This is for all the lonely people

One of the things we're finding as we've been out on the road this fall is that a lot of people get the difference between a consumable and a renewable way of living and working together – in other words, instead of acting like dollars and cents are the bottom line, they want to spend their lives doing what matters – but they're not sure how to get started. 

We thought it might be helpful to remind you that people on the front lines of a movement have always felt alone. Leadership blogger John Bishop's recent post titled Pioneers are lonely is a good read. It might also be helpful to remember that you can't teach or preach, cajole or corral people into making a big shift like this.

All you can do is start where you are. 

Where are your circles of influence? Try this. The next time you're in a meeting, be the one who starts asking some purposeful questions. Gently invite people to share their ideas and thoughts. Listen. Laugh. Let yourself fall in love with the people you're working with. Invite them to pay attention to (and love) each other, too. When you have a chance go make some new friends in your community/context. Find out what interesting things people "out there" are up to. Pay attention to what is emerging where their interests and passions meet yours. Do what matters.

Don't worry about whether or not anybody else does this. 

You do it.

And let us know what happens.

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What suggestions do you have for how to get started??? We'd love to hear them!