I really want this dress, but am trying to stay on budget. On to the wishlist it goes.
Via Spool No. 72., $62.
Monthly Archives: September 2009
October Monthly Goal Meet-Up
Grace Boyle of Small Hands, Big Ideas (above) rocked yoga last month. I selfishly wanted to feature her for inspiration because I hate the gym. And it hates me. Okay, really I love it, but who has time to exercise? No, seriously. I’m constantly exhausted, often to the point where I worry myself into thinking something is seriously wrong, when in reality? I need movement.The kind that doesn’t require my wrist being glued to my mouse.
Here’s what I did cross off for September:
September Goals
1. Start to exercise once a week.
2. Get 30% more blog and PR coverage for Alice than I did in August.
Become an expert quickly
There are two ways to approach life. Read about it. Or live it.
I read a lot. I like to synthesize information together, saturate my brain synapses, make connections, and curate the exact pieces that will fit my life. Knowledge is my thing.
But it doesn’t matter how much I read, or attend lectures, or watch TED talks, or troll Twitter for the next most interesting blog post. Most of that learning stuff is useless; there’s no better way to learn than to just do.
Become an expert {Phase 1}
Action is the first step. That’s why I encourage job-hopping.
Weekend
Ryan and I went to Illinois for a couple days this weekend to visit my Mom and Uncle. We also went to Allerton, a park I used to go to when I was little and my mom went to when she was little before me.
All around the estate are statues: some amusing, some intimidating, some majestic. And it occurs to me as I look through the pictures of our trip that Allerton is probably where I first started to appreciate art.
Best Games Ever
September Goal Check-In and Thoughts on Happiness
It’s goal meet-up check-in time! This is your mid-month reminder to take a breath and see how you’re coming along. How are you all doing?
I’m not doing too badly, but the coming of Fall seems to be an unofficial New Year where all your dreams and thoughts and ideas bubble to the surface. So I’m feeling a little overwhelmed with not just my goals, but everything I want to do. Do you feel that way? Like, I’m walking against the wind, and try my darndest, I’m just not getting anywhere.
“That’s called the dip,” Ryan reminds me. “You’re trying to get to the other side.
Get a raise in the recession
People are afraid of asking for a raise now more than ever. In fact, the recession is providing a good excuse for employees to not ask for more money, and for companies not to give any. But high performers can and should be compensated.
To get a raise, you first need to be aware of the three contingencies raises are based on:
Past Performance (and the learning curve)
All jobs have learning curves. What took you eight hours a day at the start of your position will slowly taper off until you start to get bored six months in. Good employees realize this and try to shorten the learning curve as quickly as possible by completing stellar and quality work right away.
Modern Heraldry Rug
This rug is gorgeous and I totally want it to replace my white rug in my living room, but they don’t have a 5′ x 8′, only 5′ x 7′. Bummer.
Via Anthropologie, $398.
What’s wrong with the workplace – and what’s next
By all accounts, the current state of work is good. Flexible schedules are beginning a workplace transformation. Hierarchal structures are being dismantled, replaced with decentralized team-oriented organizations. Rewards are no longer exclusively linked to extrinsic motivations like salary or titles, but to projects that make us feel good and do good for the planet.
Fresh-faced workers are responding in kind with idealism, strong ethics, and bright-eyed expectations to change the world. With energy and impatience to do something that matters. Even in the recession, we shine to thrive.
And it is from such high hopes that we discover such low realities.
September Monthly Goal Meet-Up
I’m borrowing an idea from Jena over at Modish, who hosts a Monthly Goal Meet-Up for creatives. I’d like to do the same for those interested in the career and life conversations here at Modite.
So, each month we’ll check in with our goals from the previous month and our plans for the new month. I’ll feature a photo and accomplishment from previous participants to accompany each meet-up. This is the first month – yay!
My friend Caitlin McCabe of Smile Like you Mean It (above) keeps me sane and started a successful consulting business last month. Pretty awesome. Here’s what I crossed off for August:
August Career /Life Goals
Gratitude is hard for me sometimes
Note: This was originally a guest post for Sam’s Appreciation Revolution. You should check it out.
I’m an extremely lucky person. Really. Sometimes I can’t even believe how lucky I am. I have the best mother, best job, best boyfriend, best condo, best everything.
And yet still, I want. I still have that hunger for more. Selfishly, I am often found in dark corners brooding over the infallibility of life, the unfairness, the annoyances, and over that stupid guy who cut me off this morning in the white Dodge Ram with a ladder strapped to the top and a license plate forever seared in my memory.