PAUSE 16.04 – PAT ANSWERS VIDEO: Malaise – Who Cares? Why Does It Matter?
February 24, 2016
Welcome to the second in a six part series of short (3 minute) videos that explore the new topic I’ve been developing: Rekindling The Spark – Navigating Mid-Life Malaise.
New Art Website In The Works: If you enjoy the art from the Pauseworks Studio, you might be interested to learn that I’m working on the design for a new fine art website and blog, featuring new works as well as stories from behind the scenes.
I’ve been challenged as I navigate the wordpress software. But, heh, a little stretching and a lot of learning can be very good things. I’ll let you know when it goes live.
Last Call: Are you one of the 134 Pause readers who have already entered your name in the draw to celebrate my 30 years in biz? If not, you’ll find the scoop on the three prizes and entry details at Celebrating The Leap. Draws will be made February 29th.
PAUSE 16.02 – PAT ANSWERS VIDEO: What Is Malaise Anyway?
February 10, 2016
Welcome to the first in a six part series of short (3 minute) videos that explore the new topic I’ve been developing: Rekindling The Spark – Navigating Mid-Life Malaise.
Today’s focus: Malaise – What Is It Anyway? Other topics in this series will be released in the weeks ahead. For details on what’s coming up, see below.
Just click on the image below to access the video for this episode. Enjoy!
Watch for upcoming PAT ANSWERS Videos in this series:
Episode #2: Malaise – Who cares? Why does it matter?
Episode #3: Malaise – Isn’t it just an ‘old folks’ problem?
Episode #4: Malaise – How do people deal with the challenge?
Episode #5: Malaise – What can you do to find your way through?
Episode #6: Malaise – How do you help those caught in the grip?
NEWS NOTES:
Engagement Series – I’m partnering with the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan to deliver three spring sessions as part of a brand new Engagement Series. Sessions include: Fueling Enthusiasm, Boosting Energy & Tapping Passion. Sign up for one or save a bundle by registering for all three. This link takes you to the Engagement Series Info.
Pick Me – Are you one of the 94 Pause readers who have already entered your name in the draw to celebrate my 30 years in biz? If not, you’ll find the scoop on the three prizes and entry details at Celebrating The Leap.
Celebrating The Leap
February 1, 2016
This month marks my 30th year in business – as a speaker, writer and artist. When I stepped away from a regular salary and hung out my shingle in 1986, I took a leap of faith. I had no idea if my business would survive and I certainly didn’t expect it to last this long.
It’s been a great adventure to captain my own ship. And, I could not have done it without the trust of clients, a network of colleagues, and the support of family and friends.
To mark this milestone, I’m sharing my gratitude through these three give aways (one for each decade):
A bundle of 30 copies of Take A Bow (for you to share with those who support you most)
An original ink and watercolor sketch (inspired by your photo of a place that matters to you)
A hundred dollar donation to a charity of your choice
To enter the draw, just send an email to pat@patkatz.com. Use the phrase, Pick Me, in the subject line, and write a few lines about something you’re grateful for in your life over the last 30 years.
Deadline for entries is February 28. I’ll be making all three draws on February 29th in honor of all who find the courage to take a leap!
PAUSE – 15.37 – Me & Fred & A Date With TED
December 2, 2015
My Thoughts: Well, truth be told, there is no Fred. It just rhymes so well, I couldn’t resist!
My gift to you today, is the link to that message. A click of either the image or the title will take you to the video.
What’s it about? Causes of malaise, common responses, a three-step process to help you navigate your way through life’s transitional fog, and examples of others who are making their way to what comes next.
Grab a coffee. Take a look and give a listen.
Your Thoughts: I hope the ideas in the video help you think more deeply about rekindling your own spark when your fire grows dim.
I welcome your comments, reactions and insights. Fire away!
News Notes: Since delivering this 17-minute TEDX talk, I’ve expanded the message into a 60-90 minute keynote. With more time, I’m able to explore how this issue plays out in organizations, how we can support others as they attempt to rekindle their sparks, and to share more real life examples of ways that people restore excitement and engagement to their lives. (more…)
PAUSE – 15.30 – Your Contributions Truly Make A Difference
October 14, 2015
Reflection: I’ve long been a fan of Daniel Pink’s work on motivation (and have occasionally featured his ideas in previous Pause messages). So, it was a great thrill for me to meet him and hear him speak when I served as MC for last week’s Saskatchewan Human Resource Association Conference.
It’s not often that you hear an author tell you to skip a chapter in his previous book, because his thinking has changed. But, tell us he did!
If you’re not familiar with Pink’s model of motivation, here’s a recap.
Pink believes that we are intrinsically motivated (from the inside out) by three things:
Purpose (participating in something meaningful and larger than ourselves)
Autonomy (being in charge of our choices)
Mastery (desire to get better at something that matters)
PAUSE – 15. 28 – What Do Teflon And Velcro Have To Do With Anything?
September 30, 2015
Reflection: What role are Teflon and Velcro playing in YOUR life?
Rick Hanson suggests that we add unnecessary stress to our lives by coating ourselves with Teflon for positive experiences and comments. We let the good stuff slide right off and disappear.
At the same time, we cover ourselves with Velcro for negative experiences and comments. We let the negatives sink their hooks into us. That makes it tough to shake them off.
According to Ruth Baczynski you can tell that Velcro is governing your life when you are quick to take offence, feel hurt and withdraw, or get angry and pick a battle.
In her view, we need to be less hyper-reactive – to jump less often to conclusions, to manufacture fewer crises from minor incidents, and stop letting ourselves be hooked by imagined slights.
Action: Pay close attention to your tendency to get hooked. Talk yourself down from those ledges of your own invention. (more…)
PAUSE – 15.27 – Let The Fall Lift You Up
September 23, 2015
My Thoughts:
Nothing marks the passage of time more dramatically than the changing of the seasons. Here on the Canadian prairies, the days are growing shorter, the temperatures are dropping, and the colors are changing.
Why not let the shifting of the season be a catalyst for other changes in your world?
Your Thoughts:
Are there relationships or organizations that have faded in importance and no longer mean as much to you?
Are there tasks that were once a delight that now feel like heavy obligations?
Are there new pursuits calling for your attention – urging you to make time and space for them?
This could be the perfect season to let go of something you’ve outgrown while reaching out for something new. Where could you make changes for the better? How could you let fall lift you up? (more…)
PAUSE – 15.23 – Small Things Can Be Big Deals
August 26, 2015
My Thoughts: Do you resist breaking into your happy dance – or cracking a big old toothy grin – until something REALLY important and UBER COOL happens?
If so, you’re missing out on a host of everyday opportunities to celebrate life’s good stuff as it marches on by.
So much is easily overlooked; but once noticed, it’s just as easily appreciated. I noticed these beauties perched on a shelf while waiting for lunch in Café Arabe in Marrakech. BUT, you don’t have to go halfway around the world to get the point or the picture.
Your Thoughts: Why not get on it today? Right where you are!
Train your mind and your eye to catch and celebrate life’s small and beautiful – actions, things and experiences. They’re right here – right under your nose.
Now go ahead. Don’t be shy! Let loose your grin and your happy dance! (more…)
PAUSE – 15.18 – Character Is Every Bit As Remark-able As Accomplishment
June 3, 2015
Reflection: A noteworthy accomplishment or contribution is the most common trigger for extending appreciation to colleagues.
They’ve gone out of their way to lend a hand or pave the way.
They’ve committed their time and energy to something – perhaps even going above and beyond the call of duty.
They’ve certified, qualified or been promoted.
They’ve met or exceeded goals for sales, transactions, or deliverables – whatever is measured that’s deemed to count.
They’ve met a mid point project milestone or wound it up completely and sent it on its way.
Celebrating what others DO is important.
So, too, is the celebration of who people ARE – their character and their way of being in this world.
Perhaps someone is just naturally friendly or cordial – day in and day out.
Perhaps someone is very approachable – the kind of person who injects warmth into every interaction with colleagues and clients.
Perhaps someone is quick to quip – to crack a joke that lightens the mood.
Someone may be especially compassionate – highly tuned to the feelings of others and skilled at finding just the right words in a tough situation.
These characteristics – often taken for granted or overlooked – don’t always trigger a reading on the old appreci-ometer.
But they could and they should; because it’s precisely these ways of being that make such a positive difference in our relationships and our workplace cultures. (more…)
PAUSE – 15.17 – Likely More Weary Than Lazy
May 27, 2015
My Thoughts:
This is such a compassionate message. So often, I talk with people who do and have been doing such great things.
Yet they often say they are falling short of their ideal performance and not living up to their own expectations – much less the expectations of others.
Could it be, as Burchard suggests, sometimes we are simply tired? Worn out from pushing and pressing so hard for so long?
Or perhaps we’ve grown weary from going through the motions of life’s old familiar routines, and are just a tad too worn down to even consider something new? (more…)
