*DRIVEN Newsletter May 4, 2021
Are You a Driven JEDI?
An overall feeling of renewal during April inspired our exploration of Intentional Productivity from newly recognized angles. These insights surfaced as we’ve crossed the daunting one-year mark of heightened stress, uncertainty and overwhelm. From a neurochemical perspective, our bodies have been living on a steady drip of adrenaline and cortisol, thanks to our amygdalas being stuck in the “on” position. Often, our default is to then move faster. But it’s only when we slow down that we can glean the gold within.
Erratic emotional energy is another byproduct of that amygdala action. Anticipating certain activities can devour your attention and focus, which is a disservice, since often the activity turns out to be less of a threat than anticipated. Ironically, I recently ignored this truth when I squeezed a 3-day coaching course into my already-full schedule so I could achieve the certification and put the task behind me. As expected, my productivity tanked!
In hindsight it was clear that I didn't give myself the space to integrate all I'd learned. I was officially Languishing.
Embracing the Growth Mindset, I decided to practice what I preached. It was time for a little break. I declared last Friday to be a personal day and lavished in the luxury of a 3-day weekend. It then came as no surprise that by giving myself permission to pause, Friday yielded my best creative ideas of the month!
We all need this type of headspace to process newly learned concepts, techniques and ways of being. In other words, to get creative! Productivity isn't only about crossing things off a to-do list; it’s also about integrating and synthesizing.
This concept of headspace is also superlatively important for creating inclusion in the workplace. Looking ahead, this deconstructing of the psychologically safe workplace will be the DRIVEN theme throughout the month of May.
Not only am I dedicated to this topic as a key part of DRIVEN's mission, but I’m courageously exploring the intricacies of Racial Justice as part of a group of change practitioners. Our monthly meetings dive DEEP into topics such as "What is racism?", “Psychological Processes and Biases”, and “Racism and Power Abuse”. Hence, I’ve adopted the title “Driven JEDI”.
Would you like to join the mission of creating safe spaces? Your reward is greater engagement, creativity and productivity in the workplace, plus greater health and wellness in your life. For further inspiration, navigate the rest of this newsletter to discover our Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month resources!
Cheers!
-Deborah Goldstein
Align Your Organizational Values.
Values are at the heart of who we are, and that goes for both individuals and organizations. These values are not visible, but are reflected in our attitudes, priorities and behaviors. They influence daily decisions and actions. Studies by Barry Z. Posner show that increased insight and understanding of your own values is the single biggest contributor to increased work commitment and motivation, and to a reduction in work related stress. Would you like to align your organizational values? Click HERE to discover what DRIVEN has to offer YOU.
Deepen Your Insights on Asian American Heritage
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. And DRIVEN is raising awareness by examining the colored but often traumatic history of the Asian experience in the US, particularly in light of the recent surge in violence against various Asian ethnicities across our nation. We’ve developed a lagniappe on the DRIVEN website called Deeper Insights: Asian-American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which will feature links to various compelling articles, podcasts, Public Radio segments and more on the topic. Link to the webpage HERE and become enlightened at your own pace.
Understand Means “Stand Under”.
In DRIVEN’s May blog article, we invite you to stand under the realities of others so you can see the world through their eyes. CivilWrights, an effort started by my inspiring friend Gayle Waxenberg, provides two opportunities for you to do so. Once you create a free account, you can watch the replay of two haunting BIPOC realities, which explore the current and ongoing anti-black political and social climate, followed by conversations about our current landscape and creating a more inclusive American Theatre. Start your exploration HERE.
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