I Am Proud of You

Mike Barzacchini photo

This sign on the Harper College campus expresses what I want to say to you. I'm proud of the week you've had, your accomplishments, new learnings, and connections. Some of it may seem insignificant now but just wait. Your small ripples this week will make waves. Whether you're embarking on a long weekend or grinding through take a moment to reflect on the people and moments that matter. And get ready to ride that wave.

Chasing the Next Big Fish

My son, realizing a childhood dream one cast, one story at a time.

Found in an old notebook, written by me 17 years ago. Jonathan definitely followed this advice (at least the first part). He's fished and filmed on six continents and as I write this, he's back in South America casting for the next big story. He inspires me to continue to follow my dreams and try to catch my next big fish.

Half Moon. Full Heart.

Moon half-full, glass half-full, heart overflowing as I begin the week. Wishing you a week filled with what matters most. (Mike Barzacchini Photo) #goals #mondaymotivation #mondaythoughts #letsgo

Don't Get Derailed as February Begins

My “don’t get derailed” watchdog.

I enter each year with fresh energy and enthusiasm. I'm not a resolution-maker, but I do set goals and I create what I call my "more list." These are things that I want more of in my life during the year.

As we start February, I consider what will keep me on track? Will I be able to stay focused and succeed without getting derailed?

Last year, I put a sticky note over my desk that featured a photo of a Labrador Retriever and a word balloon. Inside the word balloon, I wrote, "Don't get derailed." That simple bit of self-advice has helped me stay more focused on achieving my goals and getting that important "more" into my life.

But that doesn't mean I still don't get derailed. If it's for an hour or even a day, it may not be a big deal. I can recover and get back on the path toward my goals. But sometimes getting sidetracked picks up a momentum of its own. It may become more difficult to find my way back.

Lately, it's helped me to note what sidetracks me so that I'm aware if I'm straying from the path. I've also started to keep a list of those strategies and tactics that either help me stay on track or get me back if I've fallen off.

It's not perfect, but I'm learning that awareness is critical, followed by intention when it comes to moving forward with what matters most in my work and my life.

What gets you sidetracked? And how do you get back on track?

Don't Get Sidetracked

Heading into my week with this reminder. How do you keep from getting sidetracked and stay focused on what matters most?

Lew Archer and I Share a Purpose

The Lew Archer books by Ross Macdonald have been a comforting companion for me these past two years, both in print and in audiobook format, read by Grover Gardner. It wasn’t until chapter 29 of Black Money, that I discovered Archer, Macdonald’s world-weary PI, and I shared a purpose. Here’s the excerpt:

“Money isn’t the only thing in life.”

“That’s what I used to think, until this. What are you, a do-gooder or something?”

“I wouldn’t say so. I’m working hard at not being a do-badder.”

She gave me a puzzled look. “I don’t get you, Archer. What’s your angle?”

“I like people and I try to be of some service.”

I like people and I try to be of some service. I can’t think of a better purpose for me.

How Do You Get Unstuck?

Mike Barzacchini Photo

How often do you get stuck? Sometimes the better question for me would be, “how often do you get stuck in one day?”

I try to pay attention when I get stuck or I feel like I’m about to get stuck. And I try to stage an unstuck intervention. Something small and meaningful that changes my mindset, my energy, and my attitude. Here are some of my unstuck strategies:

• Brew tea.

• Walk the dogs. We have four, so I can usually find a willing partner.

• Go out and look at the trees (the birds, the moon…).

• Read poetry.

• Search for an inspirational quote and write it down in my notebook.

• Write in my journal.

• Stretch.

• Meditate for five or ten minutes.

• Do timed writing or timed drawing — something like three minutes — on a topic or idea unrelated to what I’m working on.

• Write a letter to a family member or friend. Not an email or text, but an old-fashioned pen on paper letter or postcard.

One of these will usually unstick me and often lead to a new thought or better idea related to the project I’m working on. What works for you when you’re trying to get unstuck?

My 2022 More List

I haven’t made resolutions for years. What’s worked for me have been more lists. These are things I want to practice or experience more of in my year. Here’s my 2022 more list:

• Music

• Laughter

• Kindness

• Connections

• Gratitude

• Poetry

• Nature

What do you hope to experience more of in 2022?

The One Solution to the Riddle of Life

“There is but one solution to the intricate riddle of life; to improve ourselves, and contribute to the happiness of others.”― Mary Shelley

It’s not always an easy path, but it’s the path worth striving to stay on.

Congratulations. We Make it to Friday.

The steps may have been small. But the steps were forward. Congratulations on your week. Wishing you a great weekend and even bigger wins next week.

How Do You Reward Yourself?

How do you reward yourself for reaching a goal? How do you celebrate a job well done?

Celebrating even the smallest progress is important. It’s something I often forget to do. Rewards not only help motivate me. They also keep me focused. Sometimes that focus is its own reward

I started this year with a goal to write and publish one blog post a day. I identified a reward. I’d treat myself to ice cream at the end of each month. With the exception of one hiccup, I’ve stuck to my goal. In fact, for the months of January and February, I wrote and posted every day without fail. That’s two complete months. That’s two ice cream rewards.

Here’s the thing, while I continue to write and post, I’ve yet to collect. I track each day’s goal and write down the reward achieved at the end of each month, almost like an “I owe me.” Yet the promise of the reward helps keep me writing every day.

Whether it’s ice cream, pizza night, or a beach vacation, I hope you remember to reward yourself in a way that keeps you moving forward toward your goal while celebrating your successes.

Now, excuse me. I need to go and start collecting on a debt. I’m thinking vanilla with salted carmel.