Life Lessons from Annie Leibovitz At Work

When I’m asked about my work, I try to explain that there is no mystery involved. It is work. But things happen all the time that are unexpected, uncontrolled, unexplainable, even magical. The work prepares you for that moment. Suddenly the clouds roll in and the soft light you longed for appears.  — Annie Leibovitz, Annie Leibovitz At Work

Earlier this week at the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue Annie Leibovitz discussed her new book, Annie Leibovitz At Work.  She shared photographs ranging from the Nixon resignation to the Rolling Stones, from A-list actors to world class athletes, from inside war torn Bosnia to inside the OJ Simpson courtroom.  As the photographs appeared on screen Leibovitz read from her book and shared what the situations taught her about her craft. (more…)

Do Your Part, Be Happy

This week, I posted my Facebook status as “Nicolette had a good day.”  A few friends responded with comments and a client emailed me to tell me that it was just what she needed to lift her spirits.  Then last evening, Berit of Articulated Impact posted her FB status as “listening to giggles from the other room.” Strangely, it made me happy to think of her at the Affinity Lab giggling!

With all the doom and gloom it the news, it may seem harder to find something to smile about, but a report out this week sheds some light on my Facebook findings. (more…)

Time to Plan Your Resolution Revolution

Thanksgiving ushers in a flurry of holiday activity.   Afters we clean up the feast, watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and perhaps a football game, our thoughts will start to shift to December’s festivities.

With all of the hustle and bustle, holiday music on the radio and twinkling lights, you may move on to another annual tradition – making New Year’s Resolutions – dropping unwanted pounds, making more time for your family, getting a promotion at work, going back to school, reconnecting with a loved one, etc.  You will probably select a resolution or two and push the thoughts to the back of your mind as you make plans to ring in the New Year.  As the Eve draws near, your 2009 goals may pop up in your mind from time to time and you’ll promise to start on those resolutions – on January 1.

We’ve all been there before, the whole routine – culminated by broken resolutions by February!  This year, I suggest a new approach to your New Year conundrum.

This year set a date for your Resolution Revolution.  I know, I can hear your protests already – who has time??  Somehow, I know you can find an hour  amidst the shopping, planning and partying!  It could be early one morning before the day gets rolling, an evening after you tuck the kids into bed, or over afternoon cappuccino – but it has to be scheduled on your calendar.  And if you cannot find a date, then plan your Revolution for January 1st as you recover from the festivities of the previous night!

To stage your Revolution you need nothing more than your calendar from 2008 and one for 2009, a notebook, a pen, a quiet place and the Resolution Revolution Plan! (more…)