How do you react when you hear this:
"It's not about you"
Many ways to interpret this.
I see it as a very empowering thought:
- It decreases the burden you put on yourself. Do the work as best as you can. Don't worry too much about how others perceive your work, if you're doing a good job etc. It's a lesson that I hear repeatedly from my podcast guests - they found that often the job of creating political change is difficult enough as it is. If you shift your attention from yourself to the work, to the people you do the work for, then it eases the burden. It's the work, not the work + yourself.
- It's also a skill needed in coaching - or whenever you want to support the development of another: focusing on the other person rather than yourself (and what you think or believe about what they say or should do).
- It's how you get into the flow zone. You are so immersed in the task at hand (whatever it is for you, anything from playing chess, cooking or public speaking) that you cannot be self-conscious, at least not in that moment.
I had a couple of moments in the past weeks where I noticed that I'm just happier when I shift attention to others or my work (that somehow contributes to others).
p.s. 👇 below, find the latest podcast, what I'm currently reading/listening to and my favourite quote this week
🎙️ My latest podcast
Christopher Gudacker - Leading in a party, change, convictions, and habits
About my guest Christopher Gudacker runs for co-leadership of Volt Europa. We discuss a range of topics, from balancing work with political volunteering and private life, to what it means to change and what should stay stable over time. Christopher also shares his take on habits to be an effective
Daniel Matteo
📚 What I read & listen to
Still very much enjoying Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi:
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Ph.D. | Authentic Happiness
🖋️ My favourite quote
“Activity and reflection should ideally complement and support each other. Action by itself is blind, reflection impotent.” Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi