In this lively discussion about the challenges of balancing work and parenthood, we discuss the importance of recovery, self-care, and maintaining connections through traditions like Christmas cards. We explore the concept of severance in the workplace, share personal anecdotes about parenting, and reflect on the importance of living in the present. The conversation is filled with insights and practical advice for high achievers navigating the complexities of parental life.

Takeaways

• Work-life balance is a continuous struggle for many parents. Recovery and rest are essential for improving capabilities and outcomes.
• Switching off work as parents requires intentional effort and time. It allows time for self-care, even in a busy schedule.
• Living in the present is vital, as these moments will be missed in the future.
• It's okay to seek help and advice from others when feeling overwhelmed.
• Creating boundaries between work and home life can enhance overall well-being.
• Efforts in both work and parenting need to be seen and appreciated to feel meaningful.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Listener Engagement
• 03:02 The Importance of Christmas Cards
• 05:48 Work-Life Balance and the Concept of Severance
• 08:37 Recovery and Energy Rebuilding in Parenthood
• 11:13 Strategies for Switching Off Work
• 13:59 Finding Time for Self-Care
• 16:53 The Challenges of Parenting and Work
• 19:54 Living in the Present
• 22:46 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

In this enlightening episode of the Identity Work podcast, we dive deep into the journey of finding true purpose and satisfaction in our careers.Together, we explore Adam's unique perspective on viewing work as a structured game, complete with rules and an endpoint, much like a baseball game. While this mindset drove Adam to success, it also constrained him, causing him to show up at work as only a partial version of himself. As we shift gears, we delve into actionable strategies for bringing more meaning into our daily work lives. Learn how engaging in meaningful conversations with coworkers and managers, experimenting with small changes like tweaking work hours or shifting responsibilities, can lead to a more fulfilling workday. We emphasize the importance of community and collaboration, offering tips on how to achieve immediate, tangible improvements in our work experience. Chapter Summaries: **Finding Meaning in Career Journey (0:00:00 - 0:10:41):** We kick off by exploring the concept of "the end game" in the context of our careers. Adam Beasley shares his metaphor of work as a game, driving him to success but also leading to a sense of constraint. We discuss the drawbacks of this mindset, including the separation between current work and future aspirations, and how it led Adam to show up as only a partial version of himself at work. **Embracing Present Moments at Work (0:10:41 - 0:22:41):** In the second part of our conversation, we focus on practical strategies for living in the present and finding meaning in our daily work lives. We discuss the importance of engaging in conversations with coworkers and managers about making each day more meaningful. By testing small changes in our work routines, we can better understand what aspects of our jobs we enjoy or dislike. We emphasize the value of community and collaboration in navigating these reflections and experiments.

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Using a playful three-circle Venn diagram lets look at what you're good at, what the world needs, and where the opportunities lie. Thats a great place to start when looking at the concept of calling. Drawing from research by Pratt, Pratties, and Lapisto, lets explore the distinctions between a job, a career, and a calling. We also explore craftsmanship, serving, and kinship, and how they relate to work. 00:32 Exploring the Concept of Calling00:52 Defining Calling and Its Components02:44 The Venn Diagram of Calling07:06 Three Expressions of Calling: Craftsmanship, Serving, and Kinship09:43 Personal Reflections on Calling14:14 Navigating Career Choices and Calling15:19 Embracing Career Growth16:58 The Pressure of Finding a Calling17:30 Broader Life Expectations18:42 Realities of Love and Career19:26 Managerial Perspectives on Calling21:54 Sponsorship Fun24:44 Listener Engagement25:19 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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In this 50th episode of the Identity Work Podcast, Adam and Stephen welcome Kyle, head of brand transformation at a large apparel company. The conversation centers around the theme of identity, exploring how individuals can discover and live out their true selves in both personal and professional contexts. Kyle shares his journey of understanding his identity as a 'general in love' and how this has shaped his approach to leadership, parenting, and career decisions. The discussion emphasizes the importance of encouragement, community, and seeking God's guidance in defining one's identity and purpose.

Takeaways

• Identity is a core aspect of who we are and how we live. Living out your identity transforms your approach to work and relationships.
• Kyle's identity statement is 'a general in love', which leads to fearlessness and encouragement.
• Creating margin in your life is essential for finding opportunities to live out your identity well.
• Community plays a vital role in affirming and shaping our identities.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Celebration of 50 Episodes
• 02:57 Understanding Identity: Kyle's Journey
• 05:57 Living Out Identity in Daily Life
• 08:50 Coaching and Leadership: A General in Love
• 11:51 Exploring Unique Identities
• 14:34 Strengths and Superpowers in the Workplace
• 17:44 Personal Reflections on Identity Statements
• 21:11 Navigating Fame and Identity
• 25:46 Career Conversations and Guidance
• 31:06 Creating Opportunities for Others
• 31:28 Lessons from Youth and Self-Confidence
• 38:50 Trends in the Workplace
• 41:07 Finding Meaning in Work
• 42:41 Encouragement for Listeners

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We explore how our living environments significantly influence our work lives, emphasizing the importance of comfort and energy in achieving meaning and productivity at work. It discusses the balance between personal and professional life and how these aspects intertwine to shape our overall well-being.

Takeaways

• Our lives are influenced by various factors, including our environment. Thus, the energy we bring to work is affected by our comfort and joy in our home situation.
• Understanding the interplay between home and work can enhance our lives. You should live in an environment that is personalized to you and creates mental safety for you to enter work with the energy needed to make it meaningful.

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Today we do a deep dive into the complex realm of negative self-talk and the pursuit of an authentic identity.

Lets look at the formative impact of early praise, the language that shapes our self-image, and strategies to manage the critical voices within us.

Whether you're currently navigating the complexities of academia or simply seeking to better understand the dynamics of your inner dialogue, this episode offers a relatable reflection on the ongoing work of crafting an authentic identity.

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Explore the concept of dream jobs and the reality behind them. Stephen and Adam discuss the importance of understanding the day-to-day tasks involved in any job and how to find satisfaction in work through job crafting. The conversation emphasizes the need to embrace the grind rather than chase an idealized version of a dream job, offering practical advice for listeners, including college students entering the workforce.

Takeaways

• Your dream job is often a fantasy, not reality.
• Job satisfaction comes from understanding daily, mundane tasks.
• Job crafting, making small tweaks, can enhance your work experience.
• Focus on what you enjoy in your current role.
• Career paths are often a journey, not a destination.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Travel Tips to Oregon
• 02:00 Chasing Your Dream Job
• 08:58 The Reality of Dream Jobs
• 17:44 Job Crafting for Satisfaction
• 22:37 Advice for College Students Entering the Workforce

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Summary

In this episode of the Identity Work podcast, Stephen and Adam discuss the journey of Athletic Brewing, the concept of meaningful work, and the importance of feedback and self-worth. They explore the components that contribute to meaningful work, including autonomy, beneficence, competence, and relatedness. The conversation delves into the challenges of receiving feedback, the struggle to find purpose in work, and the significance of community and balance in achieving a fulfilling professional life. The episode concludes with reflections on how to navigate the complexities of work and personal identity.

Takeaways

• Meaningful work is often a result of struggle and overcoming obstacles.
• Autonomy and beneficence are crucial components of meaningful work.
• Feedback can significantly impact self-perception and confidence.
• It's important to accept compliments graciously as a form of connection.
• Finding purpose in work can be a long and challenging journey.
• Community and balance play vital roles in achieving meaningful work.
• The gap between feedback and self-worth can be difficult to navigate.
• Exploring the broader purpose of work can enhance job satisfaction.
• Reflecting on personal strengths can lead to a more fulfilling work experience.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:01 The Catalyst Behind Athletic Brewing
06:04 Meaningful Work: The Four Components
08:55 Personal Definitions of Meaningful Work
11:59 Feedback and Its Impact on Self-Perception
14:57 Navigating Praise and Identity
17:48 Exploring Beneficence and Relatedness
20:53 The Journey to Finding Purpose
23:34 Tunnels to Meaningful Work
26:36 Final Thoughts and Reflections
33:36 Outro

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