25th March
Hello!
Hope you're well! It's almost the end of March. 2021 is just whizzing past and yet things seems like they havent changed much. Few days back UK completed one year of being in lockdown. This year has been like none other. The finish line occasionally seems close but it definitely isn't. We are going to be fighting this virus for the large part of 2021.
On a positive note, weather has been brilliant this week. My magnolia buds are getting ready to bloom, fruit and veg seedlings are slowly getting ready to be planted outside next month and the spring flower bulbs in the garden make everything seem beautiful. I feel blessed to have a garden. A walk in the garden is my way of grounding myself, nurturing and appreciating nature's little surprises.
Quote for the week: “Women need to shift from thinking "I'm not ready to do that" to thinking "I want to do that- and I'll learn by doing it.”― Sheryl Sandberg, Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead
In the past 5 years, I've traversed between the two thoughts above. I have often decided to take up something and learn on the go. I personally really enjoy doing that. I am a sucker for learning new things. However, that doesnt mean that I havent been held back many times by thinking I'm not ready. I know the quote is focused on women, but, I believe that this is prevalent amongst men as well. Which end of the continuum are you in?
Book I'm currently reading: Start with Why by Simon Sinek
I have just started reading this last evening. It is said to be one of the most powerful books written on leadership. I will share my opinion of this book with you in the coming weeks.
Video recommendation: Michelle Obama explaining imposter syndrome. Watch the video here.
I don't know about you but I have faced imposter syndrome at various points in my life. There are random days where it strikes and you doubt yourself, your achievements and more. I have watched a lot of videos on this topic but this one is one of my favourities.
Book recommendation: The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande
This book seriously caught me by surprise! Anyone who knows me knows that I love checklists. I have a checklist or at least a to-do list for everything.
This book is a very easy read and focuses on one thing- Checklists. Something as simple as a checklist saves millions of lives across industries every year. Atul talks about his journey researching, understanding and implementing this seemingly simple tool. I would recommend you to read this book irrespective of which industry you belong to.
Healthcare News in the UK: Brain in Hand, a revolutionary digital self-management system for autistic people, and those with learning difficulties or mental health challenges, has been named one of 12 high impact innovations to join the NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA) in 2021. Brain in Hand helps autistic people and those with neurological differences to manage anxiety, make decisions and cope with unexpected events. Read more here.
That's all for today. Hope you have an energising and restful weekend! See you next Friday!
Anjali