Thriving Through Mindfulness and Creativity: Insights for the Wisepreneur
Hello , As Wisepreneurs, we all feel the pace of this incredibly fast-moving world. If you are like me, you must wonder how this year has gone so fast! I’ve found that navigating this relentless pace of change requires two essential tools: mindfulness and creativity. While I am not perfect with these two, they help me stay grounded, think clearly, and adapt purposefully—qualities I think are essential for thriving personally and professionally. These are particularly relevant as we try to balance our personal growth with professional aspirations in a world that has radically changed both technically and socially over our lifetimes. This week, I want to explore insights from two people: Dr. Ellen Langer on mindfulness and Professor Naomi Baron on the enduring value of writing. Together, their ideas are worth reflecting on in how they can influence and inspire us. Segment 1: Mindfulness as a Catalyst for ChangeDr. Ellen Langer is a pioneer in the field of mindfulness, offering us a transformative perspective on the power of staying present. Her book Counter Clockwise (which I first read in 2010) and her latest release, The Mindful Body, provide valuable guidance for dealing with uncertainty and noticing the novelties of daily life. Key highlights from her recent podcast appearance on the Collective Insights Podcast on August 20, 2024, called Mindsets - Dr Ellen Langer - Mind-Body Connection: • Be Present: Mindfulness isn’t about meditating but noticing. By observing subtle changes in your work and life, you open yourself to new opportunities and solutions. • Decide, Then Act: Forget agonising over the “right” decision. Instead, choose a path and commit to making it work. This approach reduces stress and cognitive overload, making it particularly effective for Wisepreneurs who juggle many priorities. • Challenge Fixed Thinking: Reframe perceived limitations as possibilities. Whether in health or productivity, a mindset shift can unlock untapped potential. The critical takeaway is that mindfulness fosters adaptability and resilience, which can help Wisepreneurs thrive in a world of constant change. Actionable Tip: Try starting each day by noticing three new things in your environment or work. This simple exercise can spark creativity and reduce the tendency to operate on autopilot. Segment 2: Writing to Think and ThriveProfessor Naomi Baron, author of Who Wrote This? How AI and the Lure of Efficiency Threaten Human Writing draws our attention to the powerful connection between writing and thinking. In a recent episode of The Innovation Show (October 31, 2024), Naomi S. Baron, author of Who Wrote This? How AI and the Lure of Efficiency Threaten Human Writing emphasises the critical need to preserve the human element in writing. For Wisepreneurs, this is more than a skill—it’s the foundation for creating authentic and meaningful work. Her key insights include: • Writing Strengthens Thinking: Baron says, “I only know what I think when I see what I write.” Writing allows us to clarify and refine our ideas, with the struggle leading to growth. • Protect Your Voice: While AI tools can assist with content creation, your unique perspective and lived experiences bring authenticity and depth. • Leverage AI Thoughtfully: Use AI as a helper, not a substitute. The time you save should be reinvested in crafting your message and ensuring it resonates with your audience. Takeaway: Writing transforms thought into action and fosters authenticity—the cornerstone of being a Wisepreneur. Actionable Tip: Experiment with reflective journaling. Dedicate 10 minutes daily to writing about your challenges, goals, or reflections. This practice can help you process complex ideas and maintain your unique voice. Closing Note: Your presence and creativity are superpowers. Whether through mindful noticing or writing to refine your ideas, each step strengthens your identity as a Wisepreneur. Creativity isn’t just a skill—it’s a mindset. It is often as simple as finding a better way to do or explain something. Knowing that mindfulness and writing are growth tools can help you stay relevant and thoughtful, continue to thrive, and inspire others. AI can be a valuable tool for enhancing and augmenting our work, but it cannot fully capture or represent our thoughts. So, we must write, think, notice, reflect, and read interesting books. Both of these books are now on my reading list. You can explore the idea of noticing in one of my earlier podcast episodes featuring Dr Mark Goulston. https://www.wisepreneurs.au/mark-goulston-md-author-podcaster-marshall-goldsmith-100-coach-and-so-much-more/ Don’t miss our upcoming episodes. The next one launches on Friday, November 30. More next week. Nigel Rawlins Check out all the Wisepreneurs Podcasts |
