Lecture on Life and Work: Making Good Decisions

Introduction

• Importance of making decisions that stand the test of time.
• Stories of Kimberly and Warren as examples.

Kimberly's Journey

• Grew up dreaming of the big city and achieved it by working in a big law firm.
• Realized her passion for yoga during a retreat.
• Identified a disconnect between her current life and true happiness.

Warren's Story

• Overcame difficult family circumstances, excelled academically, and landed a prestigious government job.
• A Radiohead song prompted introspection about his genuine happiness.

Climbing Mode vs. Discover Mode

• Climbing Mode: Focus on success, career, growth. Offers rewards but can lead to burnout and misplaced priorities.
• Discover Mode: Engaging in self-discovery before pursuing success.
  • Promotes understanding personal values, passions, and strengths.
  • Encourages trying, testing, and experiencing before committing.

Life Entrepreneurship

• Concept developed by Christopher Gergen and the speaker.
• Entrepreneurship principles applied to life decisions and personal growth.
• Encourages a vision, risk-taking, and passionate, adventurous living.

Common Life and Work Traps

• Comparative Ethic: Constantly comparing oneself to others, leading to dissatisfaction.
• Conformity: Following societal expectations rather than personal desires.
• Prestige Magnet: Being driven by the need for recognition rather than personal fulfillment.

Reflections on Leadership and Personal Quest

• Leadership as a quest: Align personal leadership with organizational vision.
• Importance of leading oneself towards a personal vision of the good life.

The Good Life Project by Jonathan Fields

• Three buckets for a good life:
  1. Vitality: Health and wellness.
  2. Connection: Quality relationships.
  3. Contribution: Adding value and serving others.

Conscious Living and Contribution

• Encourage pervasive service: daily acts of kindness and contribution.
• Shift towards a conscious business model: sustainability, social responsibility.

Success Stories Revisited

• Kimberly: Transformed her passion for yoga into a thriving business, contributing to community and personal fulfillment.
• Warren: Turned his love for baking into a successful business, promoting a positive work culture and community involvement.

Conclusion

• Importance of choosing the right ladder to climb.
• Embrace discover mode as a foundation for sustainable success and fulfillment.