(Having) Time for Introspection

In these down times, fraught with worry about how long the hiring freeze may last, whether there will be further 'leaning-out' and/or dissolution of existing firms, I find myself most focused on fostering a daily schedule that reflects "deepest values". Wait! What are these exactly?


For the past seven years, contributing to a design firm that has seen tremendous growth and international success as well as participating in the professional responsibilities of the BCSLA, I saw little opportunity to explore and reflect upon the importance of being conscious of these values; ultimately as a critical part in influencing the direction of my career. Recently, the thoughts of one of my favourite speakers on leadership - Robin Sharma - resounded within. Emphasizing the importance of "visualizing a visit into ourselves, not as we are now but as we want to be at the end of our careers" (if there ever is an end) I am inspired to entertain such a visit.


BE PASSIONATE: This comes in many forms but ultimately reinforces my thoughts on the notion of an 'aura' or 'energy' that embodies each of us. I believe that this is outwardly expressed also, in a manner that cannot be mistaken for hyper-activity but an unmistakeable lust for something(s).


BE CURIOUS: The world is a large place, with an overwhelmingly infinite and exciting number of things, places, and people to experience. While novelty may be possible in form - sometimes bordering on overtly oppressive - the nuances of context ultimately shape the uniqueness of each of these experiences. A passion for learning ultimately drives my insatiable curiosity of the world.


SEEK PERFECTION (BEAUTY): Of course all things natural embody an inherent beauty that often defies explanation. I seek to exact these same principles in all that I do. While perhaps a disabling pursuit at times, perfection, I believe, coincides with beauty. Whether the sensuous lines of an Aston Martin, an exquisite culinary presentation, the mercurial reflection of a quiet lake, or the most tenuous contrast between rusted metal and bronze grasses, all herald of perfection. Some are born others; others are created; all simultaneously strive for perfection and are perfect. I can only hope to achieve and uncover both.


HAVE FUN: "If it ain't fun it ain't worth doing". The power of laughter and humour is increasingly critical in a hyper-sensitive and globally fearing state-of-mind. It is also clear to me that fun is an excellent initiator for innovation and behavioural change in the world. While there is no laughter to be had in the atrocities committed against humanity, an oppressive culture of seriousness in seeking retribution and revenge will certainly not lead us in a direction that is conducive to closeness as 'humans being', or positive change as a society. 


HAVE COMPASSION: I find great satisfaction and reward in seeking to better understand others - likes, dislikes, thoughts, perspectives, and outward signs of intelligence (emotional and intellectual). for me, recent reading on the prerequisites to "design thinking" reinforce the notion that to truly excel at innovation, we must first understand that we are no longer consumers put participants in our purchases of experiences and not just products. Not only will compassion benefit a more civilized state of co-existence, compassion will seek to change the way we design our world and the way we inhabit it.


MAINTAIN INTEGRITY: Being true to oneself, reinforced through a consistency to owning ones thoughts, feelings, and actions. With competitiveness on the rise due to the rise of an unemployed but skilled work-force, opportunity for misrepresentation to gain a competitive edge against ones fellow job-seeker increases. Whether a false claim of work as one's own, a failure to acknowledge another's contribution(s), or a fraudulent representation of character, all such acts ultimately manifest themselves in their inconsistency of action. A strong belief in one's karma reinforces a motivation toward honesty, truthfulness, and a higher sense of purpose in all that I pursue, particularly as a newcomer to a foreign professional community. 


CONTRIBUTE: Obama's recent election and accompanying speeches have reinforced my own desire to leave the world a better place than when I first entered it. This is really a contemporary reminder to JFK's "what [we] can do for [our] country". I would like to take this notion even further and look beyond the confines of legal or political boundaries and extend this selfless call of duty to the entire planet. As the recipient of many influential forces throughout my youth, academic and professional career - most notably my parents - I also seek to be remembered as having a positive influence on those around me. Through many small wins, pursuing a 'lead by example' approach to life will, I hope, reinforce in others some of the more positive aspects of holistic living listed above. 


What is your legacy, and where will you be? It would be an honour to share in your thoughts also.