If you want to tap into a ready source of motivation and energy, try reaching out to someone who inspires you.
I spent an hour a couple days ago interviewing Brian Johnson for my podcast. Brian is the founder of Zaadz, a social networking site with a social conscience (think Facebook for people who want to make a difference).
As always seems to happen when I talk to people who are up to some amazing things in the world, I came away feeling so inspired I could barely see straight.
If you remember, I did a 30-in-30 experiment back in November, attempting to reach out and have 30 phone conversations in 30 days with people I had never talked to before, with no intention other than to connect. I think it actually ended up being 23-in-30, but the number was less important than the pattern it set.
I have started incorporating that idea into my life on an ongoing (albeit more sustainable) basis. Once or twice a week I try to reach out and have a conversation with someone new. Invariably, it gives me a boost. I might even come away with new ideas or perspectives.
There's a long-term benefit as well of course, because what I'm actually doing is planting the seeds for relationships. And it's in relationships that the magic starts, whether in our own careers or with the change we want to make in the world.
Who would you reach out to? Why not make a list, pick one, and drop them a line? Take a step, then build on it. Who knows where it might lead?
Curt Rosengren, Passion Catalyst TM
I did this yesterday actually. After resisting talking to teachers I know about my program for so long due to anxiety I actually reached out and called a lot of them. The result was a lot of positive conversations in which they were interested in hearing what I had to say. I've set up meetings with people that I wasn't expecting.
Reaching out is well worth it.
Posted by: Matt Langdon | January 24, 2008 at 07:43 AM
Excellent, Matt! Very cool to hear it started yielding results right away as well.
Posted by: Curt Rosengren | January 25, 2008 at 12:57 PM