OLW Epiphany

It wasn't the start of a new calendar year that got me pondering. These aren't even thoughts that percolated as the school year started and I'm just now getting around to posting. (Though, looking at how few blog posts I have from this fall, that would be an understandable hypothesis.) 

You can find my previous thoughts about not being a OLW person here. OLW isn't the bandwagon for me and I put it out there for all the world to see. Reading all of your OLW posts I have had an epiphany. (Appropriate this week!)

Thanks to something a consultant said September of 2017 I started using a particular filter. I have been placing a filter in front of conversations and decisions. The filter has been the starting point for meetings and training. That filter is actually one. little. word. 

Purpose.

What is the purpose of the conversation or decision or meeting or training? Pulling purpose to the forefront and explicitly stating it keeps things focused. Continually asking the purpose keeps things focused. 

 Purpose, as a filter - a mantra - is now a part of my professional life.

OLW - Huge Confession

I'm not a OLW fan.

There.
I said it.
Publically.

Are you still reading? 
I half expect that after such a statement I'm kicked out of many communities. 
Sigh.

In fact, I closed my eyes as I clicked 'publish' for this post.

Since OLW became a thing a few years ago I noticed that I would scroll past all of those posts. I stopped and reflected. I paused and pondered. While I appreciate that having a focus for the year is helpful for, it seems like, all the rest of you - I couldn't authentically join the fun.

I appreciate that having OLW gives you a focus. I can see how having a lens through which to view your year can bring you purpose. I'm glad it works for you.

It doesn't for me.

Now you know.