Celeb-status Carter

I secretly want to be quoted in The New York Times more than almost anything. Well, yesterday (the Sunday addition!) my stud friend was. I am proud of Carter everyday, but reading the first sentence of this article brought be straight to tears. I mean do-not-pass-go, do-not-collect-$200-type tears. Not that he's not already a celeb, but this is SO COOL. It will be roughly 48 days before my friend comes home, and I CANNOT WAIT. God bless our men in uniform.

Outliers, Part II

There are going to be three posts, or parts, on this book that technically only has two. I attribute my liberal use of “parts” to the fact that I am a poster child for concerted cultivation and entitlement.

Thoughts on “Part II”

1. Practical vs. Analytical Intelligence - Nothing new here, really, however calling out that practical intelligence can, at times, be the only factor differentiating you from the next bookish gal was a good reminder.
2. Concerted Cultivation vs. natural growth – As someone who plans on “creating a functional adult” (as my friend, Jill, says) of my own some day, this was especially interesting. I am definitely the product of Concerted Cultivation, and I strongly believe that it is the best way to raise a child. I am aware, however, that in some cases it is the child that dictates the parenting style. A parent with more than one child might employ one parenting style on one of their children and the opposite parenting style on the other. Also, as a member of the generation known for our sense of entitlement, it was refreshing to hear the term being used in a positive manner.
3. Unlikely heroes are actually more likely to be successful due to their beginnings instead of in spite of them.
4. Autonomy, complexity, and connection between effort and reward all make work meaningful and satisfying – It is amazing what ownership does for one’s outlook on work.
5. “[Success] arises out of a predictable and powerful set of circumstances and opportunities.” – This assumption takes ‘luck’ out of the equation, and quite honestly, I think that’s hooey.
6. Working hard, asserting yourself, using your noggin and your imagination will help you make your way at work - This is how we “make our way” in relationships as well, isn't it?

Gladwell’s Three Lessons of Joe Flom inspired me to write my own lessons (just for fun): The Three Lessons for Account Planners

Lesson Number One: The Importance of Being Completely Consumed by Something Other than Account Planning
It has been my observation that account planners focused solely on account planning are not dedicated; they’re boring.

Lesson Number Two: Demographic Luck
Many of us came into advertising at a time when the demand was high, but the expectations were not clearly defined. I would argue that the “magic” time for account planners to be born is 1983.

Lesson Number Three: The Internet and Meaningful Work
The Internet and our relationship with it has taught us the importance of connections, and we are constantly searching for those in our work.

I <3 Texas.

Hooray, let's have early release!?

Outliers, Part I

I know, I know. I'm the last person on the planet to read Gladwell's "new" book. I mean, I bought it at Kroger for God's sake. I'm a third of the way through it and I'm reserving judgment until the fin.

However, here are a few of my thoughts so far.

1. The idea of how the way we group children by ability at a very young age, and how it can hinder their potential for high achievement is concerning. I am just imagining my generation of baby makers calculating their pregnancies to be sure their child is given every advantage in athletics, academics, and life in general. (Sidebar: I was listening to an NPR interview with Christine Cosgrove, author of Normal at Any Cost: Tall Girls, Short Boys, and the Medical Industry's Quest to Manipulate Height. I was astonished to hear about the lengths (I'm so punny) some parents are willing to go to give their children "physical normalcy". Sad.)
2. The concept of 10,000 hours is interesting, but coupling it with factors such as circumstance and luck, to be frank, seems elementary. To me, it's obvious that those who are given more opportunities; more resources will be more likely to realize "their potential". However, calculating my 10,000 hour mark as an account planner is fun, all the same. I have it down to the hour (in theory).
3. Scary sad Oppenheimer.
   

More on Outliers in Part II.

Song of the day: "Hometown Glory" by Adele

Hello and Welcome.

Well, I've awoken from my blogging hibernation. I mean that is really the only viable excuse, right!? The real reason for my blog abandonment is that work has gotten nuts-o. No slow down here. And thank God, right?! I mean there are people who would kill to be stressing about their deadlines right now. I am SO grateful to have them. Every single one.
Other things contributing to my jovial mood: it is BEAUTIFUL in big D right now. This is by far my favorite time of year in Texas. The sun is shining, we hover at 70-75 degrees, and sandals start popping out everywhere with their freshly painted toenails. Not to mention that we are in the home stretch for our dear friend Carter returning from Afghanistan. June will come faster than we think.
It’s this revelation of spring that awakens and refreshes me. I could not be more excited about all that is in store.

Song of the day: "Better Things" by Passion Pit