I found this article on the The Pew Internet & American Life Project. It gives a portrait of blogging that is limiting in nature. By that I mean, the reason some blog. When I think of Seth Godin or Terry Walling I know blogging has more impact than the Pew study.
Pew set out to give us a snapshot of the phenom of blogging. In light of that, it seems snapshot is appropriate. Just don’t underestimate some of our culture’s great thinkers.
As many of you know, I’m north of forty. This is a time that carries many questions, but equally as important are the lessons learned. I wrote about some lessons learned about three months ago, and now I want to share some more lessons. Maybe these will help you…regardless of your age:
More to come…
Ever thought about how much time you spend working? Ever thought about how much of your identity is shaped by work? Ultimately, I’m speaking to those that work eight or more hours per day in an organization (profit or non-profit). Much has been written about the work place and all of the dysfunctional goings on. But where should all of this land, in light of LIFE?
Some of you will spend thirty or more years working. Your happy, your sad. You get a promotion, you get fired. As someone whose experienced all of those things, I can tell you that my life is not measured in large portion by work. I am learning more and more each day that what matters is what is in my heart. My life will be truly defined by that. Even more importantly, will what’s in my heart “get out?”
Many of you are thinking that you can’t put time and focus on things of the heart. If you’re reading this then you’ve been given the gift of life, therefore successs in the things of the heart is what you should be pursuing.
By the way, you’ll be more of a success in your work when you pursue being a success in the things of the heart.
Now don’t get me wrong, Ghosen has proven himself to be a great turnaround leader. But ladies and gentlemen, he’s a human being! The success of his mission will be more about the folks he has around him (including his wife and children) than anything else.
What’s sad about Fortune’s article, and many others, is our desire to worship the CEO.
Seth Godin, as you know by now, is brilliant in my book. His piece from yesterday titled "Beggars or Choosers" is insightful. Since my book is soon to be complete (a chapter left), I am planning on going the self-publishing route. I have had more than one interaction with various publishers and agents. And those that took time to look at the materials all came back with one glaring block…I’m not famous enough. They universally liked the content and my writing, but felt it would be too difficult to market with me being an "unknown."
I’m blessed to be in a position to self-publish. Like what Mr. Beethoven said (see my post from last week); "What is in my heart must come out."
So what’s in your heart?
Today’s blog from Fast Company on "Denying Reality" is proof of how far people will go. Yesterday I wrote about the impact of power and greed. Fast Company explains it in a way that is very unexpected.
Ironic how some things never change.
Give me your thoughts.
I found the following quote on Terry Walling’s blog from Ludwig van Beethoven:
"I have never thought of writing for reputation and honor. What I have in my heart must come out, that is why I compose."
How powerful! Though he couldn’t have known it, Mr. Beethoven has spoken life into me.
What’s in your heart? Do you think about that?
Tell me about it…
I was listening to "Murder by Numbers" by The Police when I happened upon Seth Godin’s Black, white and grey blog entry. How ironic is that! Read his piece and learn…you might be shocked. Sometimes it can be disheartening to know that some win by nodding yes, while really meaning no. Fortunately, there is a long run and opportunities are ripe for those of character.
You know what school (belief system in the market place) I attend, so I’ll save some space here.
Do the right thing…even when it costs you.
In the land of corporate America talking points can be important. Whether the speaker knows or believes in what they’re saying is another matter altogether. This announcement from today’s Wall Street Journal illustrates my point. Don’t get me wrong, maybe they know and believe. But does anyone really communicate like this? I guess so…
No matter your age or experience, start speaking what you know and what you believe. I know it might get you in trouble. I know some people will think you’re strange for going against the tide. I also know that every pretender has a date with the "mirror."
First, I will confess that I have underestimated Jon Stewart. I found Ed Batista’s site while looking at Tom Peter’s web presence. He’s a thoughtful writer, and he helped me see a side of Jon Stewart that I hadn’t looked at before. One thing not to miss is his wife’s take on what makes for a good commencement speech.
Everyone should "count the cost" as they proceed through life’s offerings. Too many find the vacuum still empty after getting what they thought they wanted. A wise woman once told me that we have one life wrapped in many lifetimes. Here’s to experimentation!
What are you doing with your lifetimes?