Rachel Friedmann

In Robert Cialdini’s book “Yes! 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to be Persuasive,” I first learned about the concept of the labeling technique. This strategy involves assigning a trait, attitude, belief, or other labels for person, and making a request of that person consistent with that label. In a nutshell, it’s an easy way of creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. Recently, I saw some Green Peace workers on the street. One person’s technique was to call out to people “hey, you look like an environmentally-friendly person.” Of course, she was using the labeling technique in order to then ask for support for Green Peace. I liked her strategy, but unfortunately it didn’t work for her from what I saw.

After Seth Godin’s event yesterday, I got to thinking about this concept. I have worked in environments, where people subscribed to the belief that they are anti-lizard brain, to use a Seth Godin’s term. Basically, the lizard brain is our innate sense of resistance for self-preservation. What’s humorous to me, is that I have noticed a lot of people who label themselves are actually the opposite. In one work environment, where people were actively reading Seth Godin’s blog, I received the most resistance to small risk-taking and creativity; because they really wanted another cog in the factory to do as they were told.

Another area where I’ve seen self labeling hypocrisy is in the DC social scene. I was recently out with people who were self-described as “genuine.” The opposite was the case. These people were the first to question another person’s “worth” before continuing a conversation. This got me thinking, are people’s self-awareness completely off or do some people strive to be something they will never be?

“Instead of saying let’s get bigger by staying average, consider staying small by being exceptional.” -Seth Godin

When asked what my ideal job would be, I immediately think doing online marketing for something I believe in – non profit or otherwise. Why? I want to contribute, make an impact, and most importantly do something I believe in. Those all sound like nice ideals, but that is the type of environment where I am my best.

As I sit here, listening to Seth Godin going on about how there are too many painters, but not enough artists, I realize we each have our own creative genius waiting to be unleashed. I am waiting for that opportunity, but maybe I need to stop waiting and make that opportunity happen. Hmmm…Bigger can mean corporate or huge growth, I prefer to be my petite and smart self.

Keep coming back for my stream of consciousness while listening to Seth Godin all day.

How many of us turn on our GPS even though we know where we are going? As I was driving yesterday, I realized that deciding whether or not to use my GPS was almost a perfect analogy to the ongoing internal dilemma we all have – to do things the way we think others would or the way we think is best.

When it comes to GPS usage, sometimes we casually pay attention to, purposely ignore it and go our on way, or rely on it heavily to find our way when we are lost. I don’t know anyone today who does not have some type of GPS in their car or capability on their phone. I see this is an analogy for how we process and produce in our work and family lives. There is no clear answer for whether or not one should always use their GPS or always follow others methods.

My conclusion is that I should go in the direction I think is best, but always have the GPS on just in case I need more direction.

NOTE: I will be going to hear Seth Godin speak tomorrow. I am curious to see whether or not that changes my thoughts on this subject.

Well, I managed to check my email less often over the last couple of days, but did not manage my twice a day goal. This world has become too demanding and time sensitive, but I am going to continue working towards this goal.

One thing I noticed was that I have been spending last time on listserv and mass emails. A while ago, I started using filters to pull emails from going into my inbox and instead moving them into a ToRead folder. This has helped me immensely. My blackberry blinks red less often and I have spent more time focusing on the important emails rather than filtering through all my other emails. In doing this, email is starting to become less of a chore.

As I continue to try to lessen my addiction to always being connected, I highly recommend Leo Babauta’s blog Zen Habits (zenhabits.net). I first heard about him while reading Seth Godin’s latest book, Linchpin. Zen Habits promotes simplifying your life and focusing on the things you enjoy. Give it a try and let me know your thoughts.