I'll be honest, this is a hot button topic for me. Professional ethics (aka business ethics) could be thought of as the rules of conduct regarding a particular profession, with respect for right and wrong for your choices and motives. Seems simple, right? It should be. In fact, most of us were introduced to a rudimentary form of ethics at a very young age. And no, young age isn't 21 years old. I'm talking 3 or 4. Say please and thank you. Don't steal the toy from your brother then beat him on the head with it--that sort of thing.
In the past month, I've experienced two blatant forms of unethical practices. Most of you know I'm a writer and a yoga teacher--I've been both for 8 and 6 years, respectively. In that time, I've encountered many other writers and fitness teachers. I've seen the best and worst each industry has to offer, and will experience significantly more before I'm done, I'm sure. And I'm left with the same question each time--why in the world would an adult ever choose to act that way?
I have a few theories:
1) Jealousy. The green-eyed monster. Have you ever encountered someone smarter, more talented, more wealthy (you fill in the blank here) compared to you? Some people are unable to handle this feeling of inadequacy (their perception at least) and compensate by undermining the source of their jealousy. I have a hard time understanding this one because, if you're not talented enough at it, why don't you discover what you are talented at? We can't all be perfect at everything. And really, why would we want to be? Part of the joy in life is discovering your path, and that includes your hidden talent(s). Jealousy shouldn't be one of them.
2) Ignorance. Some people blunder and bumble their way through life with no regard for their associates. It's not always an intentional thing (although some might argue they intentionally choose to remain ignorant). But when you step on some one's toes, and you're lucky enough to have someone point it out to you, please make amends. It shows a distinct lack of regard if you plow forward, uncaring of the chaos in your wake. And then the ignorance excuse is no longer valid. Choose to do the right thing, always. (That's a great mantra to adopt at any point in your life)
3) The desire to get ahead. I'm sure we all know someone who would sell their own mother to get ahead. Hopefully these people are few and far between in your life. I'd like to say that, with maturity, the need to mow down the competition wanes. Sometimes that's true, but not always. I don't understand these particular people. But for their sakes, I hope they are able to move past it without burning too many bridges.
There are, of course, many more reasons for not choosing to do the right thing. Dishonesty, greed, stupidity, and the list goes on. But I believe educating yourself on the ethical do's and don'ts of your industry is the first step toward choosing to do the right thing, always. Believe me, I'm not saying it's always easy or crystal clear. There's rarely a massive neon sign pointing you in the right direction. Ask a trusted colleague. Ask your smartest friend (I'm lucky to have a few!). Meditate or pray on it. There are a number of ways to go about it and come off looking smart, professional and worthy of respect.
I wish you the best of luck at not only finding your talents, but choosing to do the right thing, always.
Jess
Monday, January 31, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Creative Block
I'd be remiss if I didn't address the dreaded Creative Block. For writers it's known as writer's block. I've even heard it called creative constipation. However colorful the term, the idea is the same. The creative juices have stopped flowing. The well is dry. Life is over (yes, that's dramatic, but we creative types are dramatic). Or is it?
I don't think, for one second, we are ever truly blocked from our creativity. I think we experience burn out. I think some days are more productive than others. I think we stop listening to the subtle signs our body and mind offer us. But creativity is always there. Let's explore the process...
I'll use writing as an example. When we first embark on a new creative project, we're inspired, excited and everything flows perfectly. For a week, a month, or if you're lucky, a few months. Then things start to slow down. We have to work a little harder for the words to flow and ideas to form. Our excitement wanes and our motivation disappears (much like our New Year's resolutions). But hopefully we push on. The pages fill, one word at a time, and our story takes shape. Then life gets in the way. Maybe it's the daily stressors we all experience. Maybe it's a huge life change. Regardless, we're stressed. When we sit down to work on our project, nothing happens. Which piles on more stress. We try to force the ideas to flow, which usually backfires. And when nothing happens, we experience Creative Block. Oh the horror! (I said we're dramatic).
That's when you need to take a step back. Really, it's that simple. Sometimes a week or two away from our project can make all the difference. Other times, we might need to re-evaluate our project, or even our creative process for aspects that aren't working. Shaking up the routine can also bring you out of the creative funk. There are dozens of books/websites/blogs addressing this particular problem. I'm here to tell you one thing: The worst thing you can do is sit and whine.
I do know a few writers (I use the term loosely here) who've stopped actually writing, and have made an art out of whining about their writer's block. But folks, that doesn't pay the bills, it's unprofessional and no one wants to listen to it. The more you fixate on your lack of creativity, the more you perpetuate the problem. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy. Just take a break--an hour, a day, a week (or three), and then get back to work. A break from your project can yield a clear mind and a fresh set of eyes.
I don't believe in writer's block. But I do know I need a break every now and then. If I don't take that much-needed time for myself, my work suffers and it trickles down to other areas of my life. The bottom line is, life happens. We get stressed, we get stuck and eventually, hopefully, we get over it. Whatever you do, don't quit. Don't whine and create an actual block where only a little breathing space was needed. Your creative well is always full.
Jess
I don't think, for one second, we are ever truly blocked from our creativity. I think we experience burn out. I think some days are more productive than others. I think we stop listening to the subtle signs our body and mind offer us. But creativity is always there. Let's explore the process...
I'll use writing as an example. When we first embark on a new creative project, we're inspired, excited and everything flows perfectly. For a week, a month, or if you're lucky, a few months. Then things start to slow down. We have to work a little harder for the words to flow and ideas to form. Our excitement wanes and our motivation disappears (much like our New Year's resolutions). But hopefully we push on. The pages fill, one word at a time, and our story takes shape. Then life gets in the way. Maybe it's the daily stressors we all experience. Maybe it's a huge life change. Regardless, we're stressed. When we sit down to work on our project, nothing happens. Which piles on more stress. We try to force the ideas to flow, which usually backfires. And when nothing happens, we experience Creative Block. Oh the horror! (I said we're dramatic).
That's when you need to take a step back. Really, it's that simple. Sometimes a week or two away from our project can make all the difference. Other times, we might need to re-evaluate our project, or even our creative process for aspects that aren't working. Shaking up the routine can also bring you out of the creative funk. There are dozens of books/websites/blogs addressing this particular problem. I'm here to tell you one thing: The worst thing you can do is sit and whine.
I do know a few writers (I use the term loosely here) who've stopped actually writing, and have made an art out of whining about their writer's block. But folks, that doesn't pay the bills, it's unprofessional and no one wants to listen to it. The more you fixate on your lack of creativity, the more you perpetuate the problem. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy. Just take a break--an hour, a day, a week (or three), and then get back to work. A break from your project can yield a clear mind and a fresh set of eyes.
I don't believe in writer's block. But I do know I need a break every now and then. If I don't take that much-needed time for myself, my work suffers and it trickles down to other areas of my life. The bottom line is, life happens. We get stressed, we get stuck and eventually, hopefully, we get over it. Whatever you do, don't quit. Don't whine and create an actual block where only a little breathing space was needed. Your creative well is always full.
Jess
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)