Why is it that we take things for granted until something happens to make us stop and pay attention?
My life is in a constant state of go, go, go, so when I do have a few hours to spare, I like to enjoy content that forces me to relish all of the blessings in life. This week, I’ve focused on a few sources that provide deeper meaning to my relationships and a greater appreciation of my athletic and physical abilities.
I’m reading:
“The SPEED of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything” by Stephen M.R. Covey
As the title indicates, trust can dictate how you view other people and how they perceive you in return. As Covey puts it, trust impacts us 24/7, 365 days of the week. Too often, we overlook the impact of trust in our relationships. Covey expertly explores the five waves of trust and the 13 behaviors that affect trust.
As a new manager, I can apply Covey’s ideas about trust to how I interact with those I directly support each day. My favorite quote from the book was by Booker T. Washington: “Few things can help an individual more than to place responsibility on him, and to let him know that you trust him.” It’s a fairly simple idea, yet I believe conveying my trust in my co-workers can boost their productivity and confidence.
How have you established, destroyed, or restored your trust in your personal and professional life? This book is definitely worth a read for anyone wanting to improve his or her relationships.
I’m watching:
“Rising From Ashes” directed by T.C. Johnstone
In preparation for our half IRONMAN, my husband and I looked to this film for inspiration. “Rising From Ashes” is an independent film about the development of a national cycling team in Rwanda after the 1994 genocide. It’s a story of hope and second chances — not only for the cyclists, but also for the country.
Cycling legend Jock Boyer helps a group of genocide survivors achieve their dream of forming a national team. While most coaches only have to worry about their players’ athletic needs, this team faced both physical and mental issues. Most rode on 20-year-old wooden bikes, and one cyclist had lost 60 family members in the genocide. Needless to say, the determination and compassion we saw in the film more than inspired us to train for — and finish — our race.
The most notable scene in the film is when a cyclist, a Tutsi, is about to win a race when his bike chain suddenly breaks. His teammate, a Hutu, gives up his bike and his chance of winning to allow his teammate — and former enemy — to achieve his dream.
I’m listening to:
“Battling Mediocrity in Content: Ann Handley Talks to Marketing Smarts” hosted by Kerry O’Shea Gorgone
I love following influencers in our industry to stay up-to-date on new trends and apply them to my own work. Ann Handley is chief content officer at MarketingProfs and a bestselling author. In this podcast, she discusses how to become a better writer and create engaging articles with the consumer in mind.
My favorite quote of hers about what makes great writing is this: “The biggest thing is really having a helping mentality to very specifically focus on the reader. To think almost relentlessly about the reader, and the reader’s experience.” I’d love to see more authors take the focus off their own goals and work to teach others through their content first.
What are some informative or inspiring resources you’ve read, watched, or listened to this week? How have they influenced the way you live and see the world?
