Zeitgeist is such an expressive word. Literally meaning “time” and “spirit,” it describes the general intellectual, moral, and cultural climate of an era. How would you describe the “spirit”’ of the time we’re in? Globally, nationally and at a local level, there’s a lot going on. Feels like we’re facing a run target of 100 off 5 overs and our star bowler’s facing their star bowler.
It’s time for a pep talk.
Get a lift
There’re lots of ways to get a lift. Meditation, devotion, meeting up with friends, going for a run, playing the guitar, listening to music, or losing yourself in a series, movie or book can do the trick. I usually find something inspiring in Eric Barker’s blog, “Barking up the Wrong Tree”. His approach is scientific, yet practical.
In his latest piece, Barker engages with the author, David Epstein whose book, “Range,” hit Best Seller status in several rankings. The premise of the book is that “as experts silo themselves further while computers master more of the skills once reserved for highly focused humans, people who think broadly and embrace diverse experiences and perspectives will increasingly thrive.” The book advocates spreading your knowledge across multiple domains as the key to success.
Broaden your range of skills
Without trying to cram too many concepts in here, let me share just one to fire up those synapses. It’s practical advice on how to go about broadening your ‘range’ of skills and experiences through a cycle of action and reflection.
Start with a “book of “small experiments.” Psychologists call it “self-regulatory learning” as it’s an exercise in learning about yourself – what you like and how you learn. In your book put down something you want to learn more about and what you’re going to do to explore this. You might find an expert to talk to, or do a course. There’s no pressure to become an ace in everything you try. Quit and move on to something else.
Reflect after action
After action, take time to reflect. Write down what met your expectations and what was disappointing. Epstein advises that, as you go from one low-stakes experiment to another, keep actively reflecting. Subjects in Harvard research he quotes demonstrated what happens. They found fulfilling work as their understanding of what aspects of a hobby or line of work they liked, or disliked.
Engage your mind
Making time to consistently engage your mind in this way takes discipline. Epstein suggests devoting a block of time each week to your experiments.
Two of the Nobel winners Epstein writes about in “Range” set aside time for experiments that had nothing to do with their workday assignments. Andre Geim called it “Friday night experiments,” and Oliver Smithies called it “Saturday morning experiments.” They both made their biggest breakthroughs during these periods of exploration.
Big gains can be made from a small, regular commitment. Sounds worth a try. With the pep talk over, may you have a productive, creative day.
Please get in touch if you have any communication needs, ….
Reference: https://bakadesuyo.com/2023/02/find-your-passion/ – I’ve added this link in the story, it should cut and paste, or <insert link? With this URL when you load the post.