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Hi reader
I hope you're well and you're coping OK if you're in lockdown like me. Over the last fortnight have you taken some time to work on creating a safe space for yourself as I described in my last useletter? I really hope you're doing OK.
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Usually this space is for us, but I would like to take a moment to point you to a really useful resource called the Architects Mental Wellbeing Toolkit. The toolkit was developed by the UK Mental Wellbeing forums and has just been localised for the Australian context. It's an incredible resource for offices and individuals alike and specifically written for architects. I highly recommend it. You can download it here.
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These last couple of weeks, after noticing I was struggling, I've decided to slow down. Letting go of some things, giving myself permission to do so rather than getting down on myself. I hope you're able to give yourself permission to do the things (or not do the things) that you need for your own wellbeing. I've also given myself the space to pay attention to what I'm paying attention to. It's been worthwhile, I'll elaborate further...
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Allow me to flesh this out a little. First, I'll hand over to Austin Kleon (who stole Amy Rosenthal's idea). Austin says it better than I ever could. He points out that your attention is one of your most valuable assets, which is why people try to steal it from you, and observes,
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“If you want to change your life, change what you pay attention to.”
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It's all about what you prioritise. Do you have music on in the background unaware of what's playing, or do you take the time to listen to it or even focus in on the melody (or the bass line as I'm wont to do)? What you pay attention to is what you're prioritising in that moment in time. By paying too much attention the bad news in the world beyond your control, you might be prioritising stress and distraction. Pay attention to the things you can control, that can inspire or motivate positive change for your life.
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Do you prioritise the past or the future? For example, are you paying attention to the errors you made on your last project or on putting in place learning systems or procedures to ensure you don't make the same mistakes again and make good work even better?
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My challenge for you reader, over the next fortnight start to be mindful about what you pay attention to. Consider prioritising the things that will assist in "changing your life".
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It might take time to adjust your attention and that's OK.
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recent useful blog posts...
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It might be time for the architecture profession’s leaders to starting learning form the ground up.
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There’s two main ways to stand out. Be different. or Be better. Copying is the route to unexceptional.
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Or…
do architects do too many of the wrong things?
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“When we blather about trivial things, we ourselves become trivial, for our attention gets taken up with trivialities. You become what you give your attention to.”
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At unmeasured I help architects reframe and find joy in their practice.
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Working with you to better practise in your practice and get better at what you do.
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If you need help, or you're just interested in a chat, please drop me a line.
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