"Thank goodness for the Internet."
That was what I thought when I checked my netvibes (www.netvibes.com) account and saw a *new entry* from Joe Bruzzese over at Thinking-Forward.
(Here's a video intro to Joe and his organization...)
His post title was "How do you encourage your child's passion?" And, as I read through I realized that the ideas presented can work for children, co-workers, volunteers, partners...anyone!
It could be that I'm especially interested in this article because I just finished reading a book called "Callings." A very (VERY) serious book about identifying and following personal and/or professional interests, I read this book between two flights...half on my way TO New York City, and the last half on my way back to California.
Although I remember the author of that book "talking about" different ways of encouraging interest, I believe Joe came up with some of the best advice I've heard to date:
One way to encourage your child interests is by seeking out adults who actively pursue these interests.
So, for anyone reading this...who can you talk to, take to lunch, or meet with to discuss your own changing/growing interests and opportunities. I am convinced it can sometimes make the biggest difference to simply sit down with someone who has a different perspective; there is insight to be gained there!
Here's a quick list of the kind of people I like to connect/meet with to get another point of view:
People older than me: I have 4 mentors above the age of 60 who have committed to sharing their ideas with me, and whom I have committed to bounce ideas of regularly.
People younger than me: The "twenty-something" set is a fascinating group of people - both as individuals and as a whole. Invite one to sit down for a cup of coffee, and get ready to see the world through a different lens.
Women: I learn so much from my wife - especially when we're out in the world and I watch her interact with other people. Of course, our personalities are different (they DO say opposites attract!) but I've observed there's more to it than that...she shares a trait that I've seen in other women around me, a way of relating that is different than my experience.
Culturally-different: I lived in Mexico (in 1991 and in 1993) and in Argentina (1997) and for the past 9 years have traveled (for work, presenting seminars and executive coaching programs) to such countries as Guatemala, Venezuela, The Bahamas, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, England, Switzerland, Germany and Canada. Whenever I can, I enjoy "pressing pause" while I am abroad and meeting with someone different. Whether talk passionately about politics, or casually about local restaurants, I always walk away with a new point of view.
People "bigger" than me: Ok, so this one doesn't always pan out (and, I won't name names here...) but I reach out to the bigger people. I've written letters and made phone calls to other speakers, authors, sports professionals, corporate leaders, TV personalities and more. I share a genuine thanks with them, letting them know what I appreciate about their way of being, contribution or how they use/manage their expertise. Every now and then, someone replies. I've met a few of them, and anticipate meeting more. And, every time this happens, my confidence (and interest in this world) grows tremendously.
Those are just a few of the people I reach out to...who can you connect with today?
