Recess, Reassess, Reinvent

Everywhere, the headlines are the same. Times are hard, jawbreaker hard. It’s one stiff whiskey sour all around. Well, allow me to lend a back hand of salt to make that bitter tang a bit more palatable. I really believe that this period of “reduced economic activity” can be one of profound growth. It gives us time to reassess, reposition, and reinvent not only our workplaces but ourselves.

So with spring finally upon us, I have put together 6 easy steps to reinvent yourself.

1.) Turn Off the Excess Distress

This first step aims to help clear your head and get some clarity.

The radio, news sites, television, newspapers all are saying the same things: Be afraid, don’t do anything worthwhile, you could be next. While it is wise to be mindful of current events, the news avalanche we are under is paralyzing. I am not saying to live in denial or ignorance is bliss. I am saying “I get it, I feel you but (as my wife would say) talk to the hand.” This goes double to our own internal news commentators in our heads. We all know times are tough, so it’s time to ween off the fear fix.

What I’m doing: I put on commercial-free internet radio Instead of talk radio. I love pandora.com and somafm.com. As for television time, it has dropped to nearly zero, so we finally exiled the TV from our bedroom once and for all. I’m trying to reduce time spent reading (or dwelling) on news sites and blogs. Also, my iPhone has been put on notice. It doesn’t get much attention after 7 P.M. and it has lost all of its bedside table privileges as well. Blackberries, this could go for you too. Now, what to do with my surplus of social networks?

2.) Find and/or Rediscover your Passion

Now that we can think a bit more clearly, the next step aims to fan your fire:

We all have things we daydream doing during our crazy lives. It’s these very daydreams that launched a million car license plate frames stating “I’d rather be……(fill yours in here or check the back of your car if you forgot).” So if you find things moving a bit slower than usual, why not use this time to explore some of these daydreams? If you’re not slow—and many of us are still busy—block out some time and make it happen. Just stop talking yourself out of a deal (see step)!

What I’m doing: I love to cook. I have a collection of books and two years worth of Cooking Light stored away that went untouched for a year. I have started to comb through them and have recently tried a few recipes I have always wanted. I tried a recipe for shrimp ceviche and took it to a new meet-up group. Now I’m known as “Mr. Ceviche” by some. Also, I’ve gotten back to my long lost love of songwriting.

3.) Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Building on the momentum of the previous two steps, this next one will hopefully further break down the “lay low” mentality that seems so prevalent right now.

Do something of interest that makes you feel like the dorky, eighth grader that had gummy bears stuck to their braces. In other words, uncomfortable, queasy, or nauseous. This is where we possibly put some Miracle Grow on your soul and confidence. Join a local interest group at meetup.com, try toastmasters, sign up for an open mic or learn the cha cha.

What I’m Doing: Since having worked with various youth-focused organizations and non-profits on the creative side, I have longed to find a way to get involved at the ground level. I recently found a new youth mentoring program and have begun the process of learning to become a youth mentor!

4.) Empty Out The Inbox

With some good forward process made in the previous steps, now let’s see if we can throw some more excess baggage out the window.

Remember that lunch with your old co-worker? How about the summer pictures Aunt Sue asked about last Labor Day? Perhaps you have a dental procedure that has been on the back burner since Bill and Al were in office. Its time to get that monkey off your back and make a serious dent to your inbox, honey-do list or the nagging pit in your stomach! Maybe it’s simple as reading all the books you’ve always wanted (library cards are still pretty affordable the last time I checked). Maybe you simply reconnect with a long-lost friend over coffee (you should have some exciting new things to chat about if you followed the previous 3 steps).

What I am doing: Lately, I have done a ton of thinking about writing, but not a lot of writing. This newsletter is part of that process. The dentist (gulp) will see me in 2009. Also, I have given myself the gift of reconnecting with long-lost friends.

5.) Become A Master Blaster!

By now, you may have rekindled your love of the kazoo or perhaps you have a new blog. Now it’s time to focus as much time and info on your newly discovered interest.

You got something you like or enjoy, now become obsessed and merge with it. Change your mindset from “I like singing” into “I am a singer, whhhaaaaaa!” (sing in 80’s metal voice). Become the actionscript Guru of Norco or the poet laureate of Westminster. Then, start your own social network at ning.com. The “Wednesday Night Barry Manilow and Sushi Lovers” social network could be yours tonight!

What I am doing: Again, I have been reading more about cooking and getting more ambitious with my recipes. Cooking classes could be next. Also, I have continued to become more active in all things “green” and eco-friendly. I took the Green Living workshop at the Sustainable Works in Santa Monica and attended the Opportunity Green conference.

6.) Enjoy Simplicity

Perhaps you’ve challenged yourself to discover your hidden talent for the mandolin or paso doble. Hopefully, in finding an interest that excites you’ve made your confidence soar as well as make yourself more interesting. The final step gets you to enjoy the little things in life and bask in the joy of your newfound identity.

Take a walk and enjoy the sound of life around the neighborhood. Relish the quietness of a library or the chatter of the coffee house. Enjoy a good conversation with your friends or family. This should be much richer with the din of the television off and blackberries, iPhones and e-mail put in check. It has become clear: life changes quickly, so the time to enjoy it is now. TIP: This step can and should be applied at any stage in the process.

What I am doing: I walk the dog in the evening and enjoy the sounds of the neighborhood, or a playlist on my ipod. I’ve taken my gym routine outdoors to include a run outside. I also enjoy buying produce at the local farmers markets instead of running through the bump and grind mosh pit at the Trader Joe’s.

None of these tips are groundbreaking and I am not holding my breathe for an appearance on Dr. Phil. However, I do sincerely hope that they inspire you to take a different look at life in this time of uncertainty and plant a seed inside you to make a change. Enjoy right now (yes, right now, right now)!

Let me know any tips of your own or how you were able apply these!