I Give it a Year

I give it a year.

To many people this would seem like a negative thing; a phrase of most epically discouraging and disrespectful proportions; a cocky bet against a relationship, business – just a bad omen against any success.

To me it was five of the most encouraging words I could have heard while in my work place.

You see, being the new girl or guy is hard no matter what you know, where you are or whom you work for – even though I work for and with amazing people: Dynamic visionaries, acceptant of my quirks and qualms. Yes, I’m getting paid while I write this blog, but I’m not getting paid to write this blog. (See what I did there?)

So there I was, initiating a performance review – a stuffy, archaic choice of words compared to how Worx works, but that is how the corporate world recognizes this concept…

So I asked, how am I doing? I really wanted to know if, in over-dramatizing my resumé, was I also over promising my work? Sure, I didn’t say I could speak seven languages, was ambidextrous with my feet or I had the ability to levitate. However, I’m a writer, and that one sheet of paper was my chance to prove my creative linguistic abilities. So way back in October of 2013 I took the liberty of being creative.

Every day since Laura and I have been learning to understand and cultivate my written language, so it reflects the custom work and strategies Amber and Kassie establish. Thereafter I realized I got one thing right on my resume: A picture speaks a thousand words; a writer’s job is to find them. When I penned that I had not realized just how prophetic it would be, because now it was time to put that into effect.

I give it a year, she replied at that performance review. A year? I can do a year. I have plenty of those, I hope.

Here’s the gist of the conversation:

You’re getting there. Ask any of the girls, and they’ll tell you that it takes a good year to get to know the clients and to communicate with them, to communicate for them and to understand them and their brand. And to feel confident doing it.

According to my LinkedIn Profile, (my poor calculation capabilities are not to be trusted), I’m coming up on that year and as I look back, Laura’s right. Although I’m not surprised. I’m a self-deprecating woman, so I admit that I was hesitant to believe I’d have the gutsy (proud Green Couch product placement) to get to know the clients, communicate on their behalf and feel confident during the entire process.

Most importantly I’ve learned to refer to Worx in the first person, taking ownership of my identity among the Worx team.

Where I work, “Your big idea means as much to us as it does to you, which is why we create Visual Branding for Big Ideas…so, how can we make it Write For You?”

Well, here’s to many more years. Y’all are stuck with me now!

Your Simple Life Manifesto – Part Three

In like a lion, and out like a lamb. That seems to be how March works for us. The weight of an endless winter combined with work, family and everyday life can have a huge impact mentally and physically. Not to worry, I have some good news! The final part of this three-part series will focus on ways to simplify your personal heath and well-being.

Simplify your health. There are a number of ways to maintain your health easily.

Eat healthfully. It isn’t news that diet is important to your overall health. A lot of fruits and veggies, and less of the bad stuff like processed foods, refined sugar and flour will do wonders for the way you feel. A healthy diet is not a quick fix for dropping a few pounds; it needs to be part of your lifestyle.

Get moving. Feeling the winter blahs? Get back in touch with nature! Bundle up and head outside, even if it is for a short walk. I promise, you will feel much more energized and ready to take on the world.

Treat yourself. Everyone needs a little TLC now and then. Why not schedule a massage or a manicure? Getting pampered is a great chance to relax and rejuvenate.

Free your mind. You can do this anywhere and anytime. Meditation allows you to focus on what really matters while taking a moment to relax. How do you meditate? Relax your mind and let your thoughts come and go. There isn’t a wrong way to do it.

Have some you time. This may be uncomfortable for some, but spending time alone gives clarity on what is important to you. This quiet time gives you time to think and discover who you are.

Spend time with loved ones. More time with people you enjoy (and less with those you don’t). Find time to reconnect and do things with them.

Streamline your interactions. There are some basic ways to simplify your relationships that will save you headaches in the long run:

• Learn how to say no. You can’t please everyone, and if you try, you will please everyone but yourself.

• Don’t cross oceans for those who wouldn’t jump puddles for you. Stop giving to those that fail time and time again to do the same.

• Follow your gut. If something seems a little shady, it probably is. Don’t be influenced by these types of people.

The journey to a simple life is personal, and there is no wrong way to get there. What works for you today may need to be adjusted down the road. Some final thoughts: Don’t worry about something if you cannot change the outcome. If you can, do it! “Be yourself,” sounds cliché but it exists for a reason. It is much easier just to be who you are. The right people will love you for being authentically you.

Think Big

Have you ever had a crazy idea that would blow everyone’s mind? You start mentally elaborating the meticulous genius details - then, unfortunately, you start second guessing yourself. People might think it’s dumb, or that it’s not achievable? Then before you know it, poof it’s gone, and the opportunity is missed…

Fear no more!

Don’t be afraid of the big ideas: embrace them. Think BIG, be brave, and don’t be afraid to speak up! Most people will have respect for those who think out of the box. So what if it’s not totally realistic, it can easily be narrowed down to a more realistic, attainable version. It’s all part of the process.

Get the bad ideas, the expensive ideas, the totally non-traditional ideas out first. At least they will be out of your brain, where they could potentially be forgotten, and instead be put on paper as proof to be referenced back to.

Can’t find a “genre” that fits your idea? Guess what, there’s a genre just for that!

Guerilla Marketing n. innovative, unconventional, and low-cost marketing techniques aimed at obtaining maximum exposure for a product.

Your big idea is original, unexpected and attention getting. Bring them up in those brainstorming sessions or meetings. Get everyone’s mind out of the in-the-box RUT.  Who cares if it’s new or un-heard of…

…everything that exists now was once the new “weird” idea.