It was in Sydney 2010 (November too, I believe), when I first spoke at a Microsoft NGO Connection Day. It was the first connection day staged in Australia and I was amazed at how much I got out of it, in spite my stage freight.

I particularly enjoyed learning about Microsoft’s dedication to working with nonprofits all over the world through their fantastic Citizenship programs.

Since then, I have been invited to about half a dozen other NGO Connection Days by Microsoft. Within the last year, I have spoken about Social Media Strategy for Nonprofits in Davao (Philippines), Manila (Philippines), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Bacolod (Philippines), and Cebu (Philippines).

I was also part of the first Asia Pacific Tech for Good Summit held in Colombo last May. Here, I met a number of nonprofits and Microsoft Citizen Specialists from around the region.

Each time, I would meet several nonprofit workers who seem to approach the event with some doubt and suspicion… Wondering if Microsoft was just there to sell or to “catch” people using pirated software. And each time, most of them would walk away, excited and amazed by the information and inspiration shared during these events. A lot of them, wishing for more of such events to occur, and more nonprofits to find the time to attend them.

It’s wonderful to witness.

In my case, I love attending these events because it reminds me why we do what we do at Connecting Up. Talking to nonprofits strapped for resources and such, the work we do to help folks find resources is something that many if them seem to appreciate. Especially when most of them don’t even realise that such programs exist.

It also reminds me of the power of collaboration. If nonprofits learn to collaborate more, and if we learn how to work with businesses, government, and others to help us with our causes, then, we can make a world of difference.

It’s like the message in that shirt worn at a recent Connection Day: Together, we can make a difference.

I love that.

You see, on our own, it’s so much tougher to get the work done. There are a lot of people and issues in need.

Just the last few days alone, my heart has been touched by the work of people trying to save the environment, those running orphanages, folks trying to raise awareness and money for hemophiliacs, people working with disadvantaged youths and challenging families and communities, groups trying to provide support during disasters…

It makes you wonder how we can even begin to fix the world’s problems when there’s so much NEED?

But, these people… These brave, amazing people… They’re doing what they can even through lack of resources.

I like being a part of all of that in some way.

I love being a part of finding ways to improve communications, to increase awareness, to tell stories…

It’s wonderful to be a part of the work of folks who don’t just see what’s wrong with the world – but those who actually try to find ways to be part of the solution.

What a privilege.

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“You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage — pleasantly, smilingly, non-apologetically — to say ‘no’ to other things. And the way to do that is by having a bigger ‘yes’ burning inside.”
~ Stephen Covey

I’d like to think that I’m a fairly driven, passionate person. My ultimate dilemma is not the lack of fire in the things that I do and the way I live life – but the knowledge of where my fire would burn best and brightest. Not just for myself, but for those around me. Especially for those that I care about the most.

Recently, I’ve been confronted by the questions:

“So, what do you really want to do?”

“What is it exactly that would make you happier?”

When you’re doing what you love, in a place where you want to be, with people you like, I realise that those questions are pretty tough. Especially because life isn’t always clear cut. Nothing’s ever perfect, though I feel lucky enough to have days that are as near to perfect as they could get. Both in life and at work.

The trouble is, when I’m happy and doing well, I tend to just say yes. Yes to more work. Yes to other challenges. Yes to opportunities. Yes to changes. Yes to doing other things.

And then I begin to wonder, if I am really happy, then why am I beginning to feel worn out?

Why do I feel like I have ordered a large tub of triple chocolate ice cream that I want to finish, but am having trouble swallowing every spoonful that I try to eat?

Find that Bigger ‘Yes’…

No one can do it all, even if it means doing all that you like to do.

Learning to say no to some things that I like would be easier, if I know that by doing so, I can say YES to things that I like more.

So yeah, saying no to big tubs of triple chocolate ice cream might be a good idea, if it means I can make room for… Wait. Hang on a minute. What other edible delight can I want more than triple chocolate ice cream anyway?

How about you? Do you know what’s your bigger ‘yes’?

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So, I keep saying that I’d blog about everything I know about content strategy (Mind you, I don’t know everything about it! I’m still learning a lot. And mostly, learning on the job.). But, like many things on my “To Blog” list, it keeps getting pushed down the list.

But, today, during one of my regular content meetings*, I was reminded that I haven’t really shared much of what I know about something that I’ve been doing for years. You see, my basic training on content strategy has officially started in 2000, when I joined About.com as a Guide for Language Arts for Kids. And again, when I rejoined them in 2004 as the first Guide to Web Logs. In-between 2000 and now, I’ve planned and created dozens of sites, including a whole network of blogs.

So, after over a decade of working on content strategy, and having the word ‘content’ in my official job title nowadays, I figured it may be time to start sharing. And, I’d like to start off my content strategy sharing by pointing you to five of my favourite resources (there’s more, but let’s stick to 5 for now):

1. The Elements of Content Strategy by Erin Kissane – I really liked the simplicity and brevity of this book. It’s a great little “starter” book for anyone thinking of understanding content strategy better. It doesn’t have a lot of how tos/templates on getting a content strategy up and running, but it’s a good way to get an overview of the topic without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Content Strategy for the Web by Kristina Halvorson – This book is both an overview and an in-depth look on content strategy. It has some really great insights on why there is a need to have one, and what may be the necessary steps to create one. It’s more comprehensive than “Elements…” so it may be overwhelming for people who are still trying to get their heads around content strategy. But, if information overload doesn’t put you off, then this book is definitely a good resource to work with.

3. The Web Content Strategist’s Bible: The Complete Guide To A New And Lucrative Career For Writers Of All Kinds by Richard Sheffield – Another great, comprehensive resource on content strategy. Some useful insights on different aspects of content development, such as design, matrix, and even translation.

4. Chief Content Officer – This is a print and/or digital for content specialists. While it’s not primarily on content strategy, the articles in this quarterly publication are very useful for anyone interested in the topic. There’s an Australian version and a U.S. version, I believe. The one linked here is the Australian version. Oh, and as a bonus, I just found out that Contents Magazine is also coming out soon, which is a publication on content strategy and related topics.

5. Content Strategy Group on LinkedIn – Moving on from reading material, I thought I’d also share a network/community resource. On this front, I highly recommend the Content Strategy Group on LinkedIn. There isn’t a lot of activity, but I always find something useful in the discussions and resource sharing within the group. So, it’s definitely an online community of content strategists that’s worth connecting with.

Another bonus resource – Do check out this flowchart/infographic on: Who can sort out your content strategy? from Firehead.

I hope that you find these resources useful.

* Waves to Elliot Harmon of TechSoup Global.

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At the time, I wasn’t quite sure what exactly I was going to do, or if I’d really go ahead and do it. But, I put that down anyway and wondered how it was going to pan out.

Well, I must’ve kicked something in my psyche when I wrote that goal down, as I think this has been the year where I started doing a lot of things that are out of my comfort zone – what with joining 12K walk events and applying for jobs that I did not dare dream about (and trying RAW sushi lately, even when I said I can’t do it).

And yes, now, public speaking. I don’t know exactly how to explain why this is a scary thing for me, especially since I have done training/teaching in the past and I’ve performed in different situations. But, yeah, I’m well and truly scared of the kind of public speaking that I’ve been doing lately.

But, as I mentioned in my last post*: I’ve been practising my presentation skills a lot recently (that’s partly why I’ve been quiet here at Studio Notes)

Anyway, as a personal record — and as a way to share updates with you — I thought I’d share the events where I’ve presented during the last few weeks:

20 October - Grant presentation at TACSI (For a work-related project)

- This was my very first experience in working on a grant project. My involvement has been quite small at the beginning of this project, but I ended up working on the final draft and the presentation proper. And, while things may have not turned out how we’d like, I think I’ve learned a lot in the process. And, at least now I can say that I’ve done grant writing and presenting. Not sure if I’ll do more of them, but it has been an interesting experience.

26 October - Social Media Club Adelaide – Inaugural Event: “On Building Online Communities”

- When Rubina Carlson invited me to talk in the very first Social Media Club Adelaide event, I was both flattered and intimidated at the same time. I mean, I felt that it was a real honour to have the opportunity to speak with my fellow digital media practitioners in Adelaide. But, at the same time, there’s something a tad bit scary talking to people I consider my peers in this industry.

Thankfully, the event was very well received. And, the people who attended were really supportive and welcoming. They even made the “Community Towers” activity (see photo below) I conducted as part of the talk, a lot more fascinating than I expected. Plus, I met some folks for the first time and caught up with others I’ve known for a bit.

So, yes, I ended up having a fantastic time.

It also really made me feel more excited about the whole social media scene in Adelaide. We’ve definitely come a long way since that first Meet-up call-out from over 3 years ago. Amazing!

Anyway, I’ve shared this event over at Connecting Up’s blog: On Building Online Communities – First Social Media Club Adelaide Event. I also included my slideshow presentation there, as well as Lee’s video clips (also see Lee’s blog post).

Oh, and I want to send a special shout-out to everyone who put this together – including Deloitte (the event sponsor). And, of course to all the participants that night. Thank you all so much!

1 November - CL (preschool): “Filipino Culture: Stories and Play”

- This one’s just an “unofficial”/non work-related presentation I did at my li’l girl’s preschool. They were doing a series of cultural presentations at the school from different families, and I was just invited to talk a bit about my cultural heritage amongst a bunch of 3 and 4 year olds. I ended up talking about bits and pieces about the Philippines and reading a mythical story from the country. Loved the kids’ reaction. Made me a bit nostalgic about teaching kids.

4 November - Microsoft Connecting Communities Day (Sydney): “Growing a Nonprofit Social Media Strategy”

- To me, this speaking gig provided a few different challenges. First of all, I don’t think I’ve ever presented to a crowd of approximately 100 folks. The biggest audience I’ve ever had, I believe, was about 50+. Second, I think it was the first time I was presenting in front of my boss (& colleague and partners, + a couple of dozen CEOs, Managing Directors, Managers, etc) in this manner with this topic. And third, the material I was presenting was completely new. So, I had an interesting time trying to frame the whole thing. Needless to say, I was pretty nervous. But then, nerves IS something I am still working on when it comes to public speaking.

Thankfully, I think I just about managed to share some of the ideas that I’ve been playing around with when it comes to social media. And, through this event, I’ve learned a lot about what individuals and organisations are trying to find out about social media. It has given me some great ideas on what I want to do next – and how I can take these things to a deeper level. And, I’m really excited about it. I’ve also received some great feedback on the presentation (both the positive and constructive variety!)… So, I’m hoping to use all that for future reference.

In any case, I plan to blog about this event in the next few days via the Connecting Up blog. I’ll try to update this post with a link when that’s sorted. Hopefully, I’ll be able to share some pics and my slideshow too. I know that videos will also be available, but that might take a while.

What’s Up Next!

Yes, the presentation/events blitz is not quite over just yet!

I’m still booked for at least one more speaking gig. And, I still have one invitation to be a guest speaker, plus another possible presentation opportunity. We’ll see how it all goes.

In any case, if you or anyone you know might be interested, I’m presenting again on the 17th November. I’ll be talking about “Social Media Metrics: Measuring the Success of Your Social Media Strategy” through the Making Links Conference in Perth. Other than being a presenter, I’m also attending the conference as a delegate. So, even though I’d probably still be battling with nerves when it’s time for me to present, I’m actually looking forward to taking part in this event.

What about you? What have you been up to lately? Doing anything out of your comfort zone?

——————-

* Yes, I know it has been a month since I last blogged here. So sorry! Things had been so hectic, so I’ve been neglecting my personal blogging lately.

——————-

Social Media Club Adelaide Presentation Photo by: Lee Hopkins

Community Towers Photos by: Stephen Mitchell

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“It turns out that if you want to go in one direction, the best route may involve going in another.” ~ Suzi Dafnis

Just when I thought I was getting ready to graduate and to pursue a new career, I found myself back to where I started some time ago: Looking at a job in Online Content & Community (and Social Media) in a Technology environment. This time, connecting another personal interest: the Nonprofit Sector.

Woah! Where did that come from, you might ask?

Well, okay… Let me back up a bit here…

After my work at b5media ended, the last thing I wanted was to do more of the same. At least, not in the way that was available back then. I didn’t even feel like “keeping one toe in the water.” I just wanted something different.

At the time though, other than a couple of work possibilities, I was also invited to write for a long-running blog for bloggers, asked to do a podcast show or two with local and overseas media players, and given the possibility of working with a popular blogger who wished to run a Social Media/Blogging Conference here in Australia. I was interested, of course. But, I was also tired and worn out. So, I did not pursue any of it. I just wasn’t ready.

And, while I was honoured and pleased to be named as one of Fast Company’s “Most Influential Women in Technology” (2009), and being called as “one of the Web’s most talented writers” — along with a number of “Top Bloggers’ List” from different sources… All I wanted to do was unplug and disconnect.

I mean, sure, I maintained my blogs and social networks. I even started some projects. And, I even began working on various online freelance work.

So yes, I stayed online. But, for the most part, I lived an offline life over the last 18 months – pursuing my second Masters’ degree, working for a nonprofit organisation on a part-time basis, writing for a print magazine, finishing my novel and starting to revise it, travelling to Singapore, England, and South Africa… Spending some time with family and friends… Making new friends and connections and rekindling old ones…

Generally, just loving my life and the world around me.

And slowly, I felt better and better. Over the last few months, I began to feel stronger and energised.

But, I wasn’t looking for a job. Well, at least, nothing big and heavy. Not quite yet.

I wanted to wait for something special to come along. Preferably, after graduation.

However, life doesn’t always go as planned. And sometimes, you just go with the flow when opportunities come along.

You see, the thing is, I have this really strange habit. I LOVE reading the classifieds. It goes way back. Seriously. I’ve been reading classified ads long before I was legally allowed to work. It’s that bad.

Although I occasionally send an application here and there, when something captures my eye… I don’t always apply for jobs. I just like reading the ads and finding out what kind of jobs are available in the areas and industries that I’m interested in. I enjoy finding out where the jobs are, how much money people make doing those jobs, what kind of skills and background job hunters are looking for…

Weird, I know. But, maybe that’s just the Renaissance Soul in me.

And… Well, while I was in my usual mode of reading the classifieds via my Seek.com.au email alert, I came across this job opening that read like a dream to me. My heart started pounding wildly, my head spun in excitement, and my mind raced as I thought of the possibilities.

The ad talked about the job being a new role in an Adelaide-based nonprofit organisation that connects other nonprofits and charities through technology — with an Australia-wide focus and an international flavour. It mentioned words like social media, web 2.0 tools, communities, travel, conferences… They were obviously really keen to fill the role because they even offered to relocate anyone who wins the job.

The more I read about it, the more I felt I needed to give it a go. To find out if what I immediately felt at the time would be confirmed: That I’m a perfect fit for the job.

So, I whipped up my résumé and wrote the most heartfelt, out-of-the-ordinary cover letter I ever wrote in my life. I’m still not sure where I gathered up the courage to do what I did, but I just knew that I couldn’t write the usual cover letter template when applying for this job – even though there was a part of me that wanted to stick to conventional letters. I just thought that the person who’d be reading my application would either appreciate my genuine enthusiasm for the job – or would not take me seriously.

The next day, I received an interesting acknowledgement email from the CEO. And, the process began…

It took a month to hear again about the status of that application. When I found out that there were about 50 applicants from interstate and overseas, I began to shake in my winter boots.

How do you compete with 50 people who want the same thing you do?

Then, I heard I was shortlisted for an interview.

The shaking stopped long enough for me to start preparing.

As part of that interview, I had to do a 15-minute presentation to a five-member panel. Yes, it was that time when I said I did a bold presentation using my brand new iPad and Keynote (my first time using these tools!). The panel interview lasted over an hour, even though I barely had a voice due to my long-running cold/cough. It was nerve-wracking but energising.

During my preparations, I slowly began to reconnect with why I love working with online media in the first place. I remembered what it is about this gig that I feel passionate about.

I know I want to be a part of something special. Something that can hopefully can make a difference in other people’s lives.

And, that can’t be achieved in any job.

I know that I need work that will excite me from the start. Something that will enable me to dream and to be engaged in something bigger than myself. A job that will enable me to work with amazing, passionate, and intelligent people.

This job seemed to offer that – and more (including working with an award-winning CEO who was named “Innovator of the Year”!).

And, just over a week after that massive panel interview, I received a call from Doug Jacquier (yes, the award-winning CEO) — offering me this amazing job (in-between coughing, no less – how embarrassing! ).

It’s a job that comes with an incredible team — For a local organisation, with a nationwide focus. Something that will enable me to connect with a number of incredible communities who are doing fantastic things in the nonprofit sector all over Australia (and New Zealand), as well as the fantastic donors and sponsors of the organisation. Working with online content and technology. Perhaps, even getting in contact with the organisation’s international partner, TechSoup Global. And, it’s all wrapped up in a fabulous work package.

How can I resist?

Life as I know it right now will change in a massive way. I have to re-arrange schedules and priorities. I have to reconsider certain goals and plans.

And I will need to get ready and take the commute to the city, where I’ll be working in an office everyday. (Oh, and yes, I will have to start looking at my work wardrobe once again – no pyjama working days on this one!)

It’s only on contract at the moment. But yes, I have accepted. And, in less than two weeks’ time, I’ll be starting this new job.

So, what’s this fantabulous job?

The role: Manager, Online Content (+ Community/Social Media)

The workplace: Connecting Up Australia**

Now, let’s see where this new ride will take me, shall we?

SIDE NOTES:

* Maybe I should add to the title… “The Return to a Connected Life: Obliquely Finding My Way to a New Job” … with a little help from my iPad! Or perhaps, do a sub-title: The Job That The iPad Helped Me To Win

* Obliquely = This term struck me after encountering the concept through Suzi Dafnis’ newsletter when she introduced the book, Obliquity: Why Our Goals Are Best Achieved Indirectly by John Kay. I haven’t read the book yet, but it’s on my list. Sounds like a good read!

** Remember my 2010 Word of the Year? I said I couldn’t understand why on earth the word “Connect” stuck with me as a focus word for 2010. Now, look what that word has landed me! And, how I’m back to leading a connected life again… Yes, I even used my WOTY in my application and my interview presentation. How’s that for powerful words in motion?

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You see, I enjoy taking note of the different jobs available and what are the requirements to land those jobs. I even like reading the parts in the paper that say ‘Businesses for Sale’. I love paying attention to how I feel when I read about various career and work options. I get a buzz just from learning about these things.

I guess that’s why I got in to the field of Organisational Psychology when I first graduated from University with my four-year psych degree. I thought it was fun to talk about this subject — and to help others find their own paths in the world of work.

And, that’s what this book, What Next? (The Complete Guide to Taking Control of Your Working Life) by Dr Barbara Moses is all about: Becoming a career activist. That is, enabling individuals to be more “career aware”. Or perhaps, even Career Wise.

It has several anecdotes, case studies, and career advice for new graduates, career changers and movers, early retirees who’re wishing to get back in to the job market, and people who simply wish to take better actions in their existing workplaces. It contains several worksheets that help readers to do self-assessments that will help them answer the question, “What Next?” in their particular work situation.

Many of the exercises in the book are a bit heavy, but I find that many of them have been worth doing. There are times when I thought I can’t learn anything new from the assessment, but I still found myself getting surprised with the things that I find out about my work assets and styles.

Some ideas that I really love from this include: understanding your “career themes”, assessing your accomplishments, features of great organisations, dealing with career crisis (includes dealing with difficult bosses, problematic work situations, how to deal with getting laid off or redundant, etc), learning all about goals and trade-offs, developing a portfolio career, and many others.

In the section on discovering your core motivators, I thought it was interesting to learn about the different ways people approach jobs based on motivation. For example, are you a Sociability Seeker, a Career Builder, a Lifestyler, an Authenticity Seeker, a Personal Developer, an Autonomy Seeker, a Novelty Seeker, or a Stability Seeker? Granted, some of the descriptions overlapped a bit, but the ideas and the general behaviour implications on work styles and ‘fit’ can really be helpful in understanding why certain types of work suit certain types of people.

To give you an idea of how this book is structured, here’s a brief table of contents:

Introduction

1. Know Yourself
- Who are you?
- What is your motivational type?
- What are your career assets?

2. Find your perfect path
- Finding the right work match
- What is your best option?
- Turn your vision into reality

3. Find great work
- Mapping your strategy
- Creating marketing tools
- Interviewing and negotiating

4. Overcome career challenges
- Confronting career malaise
- Common types of career distress
- Age-related dilemmas
- Achieving work-life balance

5. Boost your career intelligence
- Becoming a career activities
- Strategies for career success

So yes, I give this book a 4.5 stars in the Career Resources category. Definitely worth reading for anyone seeking a more fulfilling career/work life.

Book Info:
Title: What Next? (The Complete Guide to Taking Control of Your Working Life)
Author: Dr Barbara Moses
Year of Publication: 2003

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So, how do I get the work started in the new year?

1. Look at my annual plans. At the end of the year, creating a new year work strategy can be very helpful. And today, that’s one of the first things that I looked at. I printed off my “Plans and Strategies” doc and reviewed it to give me some focus.

2. Set my goals for the year. This is related to point number one, wherein I come up with actionable goals that work with my plans/strategies. I then break off these goals to more manageable sections – just for this week. And, for the month. I’ll do the weekly ones at the start of every work week from hereon. And, I’ll look at my monthly goals at the beginning of each month. (Note: I’ve only started my goal-setting. I still need to refine my work goals for the year.)

3. Identify immediate projects and deadlines. Everything that needs urgent action gets put on my work board and/or To Do List.

4. Buy new office supplies. I can’t help it. I love office supplies. I’ve even been told that when I was once ‘sleep talking’, I even kept saying “staplers” whilst dreaming (weird, I know!). So, I think it’s always nice to start off the new working year with some new supplies. Some faves to start off the new year: organisers/planners, calendars, pens, notebooks, and binders/folders.

5. Work with my organiser/planner. Even though I have electronic versions of organisers/planners, I still enjoy having a good old fashioned planner that comes with calendars (and all sorts of tidbits like holidays for the year, etc). I write down events, appointments and deadlines accordingly.

6. Clear out some backlog emails. On a normal work week, tackling my inbox is already a massive challenge. But, after the holidays, it’s really a bit of a mess. So, I try to catch up on this and answer emails that need my attention. And, for those unnecessary stuff… Well, there’s the delete button.

7. Organise the workspace. Since I work from home, I was able to use the last couple of days during my holiday to start re-organising and de-cluttering my home office. My dear husband was even kind of enough to remove the old grubby curtains that were hanging here – and replaced them with nice new white window blinds. So, my work area looks nice and fresh too!

8. Read work-related resources. It can be very inspiring to get going with work when you read books, blogs, articles, and such with topics like goal setting, increasing productivity, career planning, and working styles. They really help to get me in ‘work mode’ quite well.

9. Engage a Booster Team system. This is a multi-level support system that I’m thinking of looking more and more in to. It comes with the premise that success and happiness don’t come if you only look within yourself. And, that help can come from many places (and people). One of the things that I did this year related to this Booster Team that I’m putting together is something that I’ve never done before: Get myself into a coaching programme. I’ll probably talk more about this in a future post. In fact, I’m hoping to talk more about Booster Teams in the coming weeks and months. So, stay tuned.

10. Think of happy thoughts. Sounds lame, I know. But seriously, I think it’s a good way to start anything. Just visualise a couple of positive things that can happen in the new year regarding your work – and see how you can attract the positivity in to your reality. No matter how bad things had been in the previous year, the new year may be just what you need to start over and turn things around.

Your Turn:

How do you usually start your work in the new year? Do you have any special tips and tools to get over your holiday hangover? Do you have any favourite work routines, goals, habits…? What’s one new thing that you’re incorporating in your work life this year?

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Have you always known what you wanted to do with your life? Or, are you someone who has wondered what it’s really like to want to have it all? Do you cringe when you have to choose just ONE absolute passion, knowing inside you that you have more than just one passion? More than one source of bliss?

Specialisation is something that I’ve always wondered about. The way our current society views work tend to celebrate the ‘specialists’ and downplay the ‘generalists’. That’s why we talk a lot about niche and branding.

Somehow, though, I’ve struggled with that idea on a personal level. I mean, don’t get me wrong. I applaud the Mozarts and the people who DO have one path, one true passion. It’s great. But, no matter how hard I tried to prune my passions, more branches seem to shoot out. That’s why I talked about the problem with branding a few years ago. And, I even revisited this topic again and again.

In the end, I ended up asserting a similar sentiment to that of Robert A. Heinlein’s about specialisation. In fact, that’s when I coined the term “Slash and Dash Professional” in my search for The Perfect JobS.

I am quite pleased with that stance. Well, most of the time anyway.

You see, the tug of niche, branding and specialisation still poke me every now and then. Especially when I encounter comments like, “I don’t believe that someone can have more than just one or two passions in life. People who say that they do are just fibbing.” Or, “People without one strong brand or niche will be long forgotten and ignored.”

Something inside me turns inside out when faced with such statements. It makes me wonder what’s so wrong to want to have it all? What’s the matter with celebrating change and evolution? Embracing growth and constant learning? Applauding multi-tasking and well-rounded personalities? I really like this quote by a cerain Laurie Jadrick, as mentioned in the book:

“To be an industry leader, a business needs to attract and hire people who have sought out change and embraced it and grown from it.”

Well, during one of those heavy poking sessions and stomach turning moments, I ended up discovering the book, The Renaissance Soul: Life Design for People with Too Many Passions to Pick Just One by Margaret Lobenstine.

It wasn’t an A-HA moment when I read this book, seeing as it’s a topic that I’ve done a lot of personal work in. But, it was definitely a WOW moment.

It’s a relief to know that someone doesn’t just believe in the same things that I do about the subject. She has actually written a book and developed a system to help others in the same boat. It’s an amazing discovery to find out that someone in the world is coaching and speaking on the topic of multi-talents/multi-interests.

I also love that Margaret showed a different aspect to this type of personality. I mean, I’ve always just thought of Leonardo Da Vinci as THE ultimate model in renaissance practice. However, that thought was more intimidating than comforting. It’s like, my inner critics would dangle taunting words like: “Well, you’re not quite Da Vinci, are you?!” In her book, Ms Lobenstine shares many other ‘reasonable’ models – Ben Franklin, Florence Nightingale, and several clients she has worked with, among others.

Other than stories and real life examples of fellow renaissance souls, she also developed and shared various activities to help readers come up with an interesting “life design” that’s not restrictive. She encourages readers to take a closer look in to one’s values- and a total acceptance of who one is in order to grow and thrive as a renaissance soul. Ms Lobenstine says:

“To get anywhere truly satisfying in our lives,
we have to be true to who we are,
not who we might wish to be.”

Some of the things that Ms Lobenstine asserts in the book:

1) Being a renaissance soul doesn’t mean becoming scattered and unfocused. In fact, a well-developed renaissance soul will be very focused and determined.

2) Being a renaissance soul is not about jumping from one thing to another. It means knowing how to make one’s multiple talents and interests work for you (and the people you work for, as the case may be) – not against you or anyone else.

3) Embracing your renaissance soul will enable you to succeed in more ways than one, on a personal and professional level.

So, bottomline: Do I recommend this book?

Well, let’s put it this way – I’ve talked about this book quite passionately with two friends. Both times, they responded very positively.

So yes, ever since I read this book, the way I look at myself and my interests have been transformed. Now, more than ever, I am determined to enrich and to nurture my renaissance soul. And, I am more than happy to help anyone else who might need the same encouragement and growth.

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