. It s how you respond to them that will determine how they affect you.
Creating Conscious Leadership
With an appreciation for the challenges faced by leaders in dealing with constant change, Jeanette is sharing the insightful experience of Yoga Nidra with those who seek clarity and focus in their business and personal lives. “Self-awareness is the foundation of conscious leadership. Cultivating a mindfulness practice can greatly enhance leadership through more focused actions and decisions.”
You are invited to start your week off with mindful intention. Come experience iRest® Yoga Nidra - a guided and evidence-based meditative inquiry that investigates how to experience true relaxation and reduce stress. This practical self-management tool offers a deep state of relaxed awareness, clarity and focus.
Next 4 part series begins
Sunday, March 18, 2012 3:00pm – 4:15pm
at Studio A: Pilates in Alamo Heights located at 5310 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209.
Students may wish to bring a pen and notebook and should bring their own blanket, pillow or meditation cushion. Please dress in warm layers and avoid big meals 2 hours prior to the practice.
For more information or to RSVP, email Jeanette@JMHCollaborative.com or call210.618.1547 www.jmhcollaborative.com
Jeanette is a passionate and committed community builder with over 25 years of solid experience in creating measurable community and economic development initiatives and impact. Her company, JMH Collaborative, offers a unique approach to creating and managing change through shared knowledge and mindful leadership practices. Life circumstances moved Jeanette to search for peace and well-being. She was led to iRest® Yoga Nidra (Integrative Restoration Yoga) through which she has found a deeper sense of awareness. Jeanette has completed advanced training in iRest® Yoga Nidra (Integrative Restoration) with founder Richard C. Miller, PhD., a clinical psychologist, author, researcher and yogic scholar. For more information about iRest® Yoga Nidra, see www.irest.us
Menrva Labs is about to embark on a new project. We’re meeting people where they are. We want to help encourage conversation by brining about social awareness in physical locations. The idea is this: drop suggestion-style boxes with local booksellers, coffee shops, restaurants, and other businesses where people can submit their responses to various issues and/or images of specific challenges (e.g., in what ways might we solve xyz?). Each week we will change the question, image, and/or call to action. So, we need a box. Any takers in the Seattle/Portladn Area.
Requirements of box:
- Locally produced product
- Made of renewable resource
- Be able to hold rotating messages
- Be lockable