Serendipity
May 8, 2008Serendipity. Look for something, find something else, and realize that what you’ve found is more suited to your needs than what you thought you were looking for. — Lawrence Block
I’m finding it quite amazing: a number of opportunities and serendipitous events have popped up since I made the announcement about going solo. It’s quite staggering.
I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. At other times in my life when I’ve taken risks, unexpected things have happened — and usually for the better. Perhaps it has less to do with being in the right place at the right time and is more about putting yourself in the right position creates the right time? Or perhaps it’s because of emergence - patterns arising out of a multiplicity of relatively simple interactions? I’m getting philosophical now and wading in way too deep.
I’m not trying to brag about my ’success’ on day 3 - after all they’re just opportunities. I haven’t hit pay dirt, nor am I receiving buyout offers (yet). I mention it because it might be relevant to you other would-be entrepreneurs out there who are waiting to take destiny into your own hands, but just haven’t quite made the leap over the chasm. I hope it inspires you to throw caution to the wind and to set sail on your own adventure. Perhaps your big opportunity is sitting there waiting for you to make the next move?
A big thanks to all of my friends and colleagues who’ve sent me notes wishing me well, and for those who’ve been kind enough to put my name forward; to beat the jungle drums; to care. Cheers.
Going solo
May 5, 2008It’s time to announce that I’m embarking on a new and exiting phase of my life. My relationship with Anecdote is about to change. From the 16th May onwards I’ll be working freelance. This will give me greater flexibility and allow more freedom to pursue other opportunities.
I remain good friends with Mark and Shawn and we still have plans to stay in touch and do some exciting things together. I’ll just no longer be a full-time employee.
I plan to concentrate my efforts on working as a Facilitator, enabling groups to work collaboratively & effectively in meetings, workshops, conferences, retreats, forums, seminars and other exchanges. I am keeping an eye out for opportunities and new clients.
Making the leap is pretty scary, but it’s also really exciting at the same time. If you have any thoughts or suggestions that might help me, I’d be interested in having a conversation with you. Please contact me.
D.
One of my photographs published
May 3, 2008One of my photos from our holiday to Tasmania in Nov-2006 has been selected for inclusion in the newly released second edition of the Schmap Australia Guide: Adventure Bay. Cool. The original is on my flickr site.
Getting things done with a Moleskine
May 2, 2008This is going to sound pretty simplistic, but one of the best things that I’ve done to significantly improve my productivity is carry a notebook with me at all times. My preference is the moleskine.
I receive many comments from people about my moleskine. Perhaps it’s because I guard it closely and don’t let it out of my sight? Or perhaps, it’s because it looks like a passport and they think I could be trying to make a quick get away anytime soon?
The truth is, the molekine Is my front-end collection system for GTD. It’s been over 18 months since I started using the molekine/GTD productivity combination and I seriously don’t know how I ever managed to get anything done previously.
GTD rests on the principle that you need to off-load what needs to get done from your head — ideas, tasks, notes, inspirations, sketches — by recording them somewhere. This is so fundamental to stress-free productivity.
So, I carry my pocket-sized moleskine everywhere I go. And I do mean ‘everywhere’. I’m literally never without it. If I do find myself without it, I start to break out in a cold sweat of panic and dread. Of course, I could just get another notebook, or scrap of paper, even a simple napkin would suffice — but let’s not discuss logic and reasoning here.
I have a couple of friends who — after seeing me do it almost religously — have also adopted this practice (and love the molekine too). They have commented to me about their own successes, which I’m really pleased to share.
I’m also keen to share GTD experiences with others, both new and experienced. I’ve set up a facebook group for Aussie GTDers. Join me there, or feel free to contact me.
Getting out of the way
May 1, 2008I was facilitating a meeting earlier this week, and during some reflection time near the closing one of the participants kindly said … “Oh, and I’d like to thank the facilitator who has largely managed to stay out of the way.” “Yes, fantastic!” I thought, “I’ve done my job!”
Now this might seem a little counter-intuitive, after all I was being paid to facilitate the group, what was I thinking by staying out of the way? I was doing this: creating space and letting them get on with it.
the ultimate facilitator will do nothing and remain totally invisible — Harrison Owen
