Finding Your Groove With Kathleen Thompson

We’ve spent some time talking about what it means to be an Artisan.  To make it easy to understand, I told you there were three C’s that marked an Artisan: craftsmanship, creativity, and community.  We continue our focus on Craftsmanship.  Today, it’s about how practicing change keeps us sharp and continuously evolving.

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Rhythm of Life – Invite or Command?

Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.  — Steven Hawking

I’ve been telling you for a while that I’m really paying attention to how I sit, stand, walk, and lie down.  Trying to inhibit the habits that aren’t serving me well.

You’d think because I know it, I’d just change.  It’s not as easy as it seems.  It reminds me of the classic “All in the Family” episode where Edith is going through menopause.  In his exasperation, Archie yells, “I’m gonna give you just 30 seconds.  Now come on, change.”  Here’s a link to the episode if you want to watch it.

That’s what I feel like telling myself sometimes: “Now come on, change.”

What does that do?  Makes it worse.

An important lesson I’ve learned from the Alexander Technique is to explore.  Invite change, rather than trying to cram it in.  Like you, I’m doing the best I can.  Change is happening, even when I can’t see it.

I want to encourage you too.  You don’t have to push yourself to “so change already.”  Be gentle.  Invite yourself to change rather than push.  It can make all the difference.

So come on, explore.

The other day I was listening to podcast called “All Songs Considered”.  The hosts were talking about what songs were great in their time, and now should be retired.  Because they’ve lost their impact.

Listen to the episode to hear my short list of songs that should be retired.

With all the options we have to stream music, you’d think we’d have more variety now.  But it takes intention to hear something out of the norm.  Let’s decide together to confuse the algorithm that decides what music to play us.

Now if I could only get “Let it Go” out of my head…

As you heard in Episode 096, one mark of a craftsperson is to follow your curiosity.  On today’s episode, we’re exploring the second foundation of craftsmanship – embracing change.  Change that comes from experimentation.  Testing.  Constant improvement.  Disrupting your life and work to make it better.

The best know this and practice it all the time.

How can you embrace change?

We’re all wired for change.  We’re also wired against it.  Fear works to try and keep us safe.  Don’t fight with fear.  Just make sure it sits in back seat.  Not driving.  To do that, practice changing with low or no impact activities.  Break down into small chunks.  Do downside analysis to mitigate risk.

Think about our modern conveniences.  At one point they didn’t exist.  And then they did.  It didn’t happen all at once.  It took a proves of experimentation.

Where do you want to start?  Start with something almost unnoticeable.  The smaller the better.

So try it.  Practice.  Chunk the work.  Reduce risk.  And watch craftsmanship grow.

Where do you want to start?  Leave a comment.

How do you get good at change? Practice. Chunk. Reduce risk. Watch craftsmanship grow.
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090: Why You Should Be an Artisan at Work

The post Episode 097: Craftsmanship Requires Change first appeared on Kathleen Ann Thompson.

An Artisan develops craftsmanship.  And it doesn’t stop even at mastery.  There’s always room for more growth.  What’s one way to develop craftsmanship?  By following your curiosity.  How do you do that, you ask?  Well, it’s all explained in this episode.  Not only that, but we’re talking blueberries and how sometimes quotes get just a little bit jumbled as people use them over time.

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Rhythm of Life – Don’t Add Blueberries to This…

Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit.  –e.e. cummings

Blueberries are in season here in CT.  I’ve been picking at Deercrest Farm in Glastonbury, where I get my produce.  Even talked about it in a recent blog post.

I love blueberries.  I could eat them almost every day.  But I found out the hard way not to put blueberries in this…

I followed my curiosity that day, and learned some valuable lessons about cooking I wouldn’t otherwise know.  It’s so much more fun than simply following a cookbook.

So often you hear famous quotes or proverbs and nod head wisely.  “Yes!”  And yet, how many times is the quote not even the original?  Someone somewhere along the line shortened or changed it, and the changed version became better known.

Listen to the episode to hear some examples of what I mean.

I followed my curiosity when trying to make Madrigal costumes for Jerry and me using a sweatshirt, shorts, and modern dress pattern.  And you better believe it developed my craftsmanship in ways I didn’t predict.

You can learn to follow your curiosity too.  As you heard in Episode 095, it’s one of the foundations for building craftsmanship. And craftsmanship is one key to living an Artisan Life.

What does following your curiosity look like?  Do you know you can practice it any time?  And how fun it is?

The first key to follow your curiosity is to do it when stakes are low.  Because you want to push yourself to edge of your competency to grow and stretch.

A great example musical arrangers when they reinterpret songs.  Here are the Beatles and Carpenters versions of the same song – Ticket to Ride.

Beatles

Carpenters

One way to follow your curiosity is to ask the question, “I wonder what would happen if I tried — this?”

Other questions you can ask?

A sense of wonder is an important part of curiosity.  That and experimentation.

You heard in Episode 090 about daVinci taking years to complete the Mona Lisa.  It was all because he was experimenting with light.

You can follow your curiosity by asking questions.  You can follow your curiosity by doing regular activities a different way.  The more you practice the better, even if you aren’t directly practicing your craft.

If you remember nothing else from this episode, remember to ask yourself this question, “I wonder what would happen if I tried…this?”

Now go and do it.  Let me know how it goes.  Leave a comment below, or send an email to [email protected].  I can’t wait to hear what happens when you try it.

To follow your curiosity, ask “I wonder what would happen if I tried this?”
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090: Why You Should Be an Artisan at Work

I thought you would love this. The business author of Profit First, Mike Michalowicz (I struggle to pronounce his last name too), just released his newest book, Clockwork.

In the book he outlines an extremely simple process to make your business run itself. He challenges the concept of “grinding it out” and shows that how even the smallest businesses in the world, can run all by themselves. I just picked up my copies, and thought you might want to check it out too.  Here’s the link.

Enjoy! *****************************

The post Episode 096: Follow Your Curiosity to Build Craftsmanship first appeared on Kathleen Ann Thompson.

We’ve spent some time talking about what it means to be an Artisan.  To make it easy to understand, I told you there were three C’s that marked an Artisan: craftsmanship, creativity, and community.  Today we’ll dig deeper into Craftsmanship.  You’ll learn that there are three support structures upon which craftsmanship is built.  Not only that, but I’ll talk about picking raspberries, seeing, and CCO.  (You’ll find out what that is when you listen.)

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Rhythm of Life – What Picking Raspberries Taught Me About Seeing

Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.  –Jonathan Swift

I was picking raspberries at a friend’s house.  It was a bit of a jungle.  I was trying to make sure I got every ripe berry so they wouldn’t rot on the bush.  I thought I had them.

But, it turned out I didn’t.  When I went back in the other direction, I saw many I had missed.

That happens in other places too.  Ever notice how you can drive somewhere and notice how it looks.  And then it looks completely different on the way back?

A change in perspective changes what and how we see.

You know how your mind can make huge leaps from one thing to another?  That happened to me today as I outline the previous segment.  Listen to hear what I mean.

I was stuck.  Hunched over my computer trying to build a website, and couldn’t get a button to show up on screen.

I tried everything I knew.  Nope.

Then asked myself – “I wonder what would happen if I tried it this way?”  Eventually the button appeared.

What is that?  It’s called curiosity.  One of the foundations of craftsmanship.  A large part of curiosity is asking the question, “I wonder what would happen if I did…this?”

Last episode: constraints contribute to creativity – “What does this make possible?”

Curiosity leads us somewhere – somewhere often unexpected.

To build craftsmanship, it helps to work directly on your skills.  But you can also grow by working around the edges, so to speak.  Curiosity, also known as looking at things from a different perspective, causes experimentation.  This helps you grow too.  Even if you end up throwing away a lot of what you do.

The second building block for your craftsmanship foundation?  Change. Always testing all the time.

We used to joke at work that we never finished a project.  Sure, it was officially closed.  But there was always something to tweak.  Fix.  Test.  Improve.

Don’t do this before you deliver your work.  Deliver, or ship.  And then keep making it better.  Iterating.   What builds craftsmanship is the discipline of delivering as is, and then continuing to improve as you get

Change fueled by your curiosity.  Both are cornerstones of the foundation to build craftsmanship.  What’s the third one?  Commitment

Commitment to continue the work.  Improve.  Grow. Learn.  Stretch.  Even when it’s hard.

You don’t have to necessarily commit to one course of action – though that may be necessary.  It’s more about commitment to the process, and the WHY behind what you do.  Commitment to grow in craftsmanship, for as long as it takes.  Commitment to the purpose to which you’re called – even if you don’t see results.

Commitment shows you stand for something.  You can be trusted.  It gets you through times when you’ve got no inspiration, creativity, or enthusiasm.

Now here’s the thing: practicing curiosity isn’t that hard. It can even be fun.  Practicing change can be hard.  It feels uncomfortable.  But you can get used to that.

Practicing commitment is the hardest of all.  There aren’t any shortcuts.

Where do you stand right now?  Check yourself on the 3 C’s of Craftsmanship.  Curiosity, change, and commitment.  Do those and you will see growth.

Want to be a craftsperson?  Build the foundation first.  Then watch the rest grow.  Feel free to leave a comment about the commitment you’re making to yourself and your craftsmanship.

What builds craftsmanship? Curiosity, change, and commitment.
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090: Why You Should Be an Artisan at Work

The post Episode 095: The Foundations of Craftsmanship first appeared on Kathleen Ann Thompson.

Whether you know it or not, you have a signature scent.  It’s not your perfume or after-shave.  It’s the emotions you come in the door with.  And that linger when you’ve left.  How to know what your signature scent is, and change it if it isn’t as sweet-smelling if you’d like.

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Rhythm of Life – Constraints Boost Creativity

I almost didn’t record today’s episode. Why?  Well, my mother had surgery and I’ve been needed to help my dad care for her.  Not only that, but I injured several ribs doing something I shouldn’t have been doing.  Listen to the episode so you don’t repeat my mistake.

Anyway, that meant I didn’t have as much time for research and the outline.  And the deep breathing required to sing or speak is just a bit too much right now.

So, I seriously thought about not putting out an episode this week.  And then I realized – I talk about creativity a lot – and creativity flourishes with constraints.  This is a perfect opportunity to exercise my creativity muscle.

I set my intention and asked the question, “How can I deliver an episode that serves you and doesn’t require a ton of research or for me to talk for very long?”  Then, “What do these constraints make possible?”

I let that simmer for a bit.  And what came out?  This episode.  The Finding Your Groove – the Dislocated Ribs Edition.

When find yourself with circumstances you didn’t expect, you can do the same thing.

You might be amazed at what comes from it.

I’m in a hurry.  Run downstairs to throw laundry in.  And smell something rotten.  I don’t see a dead animal, so I open the freezer a crack.  The stench is so gross it almost makes me retch.  Somehow the freezer had turned off, and all the food rotted.

It took a lot to get the rotten food out of there.  And in the process, the freezer, basement, garage, and car all smelled.  I’ve worked diligently to get rid of the smell, and it’s not going without a fight.  The only place that smells better as of this episode is my car (Good thing, considering how much time I spend in driving.).

That got me thinking about how quickly a smell can spread until it permeates everything.  It’s true of rotten food.  And it’s true of our lives too.  Wherever we go, and whatever work we create, we bring our aroma with us.  It follows behind us.  And quickly spreads to other people.

What aroma do you want to give off?  We’re not always conscious of the aroma we give off. We get used to our own smell.  We have to look for clues.

Your aroma part of your signature. Your signature scent, so to speak.

Remember – 93% of communication is how you communicate, not what you say. Changing the “how” takes techniques and understanding your intention.

What aroma do you want to give off?  It’s your choice.  It’s part of signature style.  Part of your Artisan identity.  Make your signature scent the one you want.  Even more important – make it one others want.

If you’d like some help, I’m here to coach you with technique.  And we can even go deeper.  Send an email to [email protected] to schedule a free 20-minute consultation.  Let’s start making your signature scent one that others will want to remember.

As always, your comments are welcome.  Because we’re better together.

Your signature scent lasts long after you’ve left the room. Make sure it’s sweet.
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090: Why You Should Be an Artisan at Work

The post Episode 094: What’s Your Signature Scent? first appeared on Kathleen Ann Thompson.

You want to create.  Want to live a life as an Artisan.  But how do you start?  Or if you already started, how do you know you’re on the right path?  With a MAP.  Not a roadmap that anyone can follow.  This is a special kind of MAP.  One you create for yourself.  On this episode, we’ll talk about what’s on this Artisan MAP.

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Rhythm of Life – Using a Compass Instead of a Map

The reinvention of daily life means marching off the edge of our maps.  — Bob Black

For so long I was caught up in mechanics of building a business.  And I found that everyone is trying to sell you their process for making your business a whopping success.  They’re all over Facebook.

But it’s so easy to get caught up in the stuff of creating business that you lose your way.  Sometimes we’re  better off with a compass than a map.

So much of life doesn’t have a precise route.  It’s more like a general direction.

Jerry and I were on our motorcycle in central PA, driving across Route 6, when we decided to take a side road.  Unfortunately, what looked like a scenic road through the woods turned out to be a loose gravel path.  There was no way we could ride that for several miles.

Sometimes the map doesn’t show you everything you need to know.  It certainly didn’t in this case.  It doesn’t always contain all the variables needed to make a decision.

It doesn’t look anything like the actual earth.  Most of the continents are misshapen and the wrong size.  It’s the first map that attempted to depict the 3-dimensional earth on a flat surface.  It was done by Gerard Mercator.

What’s so important about this map?  Whoever controlled the maps controlled the trade routes.

This story part of the intro to a book called “The Island of Lost Maps” by Miles Harvey.

If maps were important in 1569, they are also important today.  In fact, a MAP is just what you need to start your journey as an Artisan.  But not just any map.  An Artisan MAP.

In Episodes 090 and 092, we talked about why you should be an Artisan.  Because you are created by the Creator to create.  In episode 091, we talked about the 3 C’s that mark an Artisan – craftsmanship, creativity, community.

Today we’re talking about where to start on your Artisan journey.  With an Artisan MAP.  What is that MAP?

Your vision of the world as it could be.  The change you’d like to see in the world.  A world you imagine could exist.  And would like to help bring it about.

Mission allows for several options of what or how you accomplish the mission.

It’s important to have a mission.  A mission is better than goals.  As we said in Episode 083, goals are meant to be short-term.  To hear more about that, check out episode 083.

This is your craft.  What you are good at.  Skills you develop over time.

When you develop your assets, you can have great impact.  You can become so good you infuse your assets with another A – artistry. You create something people want to own, like that Da Vinci painting I mentioned in Episode 090 

The actions you take to fulfill your mission.  The plan includes 4 parts:

Though your Mission seldom changes, your Plans, and thus your MAP, can change.  Let it grow organically as circumstances change and as your grow.

You don’t have to have the entire map done before you start.  Even if you have the germ of a mission, one asset not fully fleshed out, and a rudimentary plan on the back of napkin, you can still start.  You’ll learn a lot by moving.

At the same time, action with any mission is aimless.  Action without using your assets is frustrating.  Action without a plan is fruitless.  So be intentional.  Create even the most rudimentary map.

If you want help, reach out.  I know what it’s like to succeed and fail.  I’d love to help you develop mission, assets, plan.  Just send an email to [email protected] or leave a comment.  You’ll start your artisan life with a map firmly in hand.

What are you waiting for?  See you out there.

How do you start living life as an Artisan? With a MAP.
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090: Why You Should Be an Artisan at Work

The post Episode 093: Where to Start as an Artisan? With a MAP. first appeared on Kathleen Ann Thompson.

We are created to be creators.  When we stop creating out of fear or external circumstances, we often turn into consumers or critics.  On this episode, we explore what creating looks like (it’s not necessarily what you think), what stops us from creating, why it’s so important to keep doing it.

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Rhythm of Life – When You Can’t See Progress

People don’t care about how much you know until they know how much you care.  –Theodore Roosevelt

I sat in Elizabeth’s studio and cried.  I couldn’t see any evidence of improvement, despite my hard work at Alexander lessons and voice exercises.

It’s hard to trust when we can’t see or feel change, isn’t it?  Sometimes it’s because we’re not really looking.  We don’t really believe change is possible.  And sometimes we can’t see because the change is beneath the surface.

What am I learning from this experience?

If want some encouragement or a listening ear, send an email to [email protected] or leave a comment.

Last week at Ruth’s house, we sat at the piano bench, as we so often do.  Only this time she pulled out the “Favorite Book of Humorous Songs”.

We sang and played and laughed until the tears rolled down our cheeks.  It felt so good.

It’s good to laugh, isn’t it?  No matter what the circumstances.  When you do it, you may feel a little bit crazy.  That’s okay.  Even good.

The room is alive with energy.  People animatedly talking with one another.  And then the meeting starts.  Within 30 seconds all the energy has drained out of the room.  People slouch in their chairs.  No one volunteers anything.  They speak in a monotone.

What happened?  Where did the creative energy go?  It left when “business” started because everyone in the room realized that they aren’t there to create.  They’re there to produce.

We are created to be creators.  Artists.  Yet, many of us don’t life that out.  Even though that’s what makes us fully human.  Fully alive.

What happens when our creativity is stifled – either by our own insecurity or fear, or by others? We turn from being a Creator to a Consumer or Critic.

Consumerism has been encouraged by our culture and driven by the Industrial Revolution.  It’s even considered patriotic.

It’s not limited to spending money, though.  Consumerism also includes consuming experiences or knowledge.

It’s okay to consume.  It just shouldn’t be what drives us.  It shouldn’t take the place of creating.

Beyond consuming, we can even take it another step further – become a critic.  Not feedback.  Criticism.

Criticism focuses on past behavior.  It’s usually negative.  Feedback is different.  It focuses on future behavior.  And should only be given by someone who has earned the right – a parent, coach, teacher, manager, or friend.

Both outside and internal forces can turn us into critics.  Listen to the episode to hear what I mean by that.

Unfortunately, we’ve become a nation of critics.  Armchair critics who aren’t in the arena themselves.  Because people who are creating don’t have time to be critics.

Those who speak about this:

Michael Port – Steal the Show

Brene Brown – Rising Strong

How can you have the courage to create instead of consume or criticize?

We’re all created to be creators.  It’s what makes us most human.  Brings us most alive.  Everyone is created to be creators.  Not just a few “creative” people.

Easy to live below potential by becoming consumers or critics.  Can do it from fear or insecurity (internal factors) or because environment stifles creativity.

Take stock of your ife today.  Work, volunteer, family, friendships.  If you’re sliding – or already slid –into consumerism or criticism, what can you do to change that?  It might simply be your attitude or habit.  Or – maybe it’s time for a big change – like me.  If can’t create in your work right now, you might want another outlet.  A place where your spirit can soar.  Where you can develop the potential of your humanity.

If want help evaluating your workplace, created a quiz for you.  I’ll help you determine if your workplace is stifling your creative spirit.  Click here  for the quiz.  Then depending on results, you can decide what type of action to take.

This is too important to let slide or leave to chance.  As I said in Episode 090, the future of work is to Artisans.  Artisans are creators.  In Episode 091, we saw that an Artisan lives at the intersection of craftsmanship, creativity, and community.  Craftspeople make something.  Create.  Artisans use creativity as they work.

Whether at work, play, or relationships, commit to be a creator today.  Take actions toward that end.  Even if you think you aren’t “creative”.  Or an artist.  You are.  You just have to find the spark and fan it into flame.  Let me know what you’re doing by leaving a comment or sending an email to [email protected].

Are you a Creator, Consumer, or Critic? Only one is fully alive.
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The post Episode 092: Are You a Creator, Consumer, or Critic? first appeared on Kathleen Ann Thompson.

What are the hallmarks of an artisan?  What makes them stand out?  In this episode we explore the 3 C’s of artisanship – no matter what your walk of life.

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Rhythm of Life – I’m Not Singing

Art is not a handicraft, it is the transmission of feeling the artist has experienced.  –Leo Tolstoy

I strode to the stage and prepared to sing.  I planted my feet, nodded to the accompanist, took a breath, and then told myself, “I’m not singing.”

Why would I do that?  Tell myself not singing when I clearly am?  Because singing is not only physical and emotional; it’s also mental.  Your brain tells your body what it takes to make each note.  And mine has gotten its signals crossed.

All of us do things automatically – like walk, sit, or stand.  And often our movements are done with more effort than they need to.  Our signals get a bit crossed.  Sometimes it comes from an old injury or trauma.  We adjust to compensate, and then keep it up when the injury is no more.

In order to stop these habits, we often need to tell ourselves that we aren’t doing the thing we are doing.

What do you not want to do today?  Leave a comment.

Have you ever felt like you were at a loss for words?  We all feel that way sometimes, even when it’s important to speak.  When we focus on ourselves, it’s easy to feel tongue-tied.  When we focus on other people, it’s easier to naturally respond.

On the last episode we talked about why you want to be an Artisan – no matter what your walk of life.

What are the hallmarks of an artisan that we can apply to any industry? It turns out there are 3 C’s: craftsmanship, creativity, community.

Craftsmanship – making something with the highest workmanship.  Something that stands apart from the rest.  Like a Stradivarius violin.  Sculpture by Michelangelo.  Shaker furniture.

This doesn’t happen overnight.  It takes a lot of practice, work, and coaching.

We can often notice when craftsman is at work.  It exhibits these 3 characteristics.

Craftsmanship alone is not enough.  Creativity is needed too.  It’s not necessarily artistic creativity.  It can also be the way you solve a problem.  Innovate new technology or repurpose the old.  Marry facts and story. Or science and faith.

When the left and right brain work together, we get a perfect marriage of craftsmanship and creativity.  Two hallmarks of an artisan.

What’s the third C?  Community.  Most great artisans don’t create art alone.  They need other people.  To develop, encourage, empower, appreciate their art.

The letter to the Hebrews in the Bible says this: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

As Simon Sinek says, “Together is better.”  There’s power in together.

Community also shows up in those with whom we share our work.  We want to be better for them.  To make life better for them.

Why not take stock right now?  Do you have one C that is less developed than the other two?  Why not commit today to develop it further? Choose one and get started.  Remember – this is a long game.  Like an apprenticeship.  You don’t have to do it all at once.  It’s better if you don’t.  And you have to be willing to be bad before you can be good and then great.

Make your commitment in the comments, or send an email to [email protected].  The sooner you get started the sooner you’ll get there.   Start becoming an artisan today.

The 3 C’s of a true artisan? Craftmanship, creativity, community.
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The post Episode 091: The Three C’s of Artisanship first appeared on Kathleen Ann Thompson.

In November, 2017, a painting sold for $450M at an auction.  It was more than 250% of the previous record.  Why?  Because of the artist’s reputation.  In this episode, we talk about three reasons why it’s important for you to be an artisan – no matter what line of work you’re in.

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Rhythm of Life – I Cried Reading this Book

In a crowded marketplace, fitting in is a failure. In a busy marketplace, not standing out is the same as being invisible.  –Seth Godin

If you’ve been following my journey for a while, you know I left my job at the end of 2017.  My first priority?  To get connected with my body again.  Let go of tension.  Dance.  Sing with freedom.

Some of this came from old injuries.  Much came from stress at work.  And it’s taking longer than I thought to recover.  Sometimes I feel like it’s just me. That I couldn’t hack it.  I felt differently when I started to read a new book called Dying for a Paycheck: How Modern Management Harms Employee Health and Company Performance – and What We Can Do About It.

According to Dr. Pfeffer, many people are literally dying for their paychecks.  Here are some of the statistics he cites.

We have to do something.  The question is – what?  I’m not quite sure yet.  I know the first step is awareness.  That’s always the first step to making social change.  I do know that we can’t make everything in life about the money.  Our primary goal should be to make life better for the human race.  Money is only a part of that equation.

So, for a start, read Dying for a Paycheck or Leaders Eat Last.   Then, start a conversation.  At work, by leaving a comment, or by emailing me at [email protected].  Change always starts with awareness and talking about it.

Then, what about this?

I’ll keep reading the book.  If the author has any other suggestions I can pass on, I’ll talk about it in a future episode.  In the meantime, I created a quiz for you to determine how toxic your organization’s culture may be.  You can find it here.  Once you see the results, you can decide what type of action to take.

I wish I could change this myself.  I can’t.  It’s going to take a lot of people to make change to something so ingrained.  It does make me more resolved to support you with a toolbox.  One that helps you identify and execute on options you have to make your life sing. No matter how much work may try to muzzle the real you.

In April, US scientists announced they have discovered a new organ.  It’s a highway of moving fluid.  It has potential as a diagnostic tool, and new treatments too.  Listen to the episode so hear more about it.

Your voice is the most powerful tool you have to connect with others.  Yet, you might be missing that connection, and relinquishing that power, without even knowing it.  To find out more about you can develop your voice to reach your audience, try my free 20-minute voice consultation.

In November, 2017, a painting sold for $450M at an auction.  It has been the most expensive painting sold at auction ever – at least so far.  The previous record was $179M.  The painting’s name?  The Savior of the World by Leonardo da Vinci.

What made this worth the price? – the reputation of the artist.  And daVinci earned his reputation.  He experimented with new techniques and brought them into his painting.  He strove for excellence.

I believe that your future success at work will come from being an Artisan – no matter what line of work you are in.

Why? Here are 3 reasons.

Companies are looking to gain even further efficiencies, which will come via automation and artificial intelligence.  Repetitive jobs will further erode.  What will be left?  Jobs requiring creativity and innovation.  The ones machines can’t do.

If you are a business owner, the same could happen to you.  If your competition automates and undercuts your price, you have the same problem.

Cal Newport talks about this in his book So Good They Can’t Ignore You : Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love.

In order to be innovative and creative, you need skill.  Know and understand the process.  The more you focus on one thing and get so good they can’t ignore you, the better.

Now you’re past just good.  You’re unique.  Even though daVinci didn’t sign his paintings, they still had his signature.  There were ways to tell they were painted by him.  Our work should be same.  Get so good that it reflects who we are.  It becomes unique.

Where would you like to start?  You don’t have to it all at once.  Just choose one: skill, innovation, or signature.

Don’t leave your career up to efficiency experts.  Become an artisan.  Start today by making a commitment to be one.  Then keep listening.  In the upcoming episodes, I’ll be talking about how to be an artisan with skill, innovation, and your unique signature.

What are you committing to in order to develop as an artisan?  Leave a comment.

The marks of a true artisan? Skill, innovation, and signing your work.
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The post Episode 090: Why You Should Be an Artisan at Work first appeared on Kathleen Ann Thompson.

Maybe you’ve heard people tell you that you have to “burn the boats” to really succeed. That if you believe you can turn back, you will. I’ve always hated that advice, as it was often given to encourage us to “follow your passion”, which seems naïve and risky. Yet, there’s something to this advice. Here’s how to embrace your future and minimize risk at the same time.

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Rhythm of Life – The First Day of My Next Voice

Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.  –Seneca

There I was in Roger Love’s studio, at my first voice lesson.  He asked me to tell my story.  I gave him the short version.  Then I said this: “This lesson.  This time together – this is the first day of my new voice.”

You heard me say in Episode 087 that I felt like I was coming home when I walked into Roger’s Voice of Success workshop.   Yet at the same time, as I sat in the studio, I had no illusions that this would be an instant transformation.  It’s an investment.

Have you ever had a vision of what could be?  You take one step and keep moving, and then you’re there?  You look around, and see that “there” shows you another mountain to climb?  That’s how I felt when I got home from my first lesson with Roger.

While we’re striving, it’s important to differentiate between striving for growth (or striving satisfied) and striving to prove ourselves worthy.  Striving for growth includes rest and there’s a peace infused in the process.  Striving to prove ourselves worthy is stressful and exhausting.  So even as I work on my body and voice, I’m doing it from a place of rest.  Trust.  Joy.  I hope you will too.  Believe me, it’s a lot more enjoyable that way.

In 1914 a revolution happened.  The first stoplight was installed on the corner of Euclid Ave. and 105th Street in Cleveland, OH.  Invented by James Hoge.

This completely revolutionized the way we drive.  But that’s not it revolutionized.  Listen to the episode to hear about how the concept of green, yellow, red has permeated so much of our culture.  And not always in a good way.

If you’d like to learn how you can harness the power and personality of your voice to move others, sign up for your free 20-minute consultation with me.  Click here to schedule your time.  Together we’ll explore options and you’ll leave with a voice tip you can put into practice right away.

So many have told the story about how Hernan Cortez told his crew to burn the boats when they landed on the Yucatan Peninsula to try and capture the Mayan treasure.

I always hated that advice.  It sounded like something someone would say when they were trying to sell you their course on how to ditch your boring life or job and follow your passion.  And they laugh all the way to the bank while you wonder if disillusionment can pay the bills.

Not only that, but both Seth Godin and Elizabeth Gilbert say that we shouldn’t put so much pressure on our art.  Whatever that art is for us.  We shouldn’t expect it to work.  We need to give our gift to the world with open hands and the full understanding that it might not work.

So what’s right?  Should we burn the boats?  Or understand “this might not work?”

Both.

How?  By doing a controlled burn.  Here are three steps to a controlled burning of your boats.

This includes project planning, which we talked about in Episode 025.

This includes using a decision matrix to help with a down-side analysis.  To get a copy, email [email protected].

Take action.  Leave the past behind.  Know there is no back.  There is only forward.  Not the one plan, but some plan.  A, B, or Z.

Where do you want to go?  What boats do you want to burn?  How does it make you feel to think about burning them?  What can you do if your plan doesn’t work?

If you want to start a conversation, send an email to [email protected], or leave a comment.  Let’s break free together, shall we?

Burn the boats, and have a Plan B.
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The post Episode 089: Break Free – Burn the Boats and Have a Plan B first appeared on Kathleen Ann Thompson.

Your voice is the most powerful communication tool you have.  Yet you may not be harnessing its power.  In fact, your voice could be holding you back.  Today we explore how you can use your voice to help you break free.

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Rhythm of Life – Taking Up Space

The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can.  –Neil Gaiman

I heard Dr. Amy Cuddy talk about presence, and taking up space.  How people who feel powerful expand.  Those who feel powerless, make themselves as small as they can.

I saw an immediate connection to the work I’ve been doing with my Alexander teacher.  I’ve made a lot of progress since starting lessons.  I still have a long way to go.  It will take patience and gentleness with myself as I keep at it.  I want to take up the space I’m meant to have.

How about you?  Are you taking up the space you were meant to have, or are you shrinking to make yourself small?  I’m encouraging you to take up your space.  You are a gift to the world.  Share that gift by showing up all the way.

One of my favorite books is called “Start With Why” by Simon Sinek.  Its main premise is that what you do not as important as why you do it.

As important as it is to start with why, there are times when why isn’t helpful.  When would that be?  When something goes wrong, and we ask “why” questions.

What’s wrong with “why” questions?

Both often lead to rumination, which is not productive.

What works better?

“What” questions.  Like “What patterns can I find across these situations?  What could I do differently next time?”  These questions get to both the cause and solution in one step.

You want to know your motivation and purpose?  Start with Why.  You want to solve a problem?  Go straight to What.

Have you ever made an important presentation and had everyone in the room completely engaged?  To the point where they couldn’t wait to pepper you with questions like “How could we make this work?  Can you go deeper into the numbers?  What are the next steps?”

What made that presentation work?  Well, it helps to get your facts straight.  And prepare a compelling story.  But here’s the thing: studies show that 93% of communication is HOW we say what we say.  Only 7% is the words we choose.  And of that 93%, the most important piece is how your voice sounds.

Unfortunately, many of us don’t know how to use our voices to speak our truth.  It’s important to find our voice and develop it.  It’s one of the keys to breaking free.

Maybe you’re thinking, “I’ve had my voice my whole life.  It’s done just fine.”  Are you sure?  After all, the voice you use most likely isn’t the voice you were born with.  Why?  Because your voice was developed through imitation.

I know this firsthand.  Even with years of voice lessons, my voice began to take on the sound of co-workers, who were low and monotone.

What do you have to say that’s important for others to hear?  Wouldn’t you like people to hang on your every word?  Receive the gift of what you say with gratitude? The stakes are high.  You have only about 15 seconds to make that first impression.

It’s important for you to find and develop the voice that works for you – in whatever setting you find yourself.  If you’ve been trying to break free in some aspect of your life, now is the time to find your voice.  Learn to communicate in a way that reaches other people with more impact than you ever have before.  And the funny thing is – as you find your voice, may find yourself in other ways too.

I believe so strongly in the difference finding your voice can make, I opened a voice coaching program to help you find the voice you were created to have.  Help you speak what is in your mind.  In your heart.  In a way that others will listen.  Feel like they know, like, and trust you.

The program includes a 3-step plan:

It can be live in my studio or virtual.  I want to make it as easy as possible for you to find the voice you were meant to have.

Where do you start?  With a conversation.  Click the button below to schedule a free 20-minute chat.  We’ll talk about how you’d like to break free with your voice.  And then you’re on your way.

I Want to Find My Voice

There’s no pressure. No deadlines.  It’s just an invitation.  To help you be the gift you already are to the world.  To help you find your voice.

How could your voice help you break free?  Leave a comment.

Your voice is a gift to the world. Make it one they want to receive.
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The post Episode 088: Break Free – Find Your Voice first appeared on Kathleen Ann Thompson.