Peanut Butter and Jelly

Way back in art school I was given an assignment to document how to perform a task. I illustrated how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

I distinctly remember my discomfort once I presented my work. I thought I’d captured all the steps perfectly and there’d be nothing to discuss. Then the professor asked: What order is better, should you first spread or the peanut butter or the jelly?

A lively conversation ensued, and I grimaced. Did I get this wrong? This feels really useless, who cares? Why explore something SO inconsequential?
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When I woke up this morning and made my daughter a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for her lunchbox, I realized something that’s been missing from that story for 20 years… there IS NO RIGHT ANSWER. Other than the obvious non-negotiables, like the sun rising in the morning, or needing oxygen to breather, life is pretty much about autonomy. Sure, you need to show up to work— there’s an expectation you’re there because you have an agreement with your employer— but you CHOOSE to show up and respect that commitment. It’s not written in stone that you’ll fulfill your obligations. it’s a choice.

The stress I felt during our class discussion was totally unwarranted. I arbitrarily decided the topic should not be discussed, and I was totally wrong. Seriously, what is the harm in talking about how to make a pb&j?

So often what feels like a problem, especially a roadblock in your head, is merely a stop sign that pops up when you’re feeing unsure. How about feeling frustration triggers a different thought— it’s time to stop, take a moment to pause and reflect. Wouldn’t that be so much more productive?

I overlooked the opportunity to have a conversation. To explore possibilities. I saw this as a box to check, rather than an invitation to explore.

Runners don’t touch the finish line gingerly with their big toe when they arrive; they push hard and sprint through past the end of the race. Give permission to yourself to use energy, have discussions, explore possibilities. Yes, sometimes done IS done, but don’t leave stones unturned.

If you want to rehash myriad ways one could look at how to make a pb&j sandwich… or discuss how to creatively look at your own life’s work, email me and let’s talk.

Know Your Why

When I was helping someone yesterday I had an epiphany. (Ideal situation, right? Win, win!) 

Let me set the scene-- we were discussing how to create a great survey.

A great survey is succinct— makes it quick and easy to fill out. Paring down your words takes a lot of effort! While you’re looking to find the essence of what you’re trying to say, there’s a little ‘how do I feel about making these edits’ kind of thing. It feels good to use less words to get to the point. I think in some regard you are gaining the respect of your audience-- you’re not wasting their time and energy. 

Later that day…I had an ‘aha!’ moment. I saw an Instagram from a wholesale show I used to do (I once sold products I’d designed to stores like Whole Foods and museums, including The Smithsonian and the Whitney Museum). The caption read ‘Let me know if you’re walking the aisles of IGES, I’d love to see you there!’ (details irrelevant, just catch the tone-- perky and alludes to #FOMO, our eternal fear of missing out.)

That’s when I remembered-- selling wholesale always means you’re using your products to chase the approval of the market.

I had great relationships with my buyers. I really enjoyed selling what I’d designed and it was exciting to see people buying MY designs all over the world. But in the end, I was dependent on the taste and pricing of the moment. And my success depended on volume, so I needed to make and sell large quantities of products in order to create income and maintain brand value. So very not...me.

Helping someone hone their product is MY why. Working with someone else to increase their value is a thrill that global product sales can’t compete with. My motivation is to the personal connection--making someone else a better them.

If you’re stuck, on anything, I can give you a tip or two from my back pocket. Try me.