Last Friday I had the opportunity to hear Artie Isaac give a presentation at The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business. It was a talk on leading with your heart for a group of first year MBA students. Obviously, I’m not part of that group but there were some extra seats so I quickly took the opportunity to jump in and learn. I was left with a lot to think about, but I wanted to share just a few points in this post on how I want to start living.
How do you feel?
I want start taking time to pause and evaluate how I’m feeling. Not on an emotional or mental level, just physically how I’m feeling at a particular moment. Is my body relaxed, tense, hot or cold? What types of situations make me feel uncomfortable and stressed? There are some days I practically run through my routine. I rarely stop and think about how I feel, but perhaps this would help me feel more in control.
We are humans doing, not humans being.
Another thing I plan on trying is more self-reflection. Artie recommended sitting for a half hour every day in self-reflection. This does not mean writing another “to do” list or just relaxing with a good book that makes you think. This is a deeper examination of oneself. It’s a terrifying thought actually, because we are constantly doing. I am very guilty of this. I feel most alive when my schedule is the most crowded. I want to stop doing so I can start being and focus on my life.
Become selfish.
We must sometimes become selfish to be more helpful to others. I must tell people ‘no’ at times so I can become more powerful and make a difference. It’s an interesting approach, since we are told that being selfish is a negative attribute. Remember, taking time for ourselves in not a bad idea. I hope to find a balance between being a gracious volunteer and friend but also learning when I should say ‘no’ and avoid becoming overwhelmed.
If you haven’t met Artie yet and would like to hear him speak, I definitely recommend it. Take him up on his invitation to sit in on an upcoming lecture at CCAD. I also pull inspiration and new ideas from his blog on creativity and ethics. Now go spread the good word.
Hannah DeMilta 
Pay attention to that Artie Isaac fellow. He knows what he is talking about. Nice post Hannah 🙂
Thanks, Hannah, for this lovely essay. I so appreciate your attending — for your professional kindness — and for your articulation of some of the key themes.
Do you recall the question of the fellow in the back row: “Can’t I just be a dude?”
I wrote about that — and included a link to your wonderful post.
Thanks, again.
Here’s my post: http://www.artieisaac.com/2010/01/mba_meaning.html
Thanks guys, I appreciate it!
@ Artie – Yes, I also believe there was some concern in the room when you told them to surrender their TV watching habits. I’m very glad I was able to attend and hopefully will get to see you again in the near future.