Thursday, September 19, 2013

Week Two: Lollipop Moments

Firstly, a huge thank you to everyone who visited my blog, and left a note on facebook or in the comments section. You all mean the world to me!

Now, on to week two.

Recently, a colleague sent out a link to a TED video about everyday leadership, which provided me with an "aha moment". I encourage you to watch the video below (it's a short one I promise) to get a better understanding of the concept.

(Video via TED Talks)

In the talk, Drew Dudley talks about "lollipop moments". A lollipop moment is a moment when somebody said or did something that you feel made your life fundamentally better. He talks about how everyone at some point has either been responsible for or been the catalyst for a lollipop moment in someone else's life, whether or not that person has told them the impact it had on them. Dudley encourages us to make leadership about lollipop moments, about how many of them we create, acknowledge, pay forward, and say thank you for them. 

This message both inspired me and was eerily close to the subject of this week's thank you note. 

A few months ago I had a conversation with an acquaintance who happens to be in the business of inspiration, and this conversation was about trying to find out what inspires me. Through this conversation this individual challenged me to love my job. He said it seemed that I really liked what I was doing at work, but what would it mean to love what I was doing? In the months since then that question has really stuck with me, through challenges at work and ultimately helped me to make the decision to leave my job for a new one, one that I knew I could love. I sent him a note this week, as I started that new job, thanking him for that lollipop moment in my life. Without having seen this video, I already agreed with Drew Dudley on the importance of recognizing and showing gratitude for these extremely powerful and inspirational moments/catalysts in life. This acquaintance agreed with Dudley in his response, when he challenged me to pay it forward, informing me that it was now my responsibility to inspire others to believe that they too can want to, and actually can have a job that they love (or realize they love the job they already have).

So now I am passing on the challenge to you. Two challenges actually. One, to recognize and acknowledge lollipop moments in your own life; and two, to not settle for less than a job that stimulates, inspires, challenges, and brings joy to your life. 

What has been a lollipop moment in your life? Have you told that person? What would it mean to love your job? Looking forward to hearing about it!

Gratefully yours,

Jaime Ariella


7 comments:

  1. I love that someone inspired you to switch from a job you like to a job you love! That is definitely worthy of gratitude!

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    1. Thanks Stacey! I agree, definitely grateful for both the inspiration and the ability to make the switch!

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  2. Jaime Ariella,
    You are an amazing young woman and I am so proud of you!
    I love TED talks but had not heard this one, it's great.
    love you,
    your aunt Susan

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  3. Well written, Jaime.
    Drew's talk is a great, simple, actionable and human. It is amazing the power of genuinely acknowledging others - it feels great to do and feels great to receive. I am surprised at how many people don't put themselves out there to acknowledge others. I am glad to know that you're one of those courageous leaders who is willing to put fear aside and take the action needed to feel fulfilled.

    Stay inspired and inspire others!

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    1. Thanks Stephen!! p.s I am excited to read your new book! Congrats!

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  4. Jaime,

    A couple of different friends of mine posted a link to this post, and I had to make sure I took a moment to tell you how much it means to me that you shared it with the people in your life! More importantly, I'm thrilled that it acted as even a small catalyst for you creating even more "lollipop moments" in the world! Reading this truly, truly made my day! Thank you so much for that!

    All the best,
    Drew

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