“Remember “garbage in, garbage out”, writes Austin Kleon in his book, Steal Like an Artist: 10 things Nobody Told You About Being Creative (Workman Publishing Company, Inc., 2012). “You’re only going to be as good as the people you surround yourself with.”
I think we get so busy these days that we forget these two important truths about life. First, if we consume a diet of limited or incomplete information, we create a world view that is limited and incomplete. Instead, we need to read, listen and learn from a diversity of information sources so we are constantly expanding our depth of understanding and clarity.
Second, we need to continue to expand the circle of people who surround us. New friends, new colleagues and new teachers and mentors help us to have a more holistic world view and understanding.
And finally, we need to remember the words of Edward Tufte as we head further and further into this fall: “I have stared long enough at the glowing flat rectangles of computer screens. Let us give more time for doing things in the real world . . . plant a plant, walk the dogs, read a real book, go to the opera.”
I have yet to meet someone during the later stages of their career or their life who has talked to me about trying to get more e-mail done or finish up a couple of more reports. Most of the time, these important conversations focus on people, lessons learned, and new adventures to be taken.
This week, step away from the glowing flat computer screens at work, and go outside. Marvel at the changes of the season. Celebrate the gift of being alive. Connect with those you love. Count the blessings in your life. These are the miracles that make life meaningful.
No comments:
Post a Comment