Posing at the top of Africa
Strategy #21, February 2012
Summary: If a laundry list of duties keeps you in a rut, it's time to climb out and explore a bit.
On July 29, 2006, I stood on the rooftop of Africa. Towering 19,340 feet over flat, arid plains, Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest point on the African continent. From this vantage point, I took in the greatest area of the Earth’s surface possible in one view. I stood there exhausted, urgently posing for photos with my climbing friend Tim and guide Muhamud. Piercing, 20-mph winds—winds made colder as they swept over a nearby glacier—buffeted my oxygen-deprived body. My head had space for only two thoughts: “Take in this sunrise. You’ll never see anything like it again.” and “How do I get out of this wind?”
I traveled to Tanzania alone to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, joining three other Americans whom I had not met prior to the trip. Only two of us made it to the summit, after throwing up and staggering around quite a bit. Actually, I did those things.
I had wanted to bring a group with me, perhaps friends or triathletes in my club back in Milwaukee. No one had the time or money to commit to it. So the winter prior to the trip, I made the challenging decision to go on my own. Once I bought the plane ticket and it was too late to turn back, I was thrilled!
McDonalds, wedged in median on I-90's tollway
Strategy #20, Oct/Nov 2011
Summary: For better outcomes, question your assumptions before acting.
Driving towards Chicago on the I-90 tollway with my daughter recently, we stumbled upon a McDonald's wedged in the median between six lanes of traffic. It seemed haphazardly designed by today's standards.
Deciding to get coffee, I pulled off and was funneled into a narrow one-way lane that circled around the building.
Julie with her daughter Heather on prom night
Strategy #19, September 2011
Summary: You can inform future decisions with a little happiness data--on your own life.
Humor me for a second: What do you get from having a job? Money. What do you get from having money? The ability to purchase things. What do you get from purchasing things? The ability to provide for your family or do fun things. What do you get from providing for your family? They can enjoy life. What do they get from enjoying life? Happiness. What do you get when they are happy? Happiness.
Bikers in costume on RAGBRAI
Strategy #18, August 2011
Summary: Three basic strategies can mean the difference between a great adventure and a draining experience.
The last week of July in my home state means only one thing: the Des Moines Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI).
Started in 1973 by two intrepid newspaper columnists, the event is like nothing you’ve ever seen.
Popular bike trail on Milwaukee's lakefront
Strategy #17, July 2011
Summary: Learning to see a common goal can help break through tension with others.
The other day my boyfriend Michael and I were out riding our bikes on the east side of Milwaukee's downtown. Situated along Lake Michigan is an urban bike path that is the epicenter of weekend activity for casual and serious bikers, rollerbladers, joggers, and dog walkers.
Julie and Michael taking off on one of their four weekly training rides.
Strategy #16, June 2011
Summary: A few new strategies might provide the breakthrough you need to achieve a goal.
Most of us have a goal or two that we want to achieve and we just never quite get there. Often we postpone working on them due to other commitments that are time-intensive. Other times we postpone them due to a lack of support, environmental limitations, or feelings that we lack ability.
Achieving a goal may be simpler than you realize. Research by leading social psychologists shows that a few simple strategies can make all the difference.
Julie's group of friends after scaling 47 floors of the USBank building
Strategy #15, May 2011
Summary: Make new friends and get fit by starting a group that’s physically active.
Have you ever wondered how you can get in better shape without the uninspiring routine of the health club or the monotony of training alone? Or sat at home when your friends are unavailable or your kids are off doing something, wondering how you can find more like-minded people to hang out with? Why not combine the two?
Certainly there is no end to the number of social groups you could join that focus on a a specific sport or physical activity. The Internet makes them extremely easy to find in your own backyard. Unfortunately, it isn’t always easy to join a group and feel comfortable if you don’t already know someone in the group.
Local high school kids without a care in the world at Julie's Tug of Wigs Competition
Strategy #14, Mar/Apr 2011
Summary: Walk away from the practice of judging yourself and you’ll find new freedom and opportunity.
Several times a day, you may be in the habit of reflecting on your behavior, body, or decisions with self-criticism. It’s common for us to put pressure on ourselves. The assumption is that there is a minimal personal standard that we must meet before we allow ourselves to relax.
Julie's son jumping into Devil's Lake at dawn
Strategy #13, Jan/Feb 2011
Summary: If you remove all societal “shoulds” from your decisions, you may be pleasantly surprised at the outcome.
How many times a day do you say to yourself, “I should do this” or “I should do that”? The word should is a framework for self-defeating thoughts and behaviors. Learn to bust out of this limiting pattern and free up space to think about the things you want to do.
Julie's daughter with her wind surfer
Strategy #12, December 2010
Summary: In order to grow and change, try the uncomfortable task of embracing uncertainty.
Have you ever watched a friend or family member go through a significant desired life change, such as relocating, going back to school, or adopting a child? When someone makes a choice to change something drastically, there is a period of uncertainty that follows as events unfold. The person gives up some control over the specific manner in which things will play out while keeping their intentions and purpose clear. Do you recall how your friend or family member handled the uncertainty?
