Proof of Concept - Gratitude as a designer
I'm focusing on being more intentional about expressing gratitude. The past few years for many people have been difficult and it may feel like there is nothing to be grateful for and thankful for. Thus, this is why we need gratitude more than ever. In times of resilience or adversity, it can feel delusional to express gratitude. Being thankful is not going to fix the world's problems, close the gaps in your personal challenges, or make the imperfect, perfect. However, it is a way to focus on perspective to keep going. One of On Deck's guiding values is Gratitude:
Expressing gratitude is a personal endeavor. Nobody can tell you how to be grateful except for yourself. Being grateful for being a designer can feel hard right now. We've fought for years to get a seat at the table in the business, our work may not feel as recognized as technical work or building, and the way we're rewarded is a reflection of how industries and companies view us. As you get more senior and tenured in your career, the more jaded you're going to feel. The litany of gratitudeI'm grateful to be a designer because:
Even listing a few bullet points helped me feel centered and re-motivated. Don't get it twisted, I'll get a huge dose of reality on Monday going back to work, as you may. However, if you practice gratitude frequently, it'll keep you going through the crucible of being a designer. The "reframing with gratitude" exerciseI've made a framework for myself in moments where I feel frustrated or overwhelmed. It's similar to the "bad ideas" design thinking exercise where you Hypothetical problem: Designers have to do everything from customer research, ideation, wireframes, defining requirements, supporting the building, quality assurance, and usability testing. Reframing with gratitude: Design is so important that it touches everything I want to be abundantly clear that this reframing exercise helps provide perspective and is not an excuse to justify understaffing. "I have to do everything" is much different from "I get to do everything." Remember, gratitude helps center and re-focus and is not an excuse to leave problems unsolved. Make gratitude a daily design ritualBig things start small. If you don't know where to begin with expressing gratitude, keep it dead simple. When you wake up in the morning, say to yourself what you're grateful for as a designer. It may be a project you're working on or an awesome co-worker you love working with. If you're inspired to do so, write and share the gratitude. If you ever feel stressed or burned out from being a designer, try taking a moment to express gratitude as a way to re-center yourself. I’m am so grateful to be a designer. Tweet of the weekSpeaking of reframing, I love Figma’s April Fun Day. Happy April Fun Day! Joey Banks @joeyabanks The only tool I'm using today: washi tape for @figma! (tap W) https://t.co/rWJnI86JFJHype linksWhat I read this week (reading does not mean endorsements)A collection of Enjoy this newsletter? Please consider sharing it with friends, or subscribing if you haven’t already. I appreciate it! Sincerely, DH |
Older messages
The creativity of business
Sunday, March 20, 2022
Issue 84: Why creative techniques are crucial for business innovation
Unpublished and unfinished works
Sunday, March 13, 2022
Issue 83: It's okay to leave work in the cutting room floor
Reading, Researching, and Writing on the iPad
Sunday, March 6, 2022
Issue 82: A look into a digital workflow for thinking and writing
The future of designing isn't meta
Sunday, February 27, 2022
Issue 81: Player One ain't ready for design work
"Should I work at an agency as a designer?"
Sunday, February 20, 2022
Issue 80: Advice (but not advice) about professional services
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