There are so many reminders to chose from but I whittled it down to a select few. I’m the type of person that feels affirmed by just about everything so I see reminders everywhere. Of course the reminders are not just for me, they are for all of us striving to center in our humanity in the face of work systems designed to dehumanize us.
Growth Mindset Final Boss: Alysa Liu
I’m really glad that I read mindset: the new psychology of success by Dr. Carol S. Dweck before I heard about Alysa Liu. Otherwise, I would have assumed that the qualities that make Alysa so special are unique to her. Fortunately, I know that Alysa is simply the growth mindset final boss and that anyone can adopt a similar mindset.
Compare this quote from the book:
“People in a growth mindset don’t just seek challenge, they thrive on it. The bigger the challenge the more they stretch. And nowhere can it be seen more clearly than the world of sports”
Dweck, mindset p. 21
To this quote from Liu in a recent 60 minutes interview:
“I love struggling, actually. It makes me feel alive.”
The thing I love about Alysa’s mindset is that she applied it to how she approaches the sport in spite of all of the things people feel have to happen to be a professional ice skater. That included taking a two year break to understand her identity outside of ice skating.
Indeed, when Liu launched a comeback two years ago, she did it her way. She would only spend as much time at the practice rink as she wanted.
When I tell you I want you to work like a human this is what I mean. Questioning the ideas you’ve been sold about what work has to look like. Questioning who defines success. Searching for how to divest your identity and your purpose from your work, so that you never feel like those things can be taken from you.
When you do those things, I want you to center joy, and remember Alysa’s joyful performance at the Olympics, that just so happened to also earn the Gold Medal.
Reminders from Bluesky to Divset from what You’ve Been Told [Insert Thing Here] Has to Look Like
I am trying my level best to build this business without burning out or working excessive hours. My core belief for doing this is that nothing has to look like anything, but it sure as heck has to feel human.
These posts made me feel a little more sane.
Ramadan Reminder
I’ve been celebrating Ramadan with a companion book The Call of Allah: A Companion to the Holy Month of Ramadan by Rosina-Fawzia Al-Rawi.
Each day of Ramadan corresponds to a different quality to reflect on.
Day 12, Niyya or Intention had a practice that I can use both at work and when I post on social media:
Whenever you are about to do something, start by asking yourself sincerely, “Does this wish, this deed nourish my pride? Is it to my sole advantage? Does it serve only my pleasure?” and then act honestly.
Al-Rawi, The Call of Allah: A Companion to the Holy Month of Ramadan
I’d like to create content with the intention to serve and to be generous with what I have learned. These questions keep me from falling into the alluring trap of wishing to go viral or monetize every little thing quickly.
Stay Human, Friend
I hope these reminders helped ground you a little more in your humanity. I’ll see you in the next post.
Leave a Reply