Advertise on podcast: Move Your Desk

Are you in the top 1-2% of what you do? Or, are you the extreme opposite? Most of us are in between. Great at some things, good at others, and some not so great in the mix. I've been thinking about those moments where I think that I'm in the "kind of" category. It usually involves me comparing myself to a friend, family member, or someone online. I'll have the same look, skill, or experience as they do. But, they are amazing at it and I'm "kind of" good at it. They are really tall, and I'm "kind of" tall. Some are in really great shape and I'm "kind of" in good shape. Is there a problem with being "kind of?" The answer may be "It Depends." Sometimes you can't do much about something. You were born a certain height. You have certain features. You have certain natural strengths. Other times being "kind of" comes from a place of not giving your best effort to something. This could be something to take a look at because hidden in that effort may be capabilities and talents you never knew you had. And, that those you serve may need. Take a look at where you are "kind of" and question yourself. In my process of doing this, I have found areas that I can step up my efforts while also seeing that my strength of exploring and experimenting makes me "kind of" good in a wide range of skills. I get to bring that to my strategic thinking and resourcefulness that I offer my clients and my own product development efforts. I'm counting that as a personal skill. No one has the combination of "kind of" experiences and skills that you have in you. And, that's kind of great. #moveyourdesk #podcast #strengthsfinder #kindof #questionassumptions

Michelangelo was once asked how he went about the sculpting process. His answer?  “I saw the angel in the marble, and carved until I set him free.” This is something we can do for ourselves too - spend time carving and chiseling away to find the real person inside. In recent years, I’ve noticed that keeping my physical belongings in check is not a problem. It’s the digital hoarding that weighs upon my mind. The emails, the photos and videos, the files, the journal entries, the blogs and websites. It produces the same effect on my mind as a physical hoarder may experience, except I really can’t tell how big my issue is because it doesn’t overwhelm my home. It just sits neatly in a table showing up as a laptop, phone, and a couple of hard drives. Though I know that my digital items will expand daily as I go through this process, I’m tackling it. A digital de-junk. It’s a process like Swedish death cleaning, the practice of going through all your belongings long before you die (hopefully) so that your friends and family aren’t left with all of it to figure out. This effort is a lot more than de-junking. It’s showing me what I’ve valued, how I’ve behaved, what I’m afraid of, and the achievements, mistakes, regrets, and hidden dreams. Everything that had been tucked away to address later in life. It involves chipping away to find the real person hidden deep within. It is hard. It hurts. It is mentally draining. It’s both becoming and unbecoming. But it’s worth it.

I rode my bike exactly eight miles this year before riding 24.8 miles the day of the triathlon. To say I didn't train is an understatement. Walking, arm weights, and water aerobics don't quite hack it. Especially if you are doing the Olympic version of the race. To protect myself, I took a lot of breaks. Too many, in fact. And before I needed them. So the race became more of a saunter through the potato fields, and it took a very long time. I joked with people along the way that those of us who took a while were the real "endurance athletes" as we sweat it out in the 96-degree humidity for an entire Saturday morning. But, I finished. After triathlons, I become reflective and self-judgmental. What could I have done differently? How can I prepare better for the next race? And new questions crop up. Why am I doing this again? What am I seeking from this experience? Should I do this again? Hidden in the responses to these questions are insights into motivations, fears, and often a core belief of "I am not enough." I'm still asking the questions and finding that I'm not sure I'm clear on my reasons for pursuing this form of achievement. And I'm realizing that reasons matter. So, when you make a choice to pursue something...are you liking your reasons? #moveyourdesk #podcast #triathlon #olympictriathlon #swimming #biking #walking #running #triathlonlifestyle

The struggle is real, whatever it is. It can take you in several directions - through pity, despair, and self-destruction. But, also increased capacity to love, express your creativity, and unearth hidden talents to share with the world. And, be compelled to help others that want support on their struggle journey too! This was a beautiful interview experience. Kevin Faulkner shares his experience - the highs, the lows, and the lessons. He says his smile hid a lot of depression, fear, hurt, and anxiety in the past. His smile now shows the wisdom of what he has learned... with a strong sense of knowing himself more. And, a new secret happiness that he is anxious to share. He has stepped into believing again, but we didn't touch fully on what that means. I have a feeling that will be his next book. Nudge, nudge. Please listen. You will be inspired. And, please buy his new book of art, poetry, and prose all from his heart. I got it in the mail right after I finished recording the interview. I read it cover to cover, and will read it again. It's full of heart and insights that come from going through the struggle and emerging on the other side. Connect with Kevin on Instagram at @kevinfaulknerpoetry. He shares poems from his book in the same charismatic way that he speaks in this podcast. Kevin is at https://www.wonderedbliss.com - website, book, and podcast. Book is also on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3KA8Fqn.

The bus stop is now an essential part of my day. It's the one moment, twice daily, where I feel a sense of community. Or, since it is the beginning of a new year, a newly forming community because it's a mixture of old friends and a lot of new additions to the mix. The diversity is a complex mixture of people from Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Maybe Antarctica and Australia will come along soon! There are also a few languages in the mix. And people from four years old to their mid-70s. Add to this the types of work, interests, religion, and physical appearance of everyone and there is quite an interesting group! Still, this week I looked around and saw a person or two that looked a bit separated from the crowd, and lonely. Though I'm the person (self-designated) to communicate and help everyone connect as best I can, I will still make my rounds to meet everyone. It just took one interaction for it all to change. A couple didn't know English, and another was just new to the neighborhood. The one interaction helped them slowly progress out of their shell and interact with others or... at least sit a little closer to the crowd. It brought up a thought in my mind about the loneliness in diversity. Sometimes there is just so much diversity that it can be overwhelming, especially if you feel like you aren't able to fully express your personality or feel safe yet. In those moments, you really want sameness or familiarity to get your courage and confidence up. This episode is just a nudge to embrace both diversity and sameness. Recognize what you need and where you might want to challenge yourself. If you have a problem with being around a diverse set of people, take a step toward one of them to learn more. If you embrace diverse people and opportunities at the expense of interacting with those that ground you... maybe take some time to interact with the familiar. Also important is being aware of when you are the person that can help bring everyone together. In my neighborhood it was interesting to see that was made possible, partially because people with different languages were willing to interact, make mistakes, and allow onlookers to find joy from the imperfectly perfect communications. #moveyourdesk #diversity #loneliness #communications #connections

Today, I randomly logged into my podcast provider account after a few months of not paying attention. I was surprised to see hundreds of listeners from all over the world delving into past episodes this week. For some reason, it reminded me of all the topics I've wanted to share over the past 14 months that I haven't recorded. So, I darted across the room, found my microphone, plugged it into the laptop, and started talking. Yes, "darted" across the room. No plan. Just deciding to get started again. And so it goes. I've kept a running list of topics on my mind, and I'll start sharing again. I hope it reminds at least one person that it is okay to restart, even after a long hiatus. Even if you think no one cares or no one will listen. Or, even if you think it's too late. You are still here on this planet. So, do the thing you need to do. And you might just have to tell me about it so that I can share it with my friends, too. Unscripted, as always, and recorded on a whim today. That's how restarts go sometimes.

Happy Mother's Day. Happy Women's Day! I am the oldest living child of 10 children. My parents had twins before me who passed away during childbirth. They are buried in Pensacola, Florida. So, I have seven living siblings. For most of my life, I've been a daughter, sister, and aunt to a few dozen nieces and nephews who live across the United States. I've also been a wife and, more recently, a mother, which is something that I have always wanted to experience. I'm grateful to be a woman. For the four years I've had this podcast, I've wanted to talk about being a woman. But each time I've recorded an episode, I've felt like there is more to learn. Conversations with friends and family confirmed those thoughts. Of course, there is more to learn! This week, I decided to share a few thoughts during the Mother's Day season, even though I'm still learning and growing. My DNA is filled with the history of amazing women. My sisters (including sisters-in-law), mother, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, and beyond were driven by faith, adventure, hard work, pushing boundaries (and handcarts), and not judging themselves by cultural and media expectations. In many ways, I feel like I'm not living up to the heritage of women in my family tree. However, one thing is for sure: we are all moving, growing, and seeking to fully embrace the possibilities of life. Setting aside the DNA, I have a lot of thoughts about being a woman in the world today. I change my mind frequently while still holding on to certain standards despite the outside influences that impact some women more than others. Friends and family continue to help me learn more about being a modern woman, femininity, feminism, and everything else. I'm sure there are more thoughts to share, but I shut down my work computer today and just started to record. Reach out if you want to talk and offer more thoughts. I'm open to exploring this topic more. Correction: I am the oldest living child of 10 children (not 8 stated in the episode). We are 8 living children. Available through all major podcasts through https://pod.co/move-your-desk #podcast #mothersday #pioneers #pioneerwomen #lauraingalls #karana #islandofthebluedolphins #barbie #mediainfluenceonwomen #women #womensfashion

Working virtually means that some days have very few interactions. However, I can count on one interaction each morning and afternoon regardless of the absence of human interaction. The bus stop. I had to drive pretty far to a bus stop each morning and afternoon during the first couple of years of school. But now it's a walk up the street. Showing up at the bus stop takes effort. It takes effort to stay focused on yourself and your phone. Or, interact with others sharing the journey. You decide. I share a few thoughts today about my current experience. And I'll probably talk about this again as I add in the layers from prior years at bus stops. I wrote a reflection last night and decided to read it on this episode today. Perhaps there is a little book in here somewhere, at least that is what a friend has nudged me to do with the learnings. I may take her up on it, after I finish another couple of books in process. If you see the podcast thumbnail associated with this episode, I'm wearing the jean shirt that the Chinese grandmother gave me. And she's the woman holding my arm. Listen to find out why she is so special.

In this episode, I share what it means to live as an Edge Walker—someone who keeps moving forward without guarantees. I talk about the moments when certainty runs out and all you have is faith, and how I’ve learned to trust my inner compass, even when the map disappears. Through my own stories and reflections, I hope to encourage you if you’re standing at your own edge. You’re not alone—I’m walking this path too, right alongside you and so many others.

Your presence matters. Sometimes you are leading from the front. Sometimes you are guiding from the side. Sometimes you are protecting quietly. Sometimes you are creating a safe space for someone to take the next step. And, sometimes you are recognizing that someone is doing this for you in moments of your own personal challenges or weaknesses. I share a few moments from my life with you in an attempt to nudge you to take a moment to think about those who have been a guardian for you, and for you to think about stepping up to being that for others going forward. It's within you to take on this role, and to thank those that serve in this capacity for you. Available through all major podcast services (https://pod.co/move-your-desk) and YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1c0TSanTzDfZYN0_BGNmYFyQXpQxIBIb

Your desk matters. The environment where you put your desk matters. You can work anywhere and get really creative with how you make a space work for you. But, pay attention to where you consistently make trade-offs to make do with your desk, your notebook, your room, and whatever else is in the environment where you work. It matters. You are great at figuring out how to do good work wherever you are and with whatever the tools are at your disposal. You'll do your best work if you figure out what environment and tools are best for you and bring out your highest contribution.

Do you have personal boundaries? Yes. As humans, we have personal boundaries. It's just that sometimes we aren't even aware that we have a boundary until that moment of breach. And, most of us know when that happens. We get angry, we think the other person has wronged us, and we react in a variety of ways. Some inwardly angry and others just plain lash out. If you want to show up in the best possible way in your work and world, it pays to become aware of your boundaries. Create some rules for yourself so that when the boundary breach comes, you are prepared to respond...in the best possible way. This framework gives you a simple approach to figuring out your boundaries. Not to control or manipulate others, but to decide ahead of time what you will do if something happens. Next time you experience a boundary breach, use the experience to increase personal awareness and make a plan. Learn how in this episode. #personalboundaries #boundarybreach #boundariesframework #personalmanagement #mindset #mindframework https://pod.co/move-your-desk

How often have you been told that failure is part of the growth process? That mistakes are worth it? It is worth it. It's part of the inspiration and innovation process that gets big ideas out there and turned into something of value. Still, we often hesitate to take the steps needed to uplevel ourselves and our work because we typically go through a series of failures to get where we want to go. And, it can feel painful to go through this process. I like to call this failing forward process... experimenting. If everything is an experiment, you must go through the process to figure out what works, what doesn't, and how to keep moving forward with information that comes out of each trial run. Sometimes what you do works the first time. Most of the time, however, you will go through a series of trials and errors before figuring it all out. It pays to get addicted to the process of changing, challenging yourself, and seeking new solutions. It pays to become an experiment junkie.

The reminder nudges to constantly pay attention to your own mind can come from unexpected places, like preschool songs. This song is simple: Who's a good watcher, watcher, watcher. Who's a good watcher, show me now. Are you a good watcher of your own thinking? Are you a good watcher of other's thinking? Sometimes we are a doer. Sometimes we notice, increase awareness, and ask questions. Keep doing the things, but make sure that as you do them that you are also a watcher.

Did you spend a lot of time trying not to feel? You may not even recognize yourself doing it. If you are indulging in something at the expense of something that would better serve you and those you serve, you may be trying not to feel. It often shows up in the form of addiction - food, drink, work, shopping, games, and even over-achieving. Why not allow yourself to feel all the emotions? Not taking them out on others, but sitting with the emotion and letting it work through you. You can even give yourself a timeframe to feel all the anger, sadness, betrayal, and hurt. Give it a try. It may not be as bad as you anticipated or last as long as you thought.