Discovery is the best introduction to the art of exploring. To see something anew proves things can be different. To experience discovery for yourself brings new knowledge, along with the appetite to see and learn more.
Introspection is out, and outrospection is in. Philosopher and author Roman Krznaric explains how we can help drive social change by stepping outside ourselves - another great video from RSA Animate.
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing”
Albert Einstein
I’ll be honest and say the girl in the picture would have driven me crazy when I was at school but I was wrong, it doesn’t take a genius like Einstein to learn me that.
To the curious:
ignore the yawners,
the fidgeters,
the shadowy, sullen doubters.
They’ll find their own way.
Keep doing your thing!
Alexander Graham Bell on success
It often sounds too simple or trite,
But that doesn’t mean it can’t be true.
With another beautiful interactive Doodle, Google.co.uk celebrates what would have only been Douglas Adam’s 61st Birthday today. If you’ve read any of his books you’ll have a good idea why he’s worth celebrating. If you’ve never read one of his books, why not give something like the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy a try. It’s short but at the same time HUGE! There’s more than one laugh in it too :)
you’re either with us, or against us
“
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This quote is attributed to George W. Bush, who has been a bit of an easy target since the end of his Presidency. I’m not going to attack or defend him here but this quote in particular highlights the importance of seeing a third way in some situations. The classic two-way argument Bush sets up is ‘for and against’. You’re either with us, or against us, it’s up to you to decide. George W. isn’t the first to use this kind of reasoning, it was big in Ancient Rome too. The people Rome came into contact with as the empire expanded were often given an ultimatum that went something like this, “Rome offers you war or peace. It matters not what you choose to Rome.” A third way could be called soft diplomacy but it can be hard-edged too. Finding a third way is particularly important when you want to get something done or achieve something that matters to you personally. Often you’ll get little support with this but you get a lot of ultimatums - and you get them from people a lot more powerful than you. The next time someone presents you with a ‘with us or against us’ ultimatum, and the choice is something that matters deeply to you, ask yourself if there is there a third way or what would be your way to respond. Declare war, agree to a punitive peace or find your own way. “I’m neither with you or against you, I go forward with you or without you.” |
thoughtful, funny, cute career infographic from http://mycareertopia.com
While it doesn’t go into the detail (not everything needs to!) this graphic story does suggest further exploration into the inner workings of each individual career, for example to find out what’s going on and what work has the best chance of making us happy.
Interested in taking a deeper-dive into the inner workings of your career? Take a look at the brand new, 2013 edition of The Career Explorer’s Journal.
Go out and happen to something this weekend.
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Great quote from Amazon’s Jeff Bezos on the reality of innovation.
We also think successful innovation (from the innovator’s POV) can be a process of becoming easier to understand over time.
Thanks to Greg Gerik (@ggerik on Twitter) for spotting and sharing!
We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.
“
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T.S. Eliot, from the poem Little Gidding — Our antidote to career spiralling, overanalysing and freezing is exploring. By chasing, by hunting down big questions and hairy doubts, we seize the power. We claim the initiative as ours and use it to learn and find answers. To seek out firm ground. To feel confident and secure. Eliot’s lines remind us exploring doesn’t end in faraway places. The place of arrival can be one we know well. What makes all the difference, what creates an arrival is the fact we are supported by a wealth of effort. A mountain of not shrinking or shirking or hiding away from questions and tests we found awkward, unsettling, difficult, even impossible at times. This is the difference our endeavour can make. [A poetic comment from a friend yesterday kicked off this new round of reflecting and exploring. Proving once again how one explorer inspires another and how our career journeys interlink in so many ways. Visit our page on Facebook to see more] |
