| En Root | 

One of the things that lights me up about the work I get to do is that I feel empowered to bring my entire self to the table. So much of what I do at OutGrowth is rooted in this idea of questioning old ways of thinking, challenging old ways of doing, and connecting at a human level to our stakeholders, partners and collaborators.

 

This is why I love the concept and theme chosen for this month, Leaning Out. It invites us to holistically examine our lives and choices, reminding us that 1. We have an obligation to put the time and thought into building a life as much as we do a career, especially if we are seeking meaning and impact, 2. When we tap into our full human selves and bring pieces of ourselves into our work, we can become more effective and more skilled at what we do, and 3. Each of us has 100 lives within us, and how we structure our life doesn't have to be guided by the rule book we've been given.

 

Leaning Out is such a unique and multi-layered topic, connected to life design, an ongoing work culture shift post-pandemic, and the question many of us continue to ask ourselves: 'What kind of life do I want to have lived?' Leaning Out is also closely tied to the ever-evolving role of women's leadership in the workplace and our potential to create a new path forward where women can bring their fullest selves to their careers and lives. We present perspectives on all of these layers throughout this month's issue, and are honored to feature two inspiring female writers who bring this topic to life.


Here's to continuing to build a life that lights us up. Happy reading, and happy leaning out.

 

Grow out with us.

The Sun Beam

Career Coach and Social Impact Advocate, Liz Matthews

 

Upwards

Having It All

by Tia Bustanoby, Baltimore-Based Photographer and Connector

OutGrowth Today

Our Monthly Blogger Spotlight + OutGrowth's Top Tip for October

 

The En Root Scoop

On Building a Balanced Life

Our Top Ted Talk, Podcast + Book

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Having lived in Washington, DC for the past 25 years, I have felt the urgency to do more, faster, and harder. It is palpable as you ride the Metro and overhear conversations about world affairs.

 

Sometimes it feels like I’m swimming upstream, but I have always managed to explore interests outside of work that are important to me and I think, make me a healthier, happier, person and more productive at work. In other words, I focus on leaning out.

 

In 2016, when I was a senior in high school, I remember having a teacher tell our class that women should have to choose between investing in independence and a career, and pursuing a relationship and building a family. I was raised in fundamentalist religion, so those ideologies weren’t uncommon in that community, but I remember the feeling of hearing her say it so directly. I was confused, upset, and most of all, motivated to prove her wrong.

 

Monthly Blogger Spotlight

 

"Exploring the Space of the 'Funknown'"

by Kari Ginsburg

 

"So often when we think about goal-setting, there's a right way and a wrong way to do things, and we're encouraged to be very focused on the end result. I disagree. That space in between where you are and where you want to be is a place of becoming. It's the messy middle."

  

Kari Ginsburg nerds out about supporting people through personal or organizational transformation. She is a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation, and one of the first 500 recipients of the globally-recognized Certified Change Management Professional accreditation.

 
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OutGrowth's Top Tip

 

On Leaning Out: Find Your Moments of Flow

 

Leaning out can feel like we are going against the culture we've been convinced to embrace. It can feel like unknown territory to imagine how we can craft a life where we are weighing our personal lives, interests and health equally with our careers and preconceived notions of "success." How do we get in touch with that other side of ourselves, especially if we feel like it's been dormant for some time?

 

Our advice: Begin by finding your moments of 'flow.'

 

Have you ever been working on a project, and the hours seem like minutes, and the minutes seem like seconds? When we are truly engaged in our work, time seems to evaporate. In order to tap into what ignites you, start by reflecting on times in your life when you experienced flow -- Where were you? What were you doing? Next, begin to map out ways that you can integrate some of those activities into your current life, even if it's just weekly or bi-weekly.


Small shifts in our routine can change the way we approach life and work, and can help us to build in opportunities where we feel alive.

 
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'Life patterns are constantly changing and evolving. In his TED Talk, Dan Thurmon explores how those patterns can be transcended by living off balance on purpose. Dan Thurmon is the author of two books, a renowned speaker, and a recognized expert in delivering peak performances -- on stage and in the workplace.'

 
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