Welcome to the Saturday Summary! I hope you enjoy and connect with a few ideas.

What I’ve Posted – Blog Summary

There is no theme for the posts this week. They jump from occupational wellbeing, to astrology, and creativity. My personal favorite is my reflection on my first two years of writing every day for this blog.

Ladders and Jungle Gyms. The first post of the week talks about the path our careers often take. We work toward a ladder, but the climb is more like a jungle gym.

Pluto Moving to Aquarius. This one is a little different than the normal posts, bringing it a bit of astrology and a major transition that happened on Tuesday.

What Do We Really Need? The mid-week post focuses on considering how we might simplify content and be more direct with what we are looking for.

Reflecting on Two Years. This post looks back on my first two years writing this daily blog. What have I learned, how my thinking has evolved, and what’s next.

Creativity vs. Problem Solving. Are they the same or different? This post digs into that question and explores the difference between the two approaches.

What I’ve Listened To – PodList   

This week the first three podcasts will have you thinking differently about work and the role work plays in your life. The other two are also worth a listen.

The Passion Trap: How the Search for Your Life’s Work is Making Your Working Life Miserable by Cal Newport. 12 minutes. Optimal Work Daily. I’ve heard Cal’s philosophy on passion many times and continue to think it’s a great reminder as we consider what we want from our career.

The Growing Trend of Part-Time Executives. 30 minutes. HBR Ideacast. I’ve had several posts talking about the rise of fractional employment. This podcast highlights the trends in the space.

Selling My Time Too Cheap: How Full-Time Year-Round Work Blinds Us to the Joys of Life. 14 minutes. Optimal Finance Daily. Paul Millerd shares his thoughts – the title says it all!

Turn an Annoying Experience into One That Can Bring You Joy. 5 minutes. The Best Advice Show. Matteo Trevino shares a fun story on how he shifted his perspective on horn honking.

Playing Big. 70 minutes. Everyday Style School. Typically, this podcast focuses on clothes (which I also enjoy). This week features an interview with Tara Mohr discussing her book Playing Big: Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create, and Lead.

What I’ve Been Up To

This week, I’ve been working on programs for those impacted by the continued waves of layoffs. From workbooks to an 8-week guided program, products will be released next week. I’m kicking things off with two free sessions packed full of content that participants can leverage immediately. I hope I can provide some direction and comfort in a time where people are looking for their footing.

Outside of work, I’m getting excited for a family wedding later today and the Thanksgiving holiday in the week ahead. Yesterday, DTE picked up an old refrigerator that has been sitting unused and taking up space for at least three years. To say I feel “lighter” with it out of here is an understatement!

What Do You Think?

Which podcasts and blog posts resonate with you this week?

What one idea do you take away for the week ahead?

How are you preparing for the upcoming holiday week?