Issue #93

Cadence - Life & Work in Motion

There is nothing left to wait for.

This is the moment.

There is no before. There is no after.

There is only now, and now is yours.

~ Branden Collinsworth - From Soul Force

Hi Reader

The year has landed with big expectations on lots of fronts! Hope it’s meeting yours so far?

So much is outside of our locus of control, but we can also work to ensure that the things within our control go as planned.

Something I do that helps is to state my intentions, act on them, and track those actions. (daily, weekly, monthly). So here goes...

My guide word for 2025 is AMPLIFY

The 4 states of being/doing I’m focusing on amplifying this year are my:

VISIBILITY (stand out, speak up)
AGILITY (up-skilling for adaptability)
STABILITY (wealth & wellness, mind + body + wallet)
SIMPLICITY (making space for what matters)

There are lots of smaller actions and goals attached to these.

For January, here’s what’s in my control:

1) New Podcast Season: first up for Season 12 is an insightful chat with speaker, agency owner and award-winning author of multiple books, the incredible Pamela Slim.

2) L&D: I'm starting a Positive Intelligence training course and continuing with learning connected to my BCorp journey.

3) A New Podcast Sponsor: Super exciting news!!! More on that coming soon.

3) Free Flexible Working Webinar: Find out how flexible working strategies like "4-day work weeks" can support you and improve your business outcomes. Join us on 28/01, it’s free!

Need help figuring out your steps this year? This month's Cadence guide below has some ideas.

OK, 3-2-1. Let's Go!

Three Resources

1 - Brain Rot to Brain Power

Our ability to focus isn't lost – it just needs a rescue mission. Professor Gloria Mark unpacks the science behind our dwindling attention spans – a topic that's especially relevant given 'brain rot' was crowned 2024's word of the year. Practical strategies for rescuing your attention, in case you’re feeling mentally scattered. (Hat tip: Sally Lofthouse)

Listen: Guardian - Where did our attention spans go?

2 - Breaking Free from Autopilot

Leverage the principles of dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) to escape the hamster wheel of routine living. Originally developed for specific mental health conditions, these powerful tools can help anyone shift from merely existing to intentionally crafting a life worth living, offering practical steps to enhance emotional regulation and overall wellbeing.

Read: Psyche Guide - How to stop living on autopilot

3 - The Art of Intentional Tomorrow-Building

Marketing sage Seth Godin breaks down the essence of true strategy – not just as a business concept, but as a philosophy for meaningful change. Authentic strategy isn't about quick wins, but rather making deliberate choices today that shape a better tomorrow. (Hat Tip to Ethan Blumen)

Listen/Watch: The Next Big Idea - Make Better Plans

Two Thoughts

1 - Define Your Picture of "a Life Worth Living"

Before diving into your big, audacious goals for the year, take a moment to envision your ideal "Life Worth Living." This isn't about creating another To Do list. It's about mapping out a future that genuinely resonates with your core values and passions.

By translating this vision into tangible, written goals, you create both a compass for decision-making and a way to celebrate progress on your journey.

2 - Do One Thing Well

Drawing inspiration from David Hieatt's philosophy, there's profound power in identifying and nurturing your unique strength. Whether you're leading a company or mastering a craft, consistent dedication to one area – even just an hour a day – can lead to extraordinary results.

It's not about finding more time in your packed schedule! It's about choosing what truly deserves your focused attention and showing up for it regularly.

One Action

Plan For Future Memories

The year will move quickly, and it’s not all about work.

What enriching things (thoughts, feelings, actions, outcomes, experiences) do you want to look back on with fond reminiscence?

Pick 1 stretch goal or big achievement (plan + practice improving across the year)
Book in 4 fun, creative experiences and/or physically challenging excursions that take you out of your comfort zone (one per quarter )
Work on creating 12 new mini habits (one per month )

Other Stuff

Creating Cadence Podcast

In Episode 72, I chat to Pamela Slim about discernment, resilience, self-knowledge, and ways to amplify our impact in the world, even when we're going through challenging times.

More cool interviews to come with experts working both inside and outside of sustainability spheres about ways to build a more meaningful, regenerative life and work.