In 2010, despite economic chaos, our family flourished. And frankly, I wonder why it was such a fine year. Possibly because of some of these ideas, and some of my favorite books:
“Dancing with Curiosity” is a phrase used by some executive coaches. It reminds me to stay focused on the client’s agenda– not mine– and to follow that intuitive voice. Learning occurs when patterns are disrupted. It will be a messy process (but my dancing is messy too.)
“Acting with Courage” is a useful mantra, particularly for entrepreneurs and business leaders. This recession has forced me to question my faith. I re-learned that when my faith is stronger than my fear, then I am courageous. Thankfully, I have faith that bridges will appear as I step over cliffs, and so far that has been the case.
“Reflection” happens when I create order amid the busy action… My reflective habits include running, reading, manual exercise, writing. My goal is to spend 60 minutes/day intentionally being reflective.
“Learning to change to learn” reminds me that I need to change HOW I learn. I keep the patterns that work. And I change those other, less useful patterns, so that I can embrace unfamiliar changes.
1. “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There,” by Marshall Goldsmith, the premier executive coach, outlines 20 behavioral patterns that limit people from being as successful as possible.
2. “The First Billion is The Hardest”, by T. Boone Pickens, a wealthy oil and gas man, is a come-back success story and provocative blueprint for energy independence in the U.S.
3. “The Good Men Project” is an encouraging compilation of stories by men about our roles as fathers, sons, husbands and workers. My hope is that it spurs a generation of quiet men to tell their/ our stories.
4. “New Sudden Fiction, Short-Short Stories From America and Beyond” taught me the power of vignettes and modeled the current changes in marketing and stories.
5. “Outliers, The Story of Success” by Malcom Gladwell, made me think about the power of our antecedents- family and values and forces that shape our current lives, or guide our next career step.
Actions are more important than any list of ideas or books. I guess the three biggest reasons why I do what I do are reflected by these three lovely women… So, it must be time to go do something with the family!
May you and yours have a prosperous year, filled with action and learning.
In peace,
Doug Gray
