It’s so hard to read the label when you’re inside the bottle.

A friend of mine told me about that quote, which I don’t know who it’s attributed to.

I’ve been feeling stuck. Inside the bottle, and not able to read the label from within. I’m applying for jobs, and crafting my own independent service or services. But not really sure what to focus on.

I’m 54 and overqualified for some previous jobs. Out of touch with others. And under qualified for a shift into other areas.

• Too old. Ageism.

• Too much experience so I’m a flight risk to the company who would hire me.

• Not enough experience to shift to a different area in the same spaces, especially with so many talented, younger, cheaper people looking into the same open spots.

It feels good to slow down, and get this all on paper. Out of my head, and onto the page.

It also reminds me of a challenge or “thought technology” I picked up from a previous coach, Robert Ellis. RIP Robert, you are missed by many.

The goose in the bottle

There’s a living goose stuck inside a glass bottle. You have to get it out without harming the goose or breaking the bottle.

How do you get the goose out safely?

You can’t invent new technology. You have to use what you have. Sidenote: Someone I was coaching said they’d invent a shrink ray to shrink the goose and have it come out on it’s own. I love the creative thinking but that (as you’ll see in a moment defeats the purpose of the lesson).

So… How do you get it out? Take a few minutes and think about it.

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Stuck? Good. That’s the point.

Here’s the thing though, you’re the goose. The bottle is your limiting beliefs.

The answer to the question? You break the fucking bottle.

Too old. Too experienced. Not experienced enough. My limiting beliefs.

What are yours?

See you next time, I have to go break the bottle.

Cool people, cool things

Dpict.co is planning another round of their wonderful Scribing Fundamentals workshop.

This introductory workshop will provide aspiring and emerging practitioners with a solid foundation in graphic facilitation and equip them with tools, visual frameworks, listening strategies, and capture techniques that will support the development of their craft. Seasoned professionals are also welcome to join to learn about new models, materials, and applications. If you’re looking to enter the world of graphic facilitation and want to hit the ground running, this course is for you.

I attended one a couple years ago and I loved every minute of it. Really kind, smart, and informed instructors and a wonderful space to be safely uncomfortable in.

News you could use

• Jet Lag improv will be opening for our friends Hey Party People! on 11/21 in Portland, Maine. Come get some laughs before the Thanksgiving holiday.

• The waitlist for the next cohort of my Ten Days of Noticing email correspondence course is open.