Magic happens during MAIP Labs.
When you incorporate emotional vulnerability, silent manifestation prayer circles, or writing sessions addressed to your future self, I’m not quite sure anything but magic can happen.
In our most recent MAIP Lab, we had three lovely humans from Ogilvy who dropped some major knowledge on us. If you’re reading this Alicia, Raman, and Kennedy: thank you.
Our session was two hours long so while I can’t share every detail, here are my key takeaways from each speaker.
You Can’t Calm the Storm. You Can Only Calm Yourself
While everybody was hit by the storm that is coronavirus, the degree of the damages varied for each of us. While we can’t control the future of coronavirus, we can control ourselves and what we do with this moment.
“Use this time to reconnect with your inner voice.” Alicia Harris, Strategy @ Ogilvy
Here’s Alicia’s advice, from her personal experience, on what you should do to survive this storm.
Recognize –– Sometimes in order to heal from trauma and hurt, we have to recognize we’re hurt in the first place.
Recover –– When it comes to pain, there are different ways we can react. We can let it define, destroy, or strengthen us. Let yourself feel the pain, but make sure to not wallow in it. If we let the hurt strengthen us, we can unlock new parts of ourselves to get us to where we need to go.
Evolve ––By definition, evolving is a gradual process. Be patient with yourself on this journey. You’ll get there.
Transform –– Arrive as your better self.
Before you start the journey, make sure you have all your affairs in order. Take a look at this checklist for Alicia’s tips!
Once you arrive to where you need to be, always think of how you can make the biggest impact, who can you lean on in for support, and what you want your legacy to be.
It’s Time to Jump Backwards
In track and field, the art of jumping backwards is the technique a high jumper implements to successfully leap over the pole. Funny thing is, track high jumpers used to jump forwards. The art of jumping backwards was created by influential track athlete Dick Fosbury.
“Jumping backwards mean a whole new approach to achieving your goals.” Raman Mama, Associate @ Ogilvy
Whatever uncharted waters you may be venturing off into, whatever you’re scared of, it all boils down to self-doubt.
So, ask yourself these three questions:
What is the goal?
What’s stopping you from going for it?
What would you gain if you jumped backwards?
As you determine what that goal(s) is, start writing out what steps you need to do to make it happen. On another part of the paper, note what would help you achieve those steps.
It’s All About the Hustle
Here’s Kennedy’s quick tips on how to hustle hard and make sh*t happen for yourself!
Be Adaptable (try to do it with a smile)
Fake It Till You Make It
It’s More Than a Job –– Consider the work culture, the people. Sometimes, if it’s not a good fit it’s not worth applying for (or sticking around)
Relationships Are Key
Be Relentlessly Curious –– ask questions, own projects, and ask for clarity!
Team Ogilvy also showed us this super cool site where you can write a letter to your future self and it will be emailed to you in whatever timeframe you prefer. That’s brilliant in my eyes.
When in doubt, remember the following:
“Success looks different for everyone.” Kennedy Studdard, HR Manager @ Ogilvy