Decisions, decisions

Alas, I’ve been caught up in the day to day stuff, and have neglected this blog. I haven’t, however, been entirely neglecting my plan of action.  I’ve been looking for info on decision making. I’m a researcher – I usually end up with good outcomes when I make a decision because I research. Everything. Almost exhaustively.  Sometimes, even beyond exhaustively. Then, I end up making a decision when I’m pushed right up to the deadline. And even though it usually turns out for the best, I’d like to feel better about my decision making process – less like it’s a snap decision.

So, I was happy to get an alert on this Library Journal article. And ended up just as unhappy after reading it – Another book? Really? The list of books I have to read for the book club is piling up. The list of books I should read – because they are well reviewed, or prize winners – is piling up. The books I want to read… well, I read them faster than the others, so that pile is not quite so high. In any case, I was dismayed just thinking about another book.

The idea of perfection paralyzes my decision making process. I research exhaustively because I MUST have the best, most perfect [thing, item, solution].  And really, that makes no sense. I accept that my house will never be spotless – I strive for good enough. I’ll never look like a supermodel – that doesn’t stop me from leaving the house in the morning.  I know I’ll never knit the perfect sock – I can’t rip them apart the first mistake I make, I’d never knit anything. 

Why do I feel like I must have the best, most perfect anything? On the other hand, I also don’t want to do enough just to get by.  So how to navigate between unattainable – and paralyzing- perfection, and just good enough?  Well, the people at Lifehacker were out to help me, because I got an alert on this article. What a great concept! Something that I can use, now, while the unread book sits in my pile of must read soon books.

I’ve got no pithy song lyrics to leave you with today, I was just rambling.  Hope the articles help you, and thanks for reading!

One small step at a time...

Whew! PLMI was a whirlwind week overall.  At some points, I felt truly overwhelmed by everything I want to accomplish.   Then I stepped back home, and into the library, and felt truly overwhelmed by everything that needed to be done (immediately! If not sooner!).  So I took a page from Dr. Self and paused for a moment, just to breathe.  

And I realized the house was still standing, the library was humming along just fine, the team was in good spirits and the weather was nice.  So, I have time to prioritize, and work on one thing at a time.  I’ll spend the next two weeks looking at what I do, and how I do it, really pinpointing what needs improvement now, and figuring out a plan of attack.

 

Another packed day!

Today, my team developed a presentation on organization.  I was surprised to see how many organization tools and themes overlapped into other topics.  For example, organizing a successful project begins with a clear goal or objective.  And clear goals and objectives should flow from good strategic planning. 

I was interested in the presentation on control, and I thought they stated it so well: “Being in control does not mean controlling.”  It did remind me of those song lyrics – "Just hold on loosely, but don’t let … go.  If you cling too tightly, you’re gonna lose control."

Surpised, Touched and Inspired

I really enjoyed Dr. Self’s presentation today.   She shared some end of the day / experience questions:

What surprised you? What touched you? What inspired you?

Today, I was really surprised at the results of Dr. Self’s before / after guided meditation exercise.  There are a thousand and one articles on the power of positive thinking, but this exercise really drove home the point.

 Today, I was touched by my morning walk- peaceful and serene. The rain had left, but a light fog remained, and the road – and bordering woods – were still.  As I approached, a doe and fawn watched me for a moment, then bounded into the woods. 

What inspired me most about today?  The enthusiasm of my fellow colleagues.  I can feel my “librarian” batteries recharging.

! am ... 32 flavors and then some.

Another constructive, packed day… If I had to narrow today down to three takeaways, I would say: image is important, know your own strengths and weaknesses, and you are responsible – not just for your library but also for your own time, for your brand, for yourself.

I cannot sum myself up in one sentence, since I am not the same person I was five years ago and will not be the same person in five years.  Today, however, I say that “I am a confident, resourceful, efficient problem solver who is driven to help the people in my community craft their own solutions.”

I will use this statement to drive changes in my personal brand by being more visible in the community.  Kia’s advice about community involvement struck home, especially her advice to choose causes and groups authentically – ones which reflect my brand attributes, and ones in which I have genuine interest. I’ll be carefully considering this issue over the next few months.

Let's Meet another Library Director!

Today I had the pleasure of interviewing Kim T, who has been a director of Luttrell Public Library since February of this year.  Her intense blue eyes, shielded by her jeweled black glasses, convey her passion for education and literacy.  She leans forward and smiles as she discusses the library.

Kim, who has a Bachelor of Arts in Human Growth and Learning (K – 6 grades), is excited about the opportunity to advocate for literacy.   Already in her tenure as director she has secured grant funding to extend Luttrell Public Library’s reading programs.  In addition, she looks forward to working closely with the local schools this school year, and has purchased equipment – including a Smart Board – to assist educators at the library.

Kim has no plans to stop and rest on her laurels – she is working towards expanding relevant and vibrant programming for all ages, increasing library usage, and raising funds for a library expansion.  And she looks forward to fostering family literacy throughout her community.

And Kim has a strong sense of community and family – she is a lifelong Tennessee resident, and is active as a dance instructor in Praise Dance.   She’s been married for years, and has three children – two daughters and one son.  Someday, she would enjoy traveling abroad and having brunch with Nicolas Sparks.

I look forward to seeing all that Kim T achieves.

PLMI Day One

Wow! that was a lot to pack into one day.  I especially enjoyed the section on ethics; although I've read the information before, it's always helpful to review and hear a discussion.  More information on how to balance theory with reality - maybe some mock "real" situations with people playing one part or the other would be great.  For example, one person could be the irate parent who wants to pull the famous child wizard series, and the other could be the library director.

Unfortunately, I was trying to improve my empathetic listening skills, and did not take extensive written notes... I think - given everything that was packed into today I may regret that decision.

Check out the view from my room! that will be a distraction when I try to get homework done.