I’ve started this post a few times over the last few years, then wasn’t quite able to finish.
Perhaps you’ve experienced the same phenomenon.
The desire to do something good then forfeited the good work in exchange for the next best tasks, more pressing meetings, or the tyranny of the day. Perhaps the good work you desire to do represents the right idea yet the wrong timing
The desire for good work holds the tension of discernment and discipline to see it done. You know that tension you likely feel as you navigate your commitments today.
We all hold the tension of projects to be started, continued, or completed. We know the emotions of abandoned efforts and feel of celebrating the win of completion.
It’s these tensions between desire, discernment, and discipline of getting stuff done to motivate and inspire the beginning of my project for the Good Work Journal.
I’m turning 50 this year! My platinum highlights reveal my age and the mileage of five decades of a good life, marriage, family, friendships, and work. A half of a century of living provides perspective, experience, and hopefully wisdom for the next half.
Today, I’m holding the tension of starting a new project for the Good Work Journal and finishing my Ph.D. Next quarter I finish my class before I formally start my dissertation. My thesis focus is Communication Strategies for Reversing Negativity Bias. It’s a topic of relevance in the landscape of the workplace and beyond. My research will take a crack at the hypothesis exploring if negativity bias in the workplace can be reversed through effective communication. If your workplace experiences forms of toxicity, conflict, or excessive stress your organization's culture may be impacted by negativity bias. If you have an interest in contributing to the research, I welcome your engagement and encouragement.
Reaching the summit of fourteeners here in Colorado, we know the hardest moments of the hike are near the peak. Running a marathon or road race, it’s always the hardest towards the end. We need perseverance and encouragement to the finish line. I will need it as I turn the corner on my Ph.D. You likely have a project that you’ll need some support to see done.
That’s the purpose of the Good Work Journal.