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Are you really innovative?
We are in an age of unprecedented change. The growth exponential curve doubles every year. How much technology has changed from when you were born, to school years to now. Insane, right?
How fast are you innovating and implementing in your career, life, and even relationships?
Here’s two historical stories reflecting on this.
Decades ago, tobacco farmers got hit hard when cigarette manufacturers were hit with heavy taxes due to health effects. The funny thing is this. Fundamentally, farmers know how to grow crops. They know what makes plants thrive and what kills them. Does it really matter what crop they grow? No.
What do you already know how to do that can be applied in a different manner?
Yet, Kodak buried their technology of digital cameras and media. In the 2000s, other companies brought the technology to market. Subsequently, this billion-dollar company lost its market share watching other innovators speed to market.
How fast are you implementing ideas?
Innovation without implementation keeps you in the same place.
Wishing you an abundant, joyful and prosperous day!
Lora Polowczuk
Chief Energy Officer
© Priority Retreats International
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Ever ignore signs from your body?
How often does your body give you a sign that something hurts or something is not going right? That something is too much or too little?
We think pushing at 120% means we will get everything we want. But, at what cost? We often ignore our body signals and keeping going full throttle until our bodies break down. In past years, I’ve wrecked my health doing too much of everything. So, when my body gives me that signal, I listen.
Can I share a short story?
I knew I was overdue for some mountain time far from the electronic and plugged in world. This backpacking trip was one of a kind. We took a train, got dropped off in the middle of the mountains, and hiked up into a gorgeous basin full of lush green meadows, steep granite, and flowing creeks.
The first day, I was much slower than the rest of the group going. It had been some time since I carried a 40+ pound pack on my back. I took my time and enjoyed the gorgeous scenery along the way. The following day, we goal was to hike a 14,000ft mountain. However, my body wasn’t having any of it. Half way, I developed lightheadedness and kept going for a while. Shortly before reaching the top, I became queasy – another symptom of altitude sickness. I started to lose my footing, and almost fell over. Despite being so close to the top, I decided to head back down the mountain forgoing the summit. While I easily could get irritated at myself for not being in better shape or not training enough, I accepted myself for where I was.
The difference was this. My goal was very different than my friends who were also there. Their goal was to summit the 4 surrounding 14,000ft mountains. My goal was to get unplugged from electronics, enjoy the beauty of the mountains, relax, and get some exercise via hikes each day. So, on the second day, I skipped the group hike and solo hiked half way up and enjoyed a nap in 3 beautiful locations along the trail. The first nap was with mountain goats roaming around a crystal clear alpine lake settled underneath high peaks. The second nap was among wild flowers and a huge waterfall. The third nap was catching sun rays while laying on slab rock near the end of the trail.
I listened to my body. I needed rest.
I needed to hear the rustling of the flowing water, clearing away any negativity. Along the way, I found a vibrant orange butterfly, silly mountain goats, a white moth that led me up the trail, saw multiple shades of green, and blue and purple wildflowers.
Instead of the go, go, go. I became more aware of my surroundings. Took in every deep breath of fresh crisp mountain air, and listened to my body. I accepted myself where I was. I didn’t need to follow someone else’s goals. I only needed to be aligned with my own truth.
So, I ask you this:
-What signals is your body telling you?
-Where do you need more self-acceptance?
Wishing you an abundant, joyful and prosperous day!
Lora Polowczuk
Chief Energy Officer
© Priority Retreats International
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Martha sits out on the porch on a hot summer day drinking a refreshing lemonade. While normally, she takes the early evening to relax while the temperatures cool, something was different. The skies usually crystal clear had an interesting haze. Then, Martha realized the usually crisp air felt like someone was stepping on her chest.
Martha stood up quick, wondering what was going on. Before she turned to walk inside, a loud piercing knock came from the front door. An officer cut straight to the chase, didn’t even say hello.
Ma’am. There’s a fast raging fire four miles from here. With the winds changing directions, your house is likely to be a direct hit. Leave in the next thirty minutes.
Martha stood shell-shocked. Thank you, officer.
She took a deep breath and let out a sigh.
Martha, asked herself out loud, What’s the most important items?
Legal documents.
Family pictures.
Extra gasoline, that was for her lawn mower
Non-perishable food.
2 pairs of clothes and comfortable shoes
A sleeping bag.
Her computer and charger
Her dog, Mocha.
In 10 minutes everything was packed and she left her house. Martha had no clue if she would ever return.
Too many of us get emotionally hijacked in chaos and get stuck. How do you stay calm and think clearly?
Everyday, we are bombarded with new information seeking our attention. If you know your intention and what’s most important, decisions are easy to make.
In the midst of chaos (and change), do you know what’s the most important thing to focus on?
There is a clear choice. Be decisive.
Wishing you an abundant, joyful and prosperous day!
Lora Polowczuk
Chief Energy Officer
© Priority Retreats International
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Bill ran his team like clock work. At the weekly team meeting, he asked each team member to give a status update. Bill then promptly told the team member exactly how to fix the issue. Over the course of the year, Bill’s team became resentful. The team frequently talked about Bill’s controlling style, which made them feel inferior and unable to propose innovative solutions that were superior to Bill’s ideas.
Overtime, Bill’s team began to find new jobs. In one month over half his team resigned. Bill complexed to what was happening, ask one of his team members if they had any insight. The young guy, unable to look Bill directly in the eyes, said softly “You tell us what to do.” Our team isn’t allowed to make suggestions or propose new ideas. It is not a fun place to work when we get our own creative mojo on. Bill thanked the young guy for his honesty.
Bill sighed. He went home that night. Unable to sleep, he began to think about how he can go about this differently. The next morning, Bill was called into the CEO’s office. The CEO stated that another member of his team resigned. Calmly, the CEO asked, what’s going on? Bill, with a somber reserve, stated how he was telling people what to do instead of letting his team self-correct and work with each other to troubleshoot project issues.
To move anything forward, control only works on yourself. To be effective, collaborate with others.
Wishing you an abundant, joyful and prosperous day!
Lora Polowczuk
Chief Energy Officer
© Priority Retreats International
