Pacers

Typically when I run a race, I start the race with at least one person I know.  However, at a recent half-marathon I ran in, I didn’t know anyone at the race.  So, I thought it would be fun to search out a pacer to give me someone to converse with at the beginning of the race.  For those who aren’t into the running scene, a pacer is someone who runs as a representative of the race by guaranteeing that they will complete the race within a predetermined timeframe (as a side note – these runners also run with a sign that states their pace…this is no easy feat, as I can barely chew gum and run at the same time.)  Therefore, if you run an entire race with a pacer, you know you will finish the race within your goal time.

People run with pacers for a variety of reasons.  Some runners have a tendency to start races too fast, so pacers ensure that they don’t let their adrenaline get the best of them at the beginning.  Other runners can suffer from mid-run bonks, so pacers help keep them sharp since neither the beginning nor the end are in sight.  The pacer simply helps you plug away during that often dreadful mid-section.  And, then there are some who struggle to finish the race.  Pacers encourage them to complete what they have started.  Still others want to run with a pacer for simple companionship.  Pacers are racers who are very comfortable with running, typically know the course well, and are deliberately running the race slower than their actual capability.  These runners often talk to fellow runners the entire length of the race (13.1 miles for half marathons and 26.2 miles for full marathons, for those doing the math!)  For these reasons, they are great at meeting the various needs of the racers they are supporting.

In most circumstances in life – both personal and business – we perform better (and more pleasantly) when we seek out a pacer to help us along the way.  Whether our concern is starting out too fast, needing sustenance during the middle, encouragement to finish strong, or just simple conversation during the route, people are designed to be in fellowship with others.  “Life pacers” can provide this fellowship because they are seasoned…they know what to expect, how to help if things go awry, and don’t get ruffled when thrown for a loop.

You may not be a literal runner.  That is okay.  But remember that life – in all forms – is a race.  Why not be more effective, efficient, and encouraged with the presence of a pacer?!  All areas of life benefit from finding a safe person to be a life pacer.

Changepoints:

We might consider actively seeking a “pacer” when:

·        We are faced with a new circumstance or task.

·        We are unsure of our ability in an area.

·        We anticipate that we might need support at some point during an undertaking.

·        We feel isolated or discouraged.

·        We simply want to enrich an experience.

o   Can you identify any pacers in your life?

o   Are there specific areas in your life where you could benefit from a stable, seasoned presence?

 

Find a pacer.  Run a good race.

 

outSIGHTin, LLC: Creating awareness as a changepoint for improved organizational results.

FOMO

The term FOMO (“Fear of Missing Out”) was coined to describe the recent technological phenomenon where people experience compulsive tendencies to check or stay engaged in social media, smart phones and other tech devices for fear of missing out on potential interactions.  The trouble, however, is that FOMO actually creates environments where people miss out on their real life because they become distracted or consumed.

While FOMO is meant to describe the unhealthy dependency people have on technology, I believe that FOMO has oozed into other arenas, namely the business world.  I call it FOMO in HR.  As a Human Resources professional, I think a great disservice is being created in the working world.  Employees are almost frantically checking emails, texts, and voicemails because they do not want to miss anything or do not want to let anyone down.  As a result, we have created a work culture where people expect almost instantaneous responses to messages.  You didn’t check your texts?  Who cares that you are on vacation.  You didn’t listen to your voicemail after business hours?  Who cares that your daughter has a piano recital.  You didn’t go through all your emails over the weekend?  Who cares that you have a honey-do list you want to complete.  Or, what about the employee who doesn’t look at their computer all day because they are actually working?  What a novel concept!

Because of FOMO, we are creating environments where people aren’t truly plugged into any world.  Purgatory, perhaps.  And, I am the worst offender.  In a prior career, I was able to work some of my hours from home and some of my hours from the office.  The result, however, is that I was really “on-call” ALL the time.  Hindsight has shown me that I need to take responsibility for not establishing healthy boundaries.  Because heaven forbid that someone couldn’t reach me to put out an HR crisis.  After all, I am the only person in the whole entire universe qualified to handle employment issues (sarcasm).  I can now see that this was a business form of narcissism veiled by my projection of being a good employee for my company.

The problem with FOMO is that you condition those around to believe that they will get an immediate response to anything they present to you…because people believe that past behavior predicts future performance.  Now, my struggle is when I decide to set my cell phone down for the day.  People are stunned when they don’t hear from me right away.  I am having to reestablish my identity with technology.  Technology is a beautiful tool, but it can also be a dreadful curse.  I am learning that technology and social media can survive a day without me.  Shocking!

FOMO.  The fear of missing out.  My FOMO now is understanding that if I keep my eyes glued on technology I WILL miss out…but I will miss out on the things in life that really matter.

Changepoints:

We might have created FOMO in our personal or working lives, because:

• We don’t truly know how we want to spend our time.
• We don’t know how to establish boundaries with people around us.
• We don’t have well-defined goals or passions we are trying to pursue.
• We don’t want to lose our jobs, statuses, relationships, etc.
• How can you re-engage with the real-life relationships in your world?
• What boundaries can you establish for yourself to know when/how to turn-off any distractions?

 Let’s start reconnecting with the present world around us.
 

outSIGHTin, LLC: Creating awareness as a changepoint for improved organizational results.