Barbara Sher's book Refuse to Choose! helps those of us "scanners" who don't want to focus on only one thing at a time. It's been beyond a life saver for me since I want to do a million things simultaneously. | Are you one of those people who can't seem to decide on a career? Have you struggled for months (YEARS!) trying to figure out that one career that makes the most sense? Do you cringe whenever you hear "follow your passion" and "do the work you love?" If yes, you are not alone. I have struggled right along with you (for YEARS) trying to determine which career to focus my attention on. I was under the impression that you had to pick just one. This all started in middle school when my parents sat me down and told me I had to get serious about my academic career and needed to figure out which career path I wanted to follow. I did not take this well and subsequently suffered for years afterwards trying to figure this out. It wasn't until recently when I rediscovered Barbara Sher's book Refuse to Choose! that I finally gave in to the fact that I'm a scanner. According to Barbara, a scanner is someone who loves to do a variety of things (often simultaneously) and isn't satisfied focusing on only one thing. They CANNOT only do one thing. They are not built that way. Focusing on only one thing drives a scanner crazy and leaves them deeply dissatisfied. I read the book back in 2006 when it came out but for some reason it's taken rediscovering it in 2014 for it to really sink in. You may be a scanner if…
If you're a scanner, hello and welcome to our crazy world. Yes, we may not fit societal's mold of picking one career for the rest of our lives, but once you get comfortable knowing that this is who you are, then you can relax and get on what you really want to do: EVERYTHING! Not surprisingly, scanners come in all varieties ranging from cyclical scanners (who have four to five major areas of interest) to the Sybil (whose list of interest is endless and always expanding). No matter which type you are, there is a way to manage all of what you want to do with ease and grace and without losing your head. Since graduating from college (communication major - can't get much more broad), I've dabbled in marketing, publishing, writing (novels), journalism (writing boring financial articles), editing, graphic design, web design, real estate (briefly held a real estate license), life coaching, photography, and akashic readings. I've held full time jobs, telecommuting jobs, freelance jobs and owned my own businesses (multiple). I've been a managing editor, marketing coordinator, staffing sales associate, real estate agent, web designer, graphic designer, writer, proofreader, photographer, life coach and akashic records practitioner. A lot of these I've done simultaneously and continue to do (at least four). So, you see, you are not alone. the scanner toolkit It's one thing to know you're a scanner, it's another to know what to do about it. The first tool Barbara suggests every scanner use is the SCANNER DAYBOOK. It's a notebook dedicated to capturing all your thoughts and ideas so you have them in one place and easily accessible. You can do this in a notebook or online using Pinterest or bookmarks. Whatever works for you. I personally have a notebook where I capture everything. I call it my dream journal and it gives me comfort knowing all my great ideas are tucked away in there waiting. The second is the WALL CALENDAR POSTER which is a six year calendar (you can make it yourself using poster board) used for marking down all the projects you want to do and giving them deadlines (times). I use this in a different way – writing out all my projects in a spreadsheet with deadlines. I break down each project (like write a new novel) down into bite size chucks (like develop a storyline) and assign deadlines to each chunk. I then sort them in order of their deadlines and waalaa - I have a workable "to do" list that helps me to manage all that I want to do. Barbara also suggests using STICKY NOTES as a solution to capturing ideas and recommends sticking them everywhere. I am so grateful for having found this book and to have stopped struggling with trying to nail down one career focus. As you can see from my website, I'm an intuitive life coach, akashic practitioner, photographer and writer and wouldn't have it any other way. I'd love to hear about your experiences as a scanner. It's helpful to know we're not alone. |
I'm a big believer in being true to yourself. I mean, who else do you want to be? Whenever I try to be something/someone I'm not, it comes out all wrong and makes achieving my goals nearly impossible. For example, today I went to a networking lunch. I was a bit stressed over what to wear since most days I can be found in yoga pants and a t-shirt–not exactly professional business attire. I wanted to have a professional appearance yet remain as true to myself as possible. Well, not at first. At first I just wanted to appear professional. Period. I have my own business(es) and wanted to give off the right impression. Nothing wrong with that. However when I put on the dress pants and heels, they were so not me. I felt uncomfortable and restricted. Right before I had to leave I swapped out the pants and heels for jeans (yes - JEANS) and flats and went on my way. And I'm so happy I did. I felt much more relaxed and didn't worry a minute about my outfit. Granted, this event was a bit more casual than say a networking event with attorneys but I knew that going in. I knew I wouldn't be too out of place. But really, I didn't care. I felt being true to myself was more important than trying to be something I'm not. I wanted people to see me at my truest - take it or leave it. What does being true to yourself even look like?
Why be true to yourself? If it's not already evident, being true to yourself is the best thing you can do for yourself. It's the only way to achieve true lasting happiness. It sets you free and allows you to fully express yourself and to explore your passions. Not only does it feel great (after you get over the fear of what other people think), it makes you comfortable and at ease in your own skin. You're less stressed, you feel more balanced and centered, and you're more confident making decisions moving forward. Plus, the world needs you! There is no one else on this whole planet who can do what you do or who can be who you are. Here are some great ways to be/remain true to yourself:
Let me know how you're being true to yourself. I'd love to hear from you. I had so much fun putting my other two blog posts about how much house $250K and $130K can buy that I got curious about how much house $1 million can buy. I live in Evanston (in an apartment) and am surrounded by multi-million dollar homes. I know it's easy to drop a cool million (and a lot more) around here and Chicago. However how much can one million buy back in Michigan? Let's find out. (All prices are current as of May 12, 2014.) Chicago Area HomesChicago (as with anywhere) is all about location. The closer you are to downtown and the more desirable neighborhoods, the more expensive and smaller things get. Here's a little representation of what you can find in the million dollar price range around town.
Michigan HomesIt's a lot more fun "shopping" with a million dollars. Again I'm checking out areas where I would ideally love to live (or have a second home). Yes - I'm doing what I can to manifest this but in the meantime I'll happily dream.
Million dollar homes are lots of fun to browse through. I could seriously spend my whole day doing this. I love seeing the interiors of all these wonderful places. And I love how you can find such unique properties (such as the lighthouse) up in the price point.
Share with me your favorite million dollar real estate spots. While driving through the middle of nowhere near the Michigan/Ohio border over the weekend I discovered the thrill and luxury of swimming ponds. I've been telling my husband that I want a pool for years (despite living in an apartment) but now I'm changing my tune. Pools look puny next to a sprawling pond complete with swimming deck and paddle boats. My new quest has begun! Here's some scoop I discovered about swimming ponds (or natural swimming pools as they're otherwise called): 1. They're not as expensive as you'd think. I haven't called anyone for a quote (I need the house and property first) but construction costs mirror traditional swimming pools and maintenance costs are hundreds of dollars less per year. 2. Swimming ponds are low maintenance. The natural ecosystem basically takes care of itself so the most you (or I) will need to do is skim leaves off the top. And no electricity is needed to run the filter system. 3. The water is super clean and chemical free. At first I thought I'd be swimming with the weeds and fish when Kurt (my husband) introduced me to the idea of a swimming pond but this is not the case. You can construct it where you keep the plants (and any other wild life such as frogs and fish) separate from the general swimming area. Also swim ponds are filtered without the use of harsh chemicals keeping everyone happier (and healthier). 4. Instant winter ice rink! There is no need to drain swimming ponds in the winter - simply allow them to freeze over. Pipes used for circulating water are underground and protected from freezing. 5. You can build one yourself. Ok - you'll probably have to rent some equipment (like a bulldozer) but it's possible to build a swimming pond yourself. Plenty of websites offer tips and know-how to help you out. Or you can take the easy way out and hire a contractor. When I was talking with my in-laws about my want for a swimming pond, they reminded me that I have a huge "pond" right outside my apartment (aka Lake Michigan). Um, yea. That's true but there's nothing quite like having your own private oasis. Maybe someday (soon!). To continue my obsession with real estate and to procrastinate further from writing and doing more "valuable" work, I thought it'd be fun to look at how much house $130K can buy. Back in 2007 I bought a house in Tecumseh, Michigan, for $130K (hence where I got that number) and wondered how much house that'd buy today. Thankfully I sold the house in 2009 before the price plummeted to $60K. Today Zillow (love Zillow!) estimates it at $94K. Again, I'll look around the Chicago area and into Michigan. All prices are current as of Thursday May 8, 2014. Chicago Area Homes
Michigan HomesI'm a Michigan girl and am giving you a sampling of houses for sale in all my favorite parts of Michigan (where I would ideally buy a primary or second home).
It's interesting to me that you can get about the same amount of house per location at $130K as you can at $250K. I'm sure the cheaper version has less amenities and could easily be more outdated but the space is relatively equal. You feel the most difference in Chicago which doesn't surprise me since Chicago tends to be a lot more expensive than most parts of Michigan. Again - I'm a real estate geek. Love it. I'd love to hear your thoughts about the real estate marketing in and around Chicago and Michigan.
|