Don't wait until the end of this year to reflect on your triumphs and tribulations. Reflecting now turns into learning, which, year after year, turns into wisdom.
The past 18 months have been challenged us to intentionally create variety so that our repetitive quarantine tasks did not turn into bad habits. Or did some slip through? We were working against muscle memory and longing for our pre-pandemic lives. But isn't it funny that because we had so much time on our hands to think, it led us to not miss some things about the good old days? That's the power of reflection!
Now that we're halfway through 2021, there's no better time to stop amidst the chaos and take some time to rewind and review. Here is a selection of questions from Drew McLellan to get you started. Once we get to December 31, it’s hard to remember all of the answers to these, so think through them now.
Reflections:
- What did you have to remind yourself of more than once over the six months, and how can you avoid that same pattern into 2021-2022?
- Who came to your rescue in 2020 and helped in some way — profound or not?
- What are you most proud of when you look back on the last year?
Refractions:
- Who surprised you this past year, and what does it mean for the coming year?
- What worry never came to pass or turned out differently than you expected? What’s the lesson there?
- Where did you waste your time this past year, and how do you eliminate that distraction in the future?
- What important goal keeps eluding you? Be honest with yourself — why?
The power of reflection is that it helps us to have better management of our emotions and mind. And that certainly makes us better as we deliver our craft! Now that's some #marketing #motivation.
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I love this quote from this 3-minute article: "Sometimes success is just about avoiding failure." Just like we need to learn to make good decisions (a lifelong process, yes?), we also need to learn how to avoid bad decisions. It lays out 5 filters that lead us to poor decision-making. The one that spoke to me is #2: We solve the wrong problem. Sometimes we just want to do what we want to do, for better or for worse.
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I don't remember the exact day this came across my desk, but I needed it that day. The Cult of Done Manifesto was mentally and emotionally freeing. This proclamation will help squelch your perfectionistic tendencies. Some things are ok to be not-quite-done but there are a whole lot more things that need a fine (a music reference). They will be good enough!
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For those searching for their WHY...I've done several value proposition projects over the past few years and I enjoy digging down to find the lowest common denominator. And what I love even more is seeing a value prop then develop into marketing messages and materials. All my best advice here.
For anyone contemplating a new desk setup...Let's be honest. Working from your "home office" over the past year (that you may have thrown together) can get mind-numbing. Take a look at my desk and the desks of other top marketers and shake it up!
For all looking for new ideas...Speaking of desk setups, I just got a new camera and can't wait to try it out during my High-Five Nonprofit Marketing Ideas video series. Have you checked it out?
For everyone with a sweet tooth...Just for making it this far, I have a special treat for you (literally). Click here to get an ice cream cone on me at Baskin Robbins! Just flash this at checkout for summer relief. (This is first-come, first-serve, so I can't guarantee the balance when you get to the checkout, so have a backup payment just in case.)
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"Does anyone have any favorite marketing podcasts you like to listen to? I am NOT a reader but love to listen to podcasts on my walk with my dogs and figure that’s a good way for personal development outside of work!"
Well, this is an easy one! I'm definitely a podcast junkie, and not just because I've been podcasting personally for the past year. I've gained so many good nuggets from these:
- Two Marketing Moms: We talk about topics specific to careers in the advertising and marketing industry.
- Agency Life: The topics are for agency leaders and agency owners. If you're looking to get ahead in your career, this is a window into management and all that comes with it.
- Build a Better Agency: I appreciate Drew and the Agency Management Institute for all their content. Like Agency Life, this podcast covers topics managers and owners face in the creative industry.
- CMO Moves from Adweek: Who doesn't want to hear from the brilliant minds that some of the biggest brands trust to lead their marketing efforts?
- Expert Marketing Matters: From an agency that helps agencies market themselves better, this podcast has great topics about new business.
- In-ear Insights: Dive deep into digital marketing and really all things digital.
- Freelance Fix: Sometimes, I like getting down and dirty on a subject (to fight that imposter syndrome), and even though Rosanna's in the UK, it all applies.
- Mom Is In Control: When I want to tackle life topics related to business, Heather is my go-to.
Thanks to the Facebook group The Daily Carnage for this question.
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